Pyelonephritis Symptoms

The medical term for kidney infection is 'pyelonephritis'. Both kids and adults can suffer from pyelonephritis, and if the symptoms of pyelonephritis are misinterpreted or neglected, then they may lead to severe health complications. The kidney is the organ belonging to the upper urinary tract, so pyelonephritis is also termed as 'upper urinary tract infection'. Kidneys help filter the blood in the body and eliminate waste products along with excess water. Symptoms of kidney infection in men and women are almost the same.

Signs of Pyelonephritis in Adults

• Increased frequency of urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Pain in the groin
• Flank and low and mid-back pain
• Pain and difficulty while urinating (Dysuria)
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Often experiencing strong urge for urination
• Change in urine appearance and smell of the urine, strong smelling urine
• Bloody urine (hematuria)
• Pus in the urine, cloudy urine
• Mild to high fever, chills
• Lower abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting (usually in case of severe infection)
• Night sweats
• Decreased urine output
• Feeling tired all the time, increased level of fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Not feeling well or energetic, general discomfort
• Confusion, mental changes

It should be kept in mind that pyelonephritis symptoms in women are more likely to be neglected. There are chances that these symptoms are misinterpreted as symptoms of menstruation. The infection is generally caused by bacteria (for example, intestinal bacteria E. coli) and if not treated promptly, it can damage the kidneys. In case of small kids who cannot speak out, it is the duty of the parents to watch for the symptoms of kidney dysfunction. Here follows the required information.

Signs of Pyelonephritis in Children

• Complaint about pain or burning sensation during urination
• Diarrhea
• Fever, chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Bedwetting or frequent urination
• Convulsions
• Lower back pain
• Increased weakness, fatigue
• Change in the appearance and smell of urine
• Increased irritability due to general discomfort

Pyelonephritis needs prompt medical attention. Children and adults with weak immune system are more likely to suffer from pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis can be acute or chronic. A sudden inflammation caused by bacteria is referred to as acute pyelonephritis. Persistent kidney inflammation can cause scarring and can eventually result in renal failure. Those who are predisposed to recurrent acute pyelonephritis attacks, should take proper precautions. Acute pyelonephritis symptoms may vary from person to person. Abdominal pain, back pain, painful urination, fever, chills, shivering, foul or strong urine odor, flushed or reddened skin, general ill feeling, etc. are some of the main symptoms of acute pyelonephritis. Symptoms of acute pyelonephritis usually exist for 48-72 hours and they disappear with prompt treatment. Sometimes, in the elderly, kidney infection leads to mental changes or confusion.

Kidneys promote detoxification by removing the waste products and excess water in the body. Kidney damage can lead to accumulation of toxins in the body which can seriously affect functioning of body systems. Kidneys help maintain normal blood pressure levels and also regulate the levels of calcium and potassium in the body. Kidney infection can affect all these functions of kidneys, resulting in serious health complications.

Besides conducting a physical examination, doctors may ask the patient to get blood tests, urinalysis, abdominal CT scan or a kidney ultrasound done. These tests will help them to confirm the diagnosis of pyelonephritis. Once this condition is diagnosed with the help of a physical examination and diagnostic procedures, doctors may prescribe antibiotics and other drugs for treating a kidney infection. Antibiotics help control the infection and relieve the symptoms. Knowing about the symptoms of pyelonephritis can thus help lower the high death rate due to kidney infection in the elderly population, and can reduce the chances of complications in children and adults.