Disease Insights: pyelonephritis
Welcome to the ultimate guide on pyelonephritis. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for pyelonephritis
A bacterial infection of the kidneys causing fever, back pain, and urinary symptoms.
Symptoms of pyelonephritis
fever, frequent urination, nausea, pain in lower back, painful urination
Precautions for pyelonephritis
Take prescribed antibiotics as presc, Increase fluid intake, Rest and hydrate, Monitor for fever and worsening s
Questions Covered:
- what is pyelonephritis?
- What are the usual symptoms of pyelonephritis?
- causes of pyelonephritis?
- What are the potential risk factors associated with pyelonephritis?
- How do doctors usually figure out if someone has pyelonephritis, diagnosis?
- What are the possible complications that could arise from pyelonephritis?
- What are the ways to prevent pyelonephritis?
Answers:
Question: what is pyelonephritis?
Understanding pyelonephritis
Acute pyelonephritis is a sudden and severe kidney infection. It causes the kidneys to swell and may permanently damage them. Pyelonephritis can be life-threatening.
When repeated or persistent attacks occur, the condition is called chronic pyelonephritis. The chronic form is rare, but it happens more often in children or people with urinary obstructions.
Question: What are the usual symptoms of pyelonephritis?
Symptoms usually appear within two days of infection. Common symptoms include:
a fever greater than 102'F (38.9'C)
pain in the abdomen, back, side, or groin
painful or burning urination
cloudy urine
pus or blood in the urine
urgent or frequent urination
fishy-smelling urine
Other symptoms can include:
shaking or chills
nausea
vomiting
general aching or ill feeling
fatigue
moist skin
mental confusion
Symptoms may be different in children and older adults than they are in other people. For example, mental confusion is common in older adults and is often their only symptom.
People with chronic pyelonephritis may experience only mild symptoms or may even lack noticeable symptoms altogether.
Question: causes of pyelonephritis?
The infection usually starts in the lower urinary tract as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacteria enter the body through the urethra and begin to multiply and spread up to the bladder. From there, the bacteria travel through the ureters to the kidneys.
Bacteria such as E. coli often cause the infection. However, any serious infection in the bloodstream can also spread to the kidneys and cause acute pyelonephritis.
Question: What are the potential risk factors associated with pyelonephritis?
Acute pyelonephritis
Any problem that interrupts the normal flow of urine causes a greater risk of acute pyelonephritis. For example, a urinary tract that's an unusual size or shape is more likely to lead to acute pyelonephritis.
Also, women's urethras are much shorter than men's, so it's easier for bacteria to enter their bodies. That makes women more prone to kidney infections and puts them at a higher risk of acute pyelonephritis.
Other people who are at increased risk include:
anyone with chronic kidney stones or other kidney or bladder conditions
older adults
people with suppressed immune systems, such as people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer
people with vesicoureteral reflux (a condition where small amounts of urine back up from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys)
people with an enlarged prostate
Other factors that can make you vulnerable to infection include:
catheter use
cystoscopic examination
urinary tract surgery
certain medications
nerve or spinal cord damage
Chronic pyelonephritis
Chronic forms of the condition are more common in people with urinary obstructions. These can be caused by UTIs, vesicoureteral reflux, or anatomical anomalies. Chronic pyelonephritis is more common in children than in adults.
Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has pyelonephritis, diagnosis?
Urine tests
A doctor will check for fever, tenderness in the abdomen, and other common symptoms. If they suspect a kidney infection, they will order a urine test. This helps them check for bacteria, concentration, blood, and pus in the urine.
Imaging tests
The doctor may also order an ultrasound to look for cysts, tumors, or other obstructions in the urinary tract.
For people who don't respond to treatment within 72 hours, a CT scan (with or without injectable dye) may be ordered. This test can also detect obstructions within the urinary tract.
Radioactive imaging
A dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) test may be ordered if your doctor suspects scarring as a result of pyelonephritis. This is an imaging technique that tracks an injection of radioactive material.
A healthcare professional injects the material through a vein in the arm. The material then travels to the kidneys. Images taken as the radioactive material passes through the kidneys show infected or scarred areas.
Question: What are the possible complications that could arise from pyelonephritis?
A possible complication of acute pyelonephritis is chronic kidney disease. If the infection continues, the kidneys may be permanently damaged. Although rare, it's also possible for the infection to enter the bloodstream. This can result in a potentially deadly infection called sepsis.
Other complications include:
recurring kidney infections
the infection spreading to areas around the kidneys
acute kidney failure
kidney abscess
Question: What are the ways to prevent pyelonephritis?
Pyelonephritis can be a serious condition. Contact your doctor as soon as you suspect that you have pyelonephritis or a UTI. This condition requires prompt medical attention, so the earlier you start treatment, the better.
Prevention tips
Drink plenty of fluids to increase urination and remove bacteria from the urethra.
Urinate after sex to help flush out bacteria.
Wipe from front to back.
Avoid using products that can irritate the urethra, such as douches or feminine sprays.
Was this helpful?
Useful Articles on pyelonephritis
Additional Information and Resources:
Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about pyelonephritis is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.