Pyelonephritis – Patient Education

What It Is

Pyelonephritis is an infection in your kidneys. It happens when bacteria from the bladder or urinary tract move up and cause your kidneys to get infected and swollen.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Bacteria causing urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  
  

• Blocked urine flow due to kidney stones or other problems
  
  

• Use of a catheter (a tube to drain urine)
  
  

• Having diabetes or a weak immune system
  
  

• Being female (women have shorter tubes from the bladder to the outside)
  
  

• Not fully emptying your bladder when you urinate
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Early signs:

• Fever and chills
  
  

• Pain in your back, side, or groin area
  
  

• Burning or pain when peeing
  
  

• Feeling tired or weak
  
  

Other symptoms:

• Needing to pee often
  
  

• Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
  
  

• Nausea or vomiting
  
  

• Blood in your urine
  
  

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Care Plan

If pyelonephritis is not treated, it can cause:

• Permanent kidney damage or scarring
  
  

• Infection spreading into your bloodstream (sepsis)
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• More frequent kidney infections
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Take all antibiotics exactly as your doctor tells you, even if you feel better.
  
  

• Drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria.
  
  

• Rest and avoid heavy activity until you feel better.
  
  

• Use pain medicine like acetaminophen for fever or pain, but check with your doctor.
  
  

Common Types of Medications

• Antibiotics: Kill the bacteria causing infection.
  
  

  • Side effects can include stomach upset or allergic reactions.
    
    

• Pain relievers: Help reduce fever and pain.
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Drink lots of water unless your doctor says otherwise.
  
  

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol until infection is gone.
  
  

• Eat healthy foods to support your body’s healing.
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Practice good hygiene (wipe front to back after using the bathroom).
  
  

• Don’t hold your urine—go when you feel the need.
  
  

• Avoid feminine products that irritate, like douches or sprays.
  
  

• Manage diabetes or other health problems well.
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Take all medicines as directed.
  
  

• Tell your doctor about any side effects.
  
  

• Watch for worsening symptoms like higher fever or severe pain.
  
  

• Follow up with your healthcare provider if symptoms don’t get better.
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Drink plenty of fluids every day.
  
  

• Urinate after sexual activity to flush bacteria.
  
  

• Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes.
  
  

• Practice good personal hygiene.
  
  

• Keep chronic diseases under control.
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

• Your fever stays high or returns
  
  

• Burning or pain when peeing gets worse
  
  

• You feel very tired or confused
  
  

• Nausea or vomiting doesn’t stop
  
  

• You see blood in your urine
  
  

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room if:

• You have severe pain in your back or side
  
  

• You have chest pain or trouble breathing
  
  

• You pass out or feel very weak
  
  

• Signs of infection spreading like rash or very fast heartbeat
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework/Assessment

Instructions: Choose “True” or “False” for each statement. Correct any false statements.

1. True or False – Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys.
   
   

2. True or False – Bacteria can cause pyelonephritis by traveling from the bladder.
   
   

3. True or False – Only men get pyelonephritis.
   
   

4. True or False – Fever and pain in the back are symptoms of pyelonephritis.
   
   

5. True or False – You should stop taking antibiotics as soon as you feel better.
   
   

6. True or False – Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria.
   
   

7. True or False – Pain relievers can help control fever and pain from pyelonephritis.
   
   

8. True or False – Not emptying your bladder fully can increase infection risk.
   
   

9. True or False – You should hold your urine as long as possible to prevent infections.
   
   

10. True or False – Good hygiene can help prevent kidney infections.
    
    

11. True or False – Cloudy or bad-smelling urine can be a sign of infection.
    
    

12. True or False – Nausea and vomiting are not related to kidney infections.
    
    

13. True or False – If untreated, pyelonephritis can cause kidney damage.
    
    

14. True or False – You don’t need to follow up with your doctor after treatment if you feel better.
    
    

15. True or False – Diabetes can increase your risk of kidney infections.
    
    

16. True or False – Avoiding caffeine and alcohol helps during infection.
    
    

17. True or False – Wearing tight clothing helps prevent pyelonephritis.
    
    

18. True or False – Blood in the urine should be reported to your healthcare provider.
    
    

19. True or False – You should urinate after sexual activity to reduce infection risk.
    
    

20. True or False – You should seek emergency care if you have severe pain or trouble breathing.
    
    

Individualized Patient Questions

1. Have you had fever, back pain, or burning when urinating?
   
   

2. Are you drinking enough fluids each day?
   
   

3. Have you taken all your antibiotics as prescribed?
   
   

4. Do you have diabetes or other health problems?
   
   

5. Have you noticed changes in your urine color or smell?
   
   

6. Do you practice good personal hygiene?
   
   

7. Have you had nausea or vomiting recently?
   
   

8. Do you know when to call your doctor if symptoms worsen?
   
   

9. Are you avoiding caffeine and alcohol while treating your infection?
   
   

10. Have you had frequent urinary tract infections before?