How to prepare for a video visit about Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection that affects the kidneys. It can cause symptoms like fever, pain in the back or side, nausea, and frequent urination. If your child has signs of a kidney infection, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help decide the next steps. During the visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, medical history, and may suggest tests or treatment. Preparing for the video visit can help make sure your child gets the right care quickly. This guide explains how to get ready, what to expect, and when to seek urgent in-person care. Remember, this information is for education and triage only and does not replace a full medical evaluation.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever above 39°C (102°F) lasting more than 24 hours
• Severe pain in the back, side, or abdomen that worsens
• Difficulty breathing, confusion, or inability to stay awake

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking
• Providing guidance on when to seek in-person care
• Discussing medication options and side effects
• Answering questions about kidney infections

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require hands-on assessment
• Collecting urine or blood samples for testing
• Managing severe or worsening symptoms requiring emergency care
• Prescribing intravenous antibiotics

What is a Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)?

A kidney infection is a serious infection that starts in the bladder or urinary tract and moves up to the kidneys. It can cause fever, chills, pain in the back or side, and sometimes vomiting. Children with kidney infections need prompt care to avoid complications.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you talk to a healthcare provider from home. The provider can ask about your child's symptoms, review their health history, and help decide if your child needs medicine, tests, or urgent care. Telemedicine is a safe way to get advice quickly, especially if travel or clinic visits are difficult.

Preparing for the Video Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, such as when they started, how severe they are, and any medicines they have taken. Have your child's medical history ready, including allergies and past infections. Make sure your device has a good internet connection and a quiet space for the visit.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's symptoms and may guide you to check for signs like fever or pain. They might recommend urine tests or blood tests, which may require an in-person visit. Based on the information, they will suggest treatment or further care.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

If your child has high fever, severe pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, or cannot keep fluids down, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. These are signs that urgent medical care is needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child's symptoms and when they started
• Gather information on past medical history and allergies
• Prepare a list of current medications and doses
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit
• Have a thermometer ready to check your child's temperature

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for medications
• Schedule any recommended lab tests or follow-up visits
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for improvement or worsening
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms develop
• Keep a record of your child's symptoms and treatments for future visits

FAQs

What symptoms suggest my child has a kidney infection?

Common symptoms include fever, chills, pain in the back or side, nausea, vomiting, and frequent or painful urination. If your child has these signs, a healthcare provider should evaluate them.

Can a kidney infection be treated at home?

Mild cases may be treated with oral antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, some cases require hospital care, especially if symptoms are severe or your child is very young.

How soon should I seek emergency care?

Seek emergency care if your child has a very high fever, severe pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, or cannot keep fluids down. These signs need urgent medical attention.

Will the healthcare provider prescribe antibiotics during a video visit?

They may prescribe antibiotics if they feel it is appropriate based on the symptoms and history. Sometimes, they may recommend tests before starting treatment.

What tests might my child need?

Urine tests are common to confirm infection. Blood tests or imaging studies may be needed in some cases. These usually require an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Pyelonephritis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned, seek urgent medical care immediately.