The physicians' responsibility is to listen to the patient, provide his or her best advice, and prescribe the most effective drugs. Acute pyelonephritis is the most important problem associated with uncomplicated infection. It may occur without warning or during pregnancy. Fortunately, the symptoms usually go away without lasting damage when treated promptly with effective drugs. Severe sepsis and kidney damage may occur in patients with acute pyelonephritis, but this is rare.
Diabetic women are prone to the most severe forms of pyelonephritis.
These infections can destroy the kidney and may require drainage or surgical intervention. Patients with complicated infection are at risk of developing acute and chronic pyelonephritis and lasting kidney damage. Correcting the anatomic abnormality can often prevent this complication. It may be necessary to remove kidney stones and obstructions and repair congenital problems. Patients with indwelling urinary catheters are at increased risk of bacteremia and sepsis.