To treat a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), the primary approach is a course of antibiotics, usually taken for 7 to 14 days. The specific antibiotic and duration depend on the severity of the infection and individual health factors

. Key treatment points include:

• Antibiotics: Commonly prescribed antibiotics include cefalexin, co-amoxiclav, trimethoprim, and ciprofloxacin. Pregnant women are typically given cefalexin for 14 days. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, intravenous (IV) antibiotics in hospital may be necessary

• Pain relief: Paracetamol is recommended to ease pain and reduce fever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are generally avoided because they may worsen kidney function during infection

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract and prevents dehydration

• Rest: Adequate rest supports recovery, which may take up to two weeks

• Hospital care: Hospitalization is advised if the infection is severe, if the patient cannot keep fluids or medications down, if symptoms worsen or fail to improve within 24 hours, if the patient is pregnant, elderly, frail, diabetic, or has underlying kidney problems. In hospital, patients receive IV antibiotics and fluids

Additional supportive measures:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine during treatment, as they can stress the kidneys and interfere with healing

• Probiotics may help maintain healthy gut bacteria during antibiotic therapy and reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea

• Some home remedies like vitamin C intake, parsley juice, and heat application may provide symptom relief but do not replace antibiotics

If symptoms persist or recur after treatment, further medical evaluation including urine cultures and imaging may be needed to check for complications or underlying causes like kidney stones

. In summary, kidney infections require prompt antibiotic treatment, adequate hydration, pain management with paracetamol, and sometimes hospital care depending on severity. Early treatment usually leads to full recovery within about two weeks