Signs & Symptoms of Pyelonephritis


The signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis depend completely on the severity of the condition. Sometimes, the symptoms are so mild that a person may not feel them at all and at other times, the symptoms are extremely severe. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of this condition include:

  • Fever that may Come and Go: This is usually associated with the bacterial infection.
  • Chills followed by Night Sweats: You may experience severe chills that shake you and then suddenly find yourself covered in sweat.
  • Abdominal Pain: The pain usually starts from the sides but quickly radiates to the abdomen and the back.
  • Loss of Appetite: Though this is a rare symptom, some people often experience a loss of appetite and may also experience sudden weight loss because of this.
  • Severe nausea and vomiting that may last for a few hours to a few days.
  • Urinary Pain and Changes in Urination: you may urinate more often than usual or less than usual. The color and consistency of the urine may also change. In addition, you may also have a frequent and pressing urge to relieve yourself. Some people often experience a sharp, stabbing or stinging pain when they urinate.
  • In rare and extreme cases, you may get blood in your urine.
A bladder infection can quickly turn into acute pyelonephritis if left unchecked. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that you get yourself checked as soon as you experience the first symptoms of bladder or urinary tract infection. The symptoms should never be ignored and treatment should be sought as soon as possible. 
Frequently asked questions
References
  1. George Ward, Robert C Jorden, Harry W Severance, Treatment of pyelonephritis in an observation unit, Annals of Emergency Medicine, Volume 20, Issue 3, March 1991, Pages 258-261, ISSN 0196-0644, 10.1016/S0196-0644(05)80935-7.
  2. Delia Scholes, Thomas R. Hawn, Pacita L. Roberts, Sue S. Li, Ann E. Stapleton, Lue-Ping Zhao, Walter E. Stamm, Thomas M. Hooton, Family History and Risk of Recurrent Cystitis and Pyelonephritis in Women, The Journal of Urology, Volume 184, Issue 2, August 2010, Pages 564-569, ISSN 0022-5347, 10.1016/j.juro.2010.03.139.
  3. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0301/p933.html