A kidney infection — also called pyelonephritis (pie-low-nih-FRY-tis) — is caused by bacteria (a type of germ). This can happen when an infection in the bladder (where pee is stored before it leaves the body) or blood spreads to the kidney(s). Kids with a kidney infection usually have a fever, vomiting, and back pain. The infection is cured with antibiotics. Without treatment, a kidney infection can cause permanent kidney damage.

Your child stayed in the hospital and was treated with antibiotics. It's important for your child to keep taking the antibiotics at home as instructed by your health care provider to be sure the infection is completely gone. Here's how to care for your child at home.

• Be sure your child takes all the antibiotics as directed by the health care provider, even if they feel better. The infection could return if you stop treatment early.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids. Don't give drinks that contain caffeine or bubbles (like soda) because they can irritate the bladder.
• If your child has pain or is uncomfortable from a fever and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. If you don't know the recommended dose or your child is younger than 2 years old, call your health care provider to find out what to use and how much to give. Do not give ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand) for pain or fever while your child has pyelonephritis because it can lead to more kidney problems.
• Follow your health care provider's instructions about when to follow up and if your child needs to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor).
• Make a follow-up appointment as instructed by the health care provider. This visit is important to make sure your child is getting better.

Your child:

• still has symptoms after 2 days on antibiotics
• has new or worse symptoms
• gets better but then gets sick again
• can't drink liquids or shows signs of dehydration, such as a dry or sticky mouth, increased thirst, or peeing less than usual
• can't take the antibiotics

You know your child best. If you see signs that worry you, call the health care provider right away.

Your child:

• can't pee
• seems very sick

Could my child get another kidney infection? Kids who have had one kidney infection are more likely to get another one. So be sure to call your health care provider if your child gets symptoms of another bladder or kidney infection, such as a fever, belly pain, pain or burning when peeing, vomiting, or back pain.

What can help prevent another kidney infection? Preventing bladder infections (also called urinary tract infections or UTIs) can help prevent kidney infections. To help prevent bladder infections:

• If your child wears diapers, clean the area well after each diaper change. Encourage older kids to clean themselves well and wash their hands after using the bathroom.
• Holding in pee can make a bladder infection more likely. Encourage kids to use the bathroom regularly, especially when they might be distracted while doing something fun, like playing.
• Constipation (pooping less often or having harder poops) increases the risk of a bladder infection. If you think your child may be constipated, talk to your health care provider.

What happens if my child gets another bladder or kidney infection? Sometimes, getting a lot of bladder or kidney infections can be a sign that there's a problem with the kidneys, bladder, or other part of the urinary system. Your health care provider will talk to you about whether more medical tests are needed.