DESCRIPTION
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidneys that affects both sexes, but is more common in women of all ages. A kidney infection in a male of any age may indicate a serious underlying problem such as tumor or prostate disorder. The kidneys filter waste material from the blood and make urine.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Fever and shaking chills
• Burning sensation with urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Aching in one or both sides of the back
• Abdominal pain
• Marked fatigue

• Diabetes
• Chronic bladder infection (cystitis)
• Bladder tumor
• Infrequent emptying of the bladder
• Paralysis from spinal-cord injury or tumor
• Pregnancy

CAUSES
Bacteria invade one or both kidneys. The infection may begin in the bladder. The most common sources of bacterial kidney infections are:

• Sexual activity in women, which allows the bacteria to enter the urethra and bladder
• Infections in another part of the body that travel through the blood or lymph glands
• Blockage or abnormality of the urinary system, caused by stones, obstructions, tumors, bladder dysfunction from nerve diseases or congenital problems
• Catheters, tubes or surgical procedures used for other medical conditions

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
There are no specific preventive measures for males; however, females should:

• Wipe from front to back after bowel movements
• Avoid prolonged moisture around the urethra, such as that caused by nylon underpants or wet swim suits
• Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder
• Urinate within 15 minutes after intercourse
• Urinate when you have the urge

• Collection of urine for analysis and culture
• Take all the antibiotics that are prescribed
• Urinary analgesics may be used for pain
• Avoid long periods without urinating
• Drink six to eight glasses of water per day
• Drink cranberry juice to acidify the urine
• See the doctor for follow up urine culture to verify the infection is cured

• Rest in bed until any fever and discomfort subside
• Do not resume sexual relations until fever or urinary symptoms have cleared

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Inadequate treatment may lead to chronic kidney infections, possible kidney failure and high blood pressure.

CONSIDER NOTIFYING YOUR PHYSICIAN IF:

• Symptoms do not start to go away within a few days (48 hours) of beginning antibiotic treatment
• Symptoms return after you have finished taking all of your medicine
• New, unexplained symptoms develop