Discharge Instructions for Pyelonephritis
You have been diagnosed with a kidney infection, called pyelonephritis. This infection can be serious because it can damage your kidneys and cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream. You were hospitalized because your infection was severe. Here's what you can do at home to help recover and prevent future infections.
Home Care
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Take all the medication you were prescribed—even if you feel better. If you don’t finish the medication, the infection may return. Not finishing the medication can also make any future infections harder to treat.
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Drink 8 to 12 glasses of fluid every day, unless directed otherwise.
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See your doctor for regular laboratory tests as directed.
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Keep your genital area clean but avoid using strong soap. Rinse with water.
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If you are a woman, always wipe the genital area from front to back.
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Urinate frequently. Avoid holding urine in the bladder for a long time.
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Always urinate after sexual intercourse.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
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Decreased urine output or trouble urinating
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Severe pain in the lower back or flank
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Fever above 101.5°F or shaking chills
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Vomiting
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Blood in your urine
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Dark-colored or foul-smelling urine
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Nausea or other problems that prevent you from
taking your prescribed medication
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Date Last Reviewed:
2/3/2006
Date Last Modified:
10/21/2004