Medicine for a Kidney Infection

A kidney infection is also called pyelonephritis, which can also mean that the ureters are infected. The ureters transport urine from the kidneys. A kidney infection usually occurs when your urethra or bladder are infected. The infection then spreads to your kidneys. Common symptoms include burning during urination, frequent urination, fever and abdominal pain.

• The urinary system

Significance

• Kidney infections need to be treated promptly. Untreated kidney infections may cause permanent damage to your kidneys. It can also infect your bloodstream and result in a life-threatening condition.

Treatment

• A kidney infection can be treated with antibiotics on an outpatient basis if the patient does not show signs of dehydration, nausea or vomiting and does not have an immune-suppressing disorder.

Hospitalization

• If the patient has a severe infection, she may be hospitalized and given antibiotics via an IV. This may last for one to two days, until the patient can take antibiotics orally.

Home Remedies

• It's important to stay hydrated to help rid your urinary tract of bacteria. However, do not consume caffeine, coffee, citrus juices, alcohol or soft drinks, as these drinks may worsen your symptoms. The Mayo Clinic also suggests using a heating pad on the area to relieve pain.

Warnig

• According to Merck, a kidney infection may require surgery if the patient also has another condition, such as a kidney stone or obstruction. The infected kidney may need to be removed.