Definition

A medical condition characterized by inflammation of the kidney and its surrounding area, often due to a bacterial infection.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with pyelonephritis after she complained of severe back pain and fever.

Conversation

I heard that Sarah was in the hospital last week.

Yeah, she was diagnosed with pyelonephritis after her fever wouldn't go down.

Wow, I hope she's feeling better now.

She is! The doctors treated her quickly, so she's recovering nicely.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pyelonephritis is formed from "pyelo-" (from Greek "pyelos", meaning pelvis) and "nephritis" (from Greek "nephros", meaning kidney, combined with "itis", meaning inflammation). The term describes inflammation of the kidney and the renal pelvis.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pelvis' ('pyelo-') and 'kidney' ('nephros') being inflamed — that's what pyelonephritis means.

Visually Confused Words