What is the medical term for a kidney infection?

The medical term for a kidney infection is pyelonephritis. This condition specifically refers to the inflammation of the renal pelvis and the kidney tissue, typically caused by bacteria that ascend from the lower urinary tract. It involves the infection of the kidney itself, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Understanding the other terms can help clarify why pyelonephritis is the correct choice. Glomerulonephritis refers to an inflammation of the glomeruli, which are tiny filters in the kidney. While this condition affects kidney function, it is not an infection of the kidney. Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by infection, and thus does not pertain to kidney infections. Nephritis is a more general term for kidney inflammation and can refer to several conditions, making it less specific than pyelonephritis regarding kidney infections.

In summary, pyelonephritis is specifically indicative of a kidney infection, while the other terms refer to different aspects of kidney and urinary tract health issues.