Pyelonephritis

Overview of Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis develops when bacteria travel up to the kidneys and cause an infection. It is a type of UTI which is normally treated with antibiotics.

Urinary Tract is the body’s drainage system made up of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. If any of these parts are infected by germs it is called a urinary tract infection. The bladder is the most common to get infected.

Pyelonephritis ( وَرمِ حَوضِ گُردَہ) also known as a kidney infection is the inflammation of one or both kidneys. It is a type of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). The bacteria or virus causing the infection travels up the ureter or bladder and causes infection in the kidneys. 

Pyelonephritis requires immediate attention. Any infection in the kidneys can permanently damage them which causes a life-threatening situation.

Prevalence of Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis prevalence is up to 24 percent in developing countries and 19.6 percent in Europe. 

In Pakistan, 41.4 percent of UTIs are caused by E.coli with a prevalence rate of 8.9 percent and 13.8 percent in males and females respectively.

Signs and Symptoms of Pyelonephritis

Signs and symptoms of Pyelonephritis include:

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Frequent Urination
  • Painful urination
  • Hematuria
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Cloudy urine
  • Strong urge to urinate
  • Back, Side (under the ribs), and groin pain
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue

Types of Pyelonephritis

Causes of Pyelonephritis

The most common cause of Pyelonephritis is the bacteria E.coli. Other bacteria and viruses can also cause this infection. It is very rare to get pyelonephritis after kidney surgery.

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Risk Factors of Pyelonephritis

Risk factors leading to the infection include:

  • Kidney Stones
  • Diabetes
  • Female Gender
  • Weakened immune system
  • Pregnancy
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
  • Pinched Urethra
  • Nerve damage in the bladder
  • Urinary tract blockage
  • Urinary Catheter

Health Complications of Pyelonephritis

This infection can cause many health complications including:

  • Kidney Scarring
  • Blood Poisoning
  • Complications in Pregnancy

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Prevention

Given below are some of the effective ways to prevent pyelonephritis:

  1. Make sure to drink plenty of water
  2. Remember to urinate after sexual intercourse to flush out all the harmful bacteria
  3. Wipe from front to back
  4. Do not use hard cloths to wipe
  5. Avoid the use of sprays that can irritate the urethra
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Diagnosis

Various tests are recommended for a proper diagnosis, including:

Treatment of Pyelonephritis | When to Consult a Doctor

Kidney infections are usually treated with antibiotics. The type of drugs used depends on the health of the patient and the bacteria that caused the infection.  

Repeated urinalysis or urine culture shows how much infection is left in the kidneys. For severe kidney infections, you might be hospitalized.

Pyelonephritis is not life-threatening if treated and diagnosed on time. Fortis purpose, if any of the symptoms are seen in an individual, consult a nephrologist immediately.