What does pyelonephritis refer to?

Pyelonephritis specifically refers to an infection of the kidney. This condition usually arises from a urinary tract infection that has ascended from the bladder to the kidneys. The inflammation and infection associated with pyelonephritis can lead to symptoms such as fever, flank pain, and urinary symptoms. It is distinguished from other types of urinary infections, such as those affecting the bladder, prostate, or ureters, which have different names and may involve distinct clinical considerations. Recognizing pyelonephritis as a kidney infection is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, often requiring antibiotics and sometimes further evaluation of kidney function and anatomy.