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Tuberculosis in the kidney Anatomical landmarks, back view Anatomical landmarks, side view Kidney anatomy Kidney - blood and urine flow
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Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
Alternative Names: Urinary tract infection - complicated; Infection - kidney; Complicated urinary tract infection; Pyelonephritis Symptoms: Flank pain or back pain Severe abdominal pain (occurs occasionally) Fever Higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit Persists for more than 2 days Chills with shaking Warm skin Flushed or reddened skin Moist skin (diaphoresis) Vomiting, nausea Fatigue General ill feeling Urination, painful Increased urinary frequency or urgency Need to urinate at night (nocturia) Cloudy or abnormal urine color Blood in the urine Foul or strong urine odor Mental changes or confusion * * Sometimes in the elderly, mental changes or confusion are the only signs of a urinary tract infection. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below An examination may show tenderness on palpation (pressing) over the kidney. A urinalysis commonly reveals white blood cells (WBCs) or red blood cells (RBCs). A urine culture (clean catch) or urine culture (catheterized specimen) may reveal bacteria in the urine. A blood culture may show an infection. An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or CT scan of the abdomen may show enlarged kidneys with poor flow of dye through the kidneys. (IVP and CT scan of the abdomen can also indicate underlying disorders.) Underlying abnormalities of the kidney predisposing a patient to acute pyelonephritis may be discovered by additional other tests and procedures, including the following: Voiding cystourethrogram Renal ultrasound Renal scan Renal biopsy Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>