Treatment for Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

How do health care professionals treat kidney infections?

If you think you have a kidney infection, see a health care professional right away.
If you have a kidney infection caused by bacteria, your health care professional will prescribe a general antibiotic. Your health care professional may adjust your antibiotic based on your lab results. You may take antibiotics by mouth, receive them through an intravenous (IV) line, or both.

If you are very sick from your kidney infection, you may go to a hospital. A health care professional may give you IV fluids.

Sometimes, a urinary tract blockage, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate can cause a kidney infection. You may need surgery or another procedure to treat the blockage.

If you do not follow instructions for taking your antibiotics, the bacteria causing your infection might develop antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance could make your infection harder to treat. You may also spread an antibiotic-resistant infection to others. Be sure to

• follow your health care professional’s instructions when taking antibiotics
• finish your entire treatment as prescribed, even if your symptoms go away
• talk with your health care professional if you are having side effects or difficulty taking the prescribed antibiotic

What happens if my infection comes back?

You should see your health care professional right away if your symptoms return after you’ve completed treatment. Your health care professional may order another urine culture or do imaging tests. If your tests show you have an infection, your health care professional may prescribe different antibiotics or antibiotics for a longer time.

How can I prevent a kidney infection?

Many kidney infections start as bladder infections. Scientists are still trying to understand the best ways to prevent bladder infections. Small changes in your daily habits to maintain hygiene and keep your urinary tract healthy may help.

You can help keep your urinary tract healthy by

• drinking enough liquids
• developing healthy bathroom habits, including wiping front to back
• using the bathroom when you feel the urge to urinate
• taking the time to fully empty your bladder when urinating

If you think you have a bladder infection, or if you have an infection that seems to be getting worse, contact your health care professional.

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