Acute pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis usually responds well to antibiotic therapy, with most patients becoming asymptomatic in due course. Time to resolution of symptoms depends largely on the initial severity of disease. For patients who present with severe acute symptoms, it is important to ensure that their course of antibiotics is completed in its entirety. Providing adequate and prompt treatment assures that most patients become asymptomatic and that pyelonephritis does not recur.

Uncomplicated infections

In the majority of cases, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment result in a complete and uncomplicated recovery within days to weeks.

Complicated infections

The prognosis is less favorable for older patients and those with complicating factors or underlying renal disease.