Kidney Infection - Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis – How is it defined?

An ascending urinary tract infection that has reached the pyelum (pelvis) of the kidney is known as pyelonephritis. Basically, pyelonephritis is a form of nephritis and is also known as pyelitis. A sudden inflammation caused by bacteria is termed as acute pyelonephritis, and it usually affects the intestinal area and the renal pelvis. If diagnosed early, acute pyelonephritis can be cured before it turns into chronic pyelonephritis.

What are the signs and symptoms associated with pyelonephritis, a form of kidney infection?

The symptoms and signs associated with pyelonephritis include the following:

• Fever
• Malaise
• Cystitis
• Urinary pain and burning
• Pus and blood in the urine
• Pain in the back, side, loin and groin
• Frequency and urgency in urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chills and shivering
• Urine that is acidic
• Loss in weight

How is pyelonephritis caused?

The possible causes are:

• Bladder infections
• The presence of abnormalities and blocks in the urinary tract that might block the flow of urine
• The use of a catheter to drain the urine from the bladder
• The use of a cystoscope to examine the urethra and the bladder
• The presence of conditions like kidney stones and prostate enlargement that prevent the efficient flow of urine from the bladder
• A surgery that has been performed on the urinary tract

How is the diagnosis of pyelonephritis made?

The physician will first take a medical history and then perform a physical examination. Once that is done, he/she will recommend tests like blood cultures and blood tests, urinalysis, and urinary culture. He/ she might also recommend an x-ray or an ultrasound of the kidneys.

What is the treatment followed for pyelonephritis?

Some of the treatments followed are:

• Surgery (performed for urinary abnormality)
• Bed rest
• Intake of fluids
• Medications for the pain
• Antibiotics
• Intravenous antibiotics
• Treatment for any kind of underlying cause

What are the complications that could result from pyelonephritis?

Infections that are recurrent and severe can cause permanent kidney damage and also lead to chronic kidney disease.

Sometimes, the infection may also spread to the bloodstream that is referred to as a serious condition called sepsis. A temporary condition known as acute renal failure in which the kidneys stop working can also take place.