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Pyelonephritis - Prevention

Alternative Names

Urinary tract infection - complicated; Infection - kidney; Complicated urinary tract infection; Kidney infection

Prevention:

Prompt and complete treatment of bladder infections may prevent development of many cases of pyelonephritis. Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection should be treated thoroughly.

You can help preventing kidney infections by taking the following steps:

  • Keep the genital area clean. Wiping from front to back helps reduce the chance of introducing bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.
  • Urinating immediately after sexual intercourse. This may help eliminate any bacteria that may have been introduced during sexual activity.
  • Drink more fluids (64 to 128 ounces per day). This encourages frequent urination and flushes bacteria from the bladder.
  • Drink cranberry juice. Doing so prevents certain types of bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder and may lessen your chance of infection.
  • Reviewed last on: 9/18/2008
  • Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Norrby SR. Approach to the patient with urinary tract infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 306

Foster RT Sr. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2008 Jun;35(2):235-48, viii.

Pohl A. Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD003237.

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