What is Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection. The kidneys are organs that help clean your blood by moving waste out of your blood and into your pee (urine).

This infection can happen quickly, or it can last for a long time. In most cases, it clears up with treatment and does not cause other problems.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Take your antibiotic medicine as told by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee clear or pale yellow.
• Avoid caffeine, tea, and carbonated drinks.
• Pee (urinate) often. Avoid holding in pee for long periods of time.
• Pee before and after sex.
• After pooping (having a bowel movement), women should wipe from front to back. Use each tissue only once.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You do not feel better after 2 days.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You cannot take your medicine or drink fluids as told.
• You have chills and shaking.
• You throw up (vomit).
• You have very bad pain in your side (flank) or back.
• You feel very weak or you pass out (faint).