How many days does the high fever last in pyelonephritis?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on June 11, 2025
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Pyelonephritis, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, indeed tends to cause fever in patients. Generally, this type of fever can rise sharply in a short period of time, potentially exceeding 39°C. The duration of the fever mainly depends on the patient's own resistance and the effectiveness of the medication. If sensitive antibiotics are used and the patient has strong immune capabilities, the bacteria can be killed or mostly eliminated in a short period of time. In such cases, the patient's high fever may gradually subside within three to five days. However, if the medication is ineffective, the fever may persist for an extended period, possibly lasting up to half a month or even a month. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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How is pyelonephritis treated?

Whether it is the treatment of acute pyelonephritis or chronic pyelonephritis, first of all, personal hygiene should be emphasized, physical fitness should be enhanced, water intake should be increased, and urination should be frequent. In addition, for patients with acute pyelonephritis, the main treatment is the use of sensitive antibiotics, which can be either semi-synthetic penicillin or cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics can also be used. For chronic pyelonephritis, if the patient has urinary anatomical or functional abnormalities, such as the presence of urinary stones or urinary obstruction, active surgical treatment can be considered to relieve the obstruction. Furthermore, patients with chronic pyelonephritis who also have hypertension and edema can appropriately use antihypertensive drugs and diuretics to control blood pressure and edema, which can play a role in protecting kidney function. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Principles of treatment for pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, is a bacterial inflammation, with over 95% being caused by bacterial infections, among which 70% are caused by Escherichia coli. Therefore, as a bacterial infection-induced inflammation, antibiotic treatment is of course necessary. Clinically, third-generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolone antibiotics are often chosen for bactericidal treatment. For acute pyelonephritis, it is generally recommended that medication be administered for 14 days, alongside measures such as increased water intake and frequent urination. In cases of chronic pyelonephritis, a low-dose, long-course antibacterial treatment, such as using nitrofurantoin, may also be employed, with continuous medication for two months. (Please consult a clinical doctor for specific medication use; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is pyelonephritis more serious or nephritis more serious?

Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection caused by a bacterial infection, leading to an inflammatory response in the urinary system. The severity of this condition can vary. Nephritis, on the other hand, refers to the sterile inflammation within the glomeruli of the kidney, which also varies in severity. Therefore, it is challenging to compare these two diseases in terms of their severity. In the case of pyelonephritis, most conditions are relatively more treatable, and using antibiotics can control acute pyelonephritis. However, a small number of patients may develop severe complications such as perinephric abscess, acute renal failure, renal papillary necrosis, and even death from septic shock. The severity of nephritis also varies, with symptoms ranging from significant proteinuria to mild hematuria. Therefore, a comparison should be based on the specific conditions of the patients. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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How many days does the high fever last in pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, indeed tends to cause fever in patients. Generally, this type of fever can rise sharply in a short period of time, potentially exceeding 39°C. The duration of the fever mainly depends on the patient's own resistance and the effectiveness of the medication. If sensitive antibiotics are used and the patient has strong immune capabilities, the bacteria can be killed or mostly eliminated in a short period of time. In such cases, the patient's high fever may gradually subside within three to five days. However, if the medication is ineffective, the fever may persist for an extended period, possibly lasting up to half a month or even a month. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Acute Pyelonephritis Nursing Measures

Acute pyelonephritis, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, is a type of bacterial inflammation. In terms of care, patients should first focus on increasing their fluid intake. If the patient does not have urinary system stones, tumors, or other factors causing urinary obstruction—that is, if there is no kidney hydronephrosis—it is recommended that the patient's daily urine output be maintained at 2000-2500 milliliters. This means increasing fluid intake can help flush the urinary system, reducing bacterial growth and reproduction, which is beneficial for the treatment of pyelonephritis. Secondly, since the patient has acute inflammation, dietary considerations should include eating light, avoiding heavy and greasy foods as well as spicy and stimulating foods, and paying attention to perineal hygiene. Additionally, during episodes of fever, if the patient's body temperature is not very high, a warm water sponge bath can be given, especially focusing on the neck, armpits, and the root of the thighs, which can facilitate heat dissipation and is very beneficial for reducing body temperature.