Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis caused by a bacterial infection, which can lead to permanent kidney damage if left untreated. Symptoms include pain, fever, and nausea, and treatment options include antibiotics, pain medications, and the use of a heating pad. Without proper treatment, permanent kidney damage can occur, leading to the eventual need for dialysis or a transplant.
Renal pelvic inflammation, also known as pyelonephritis, is characterized by swelling and irritation of the portion of the kidney that channels urine into the tube known as the ureter. From the ureter, urine is carried to the bladder in preparation for elimination from the body. The main cause of pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection which can lead to permanent kidney damage if left untreated. Symptoms of this inflammation often include pain, fever, and nausea. Treatment options for this condition may include antibiotics, pain medications, and the use of a heating pad.
Urinary tract infections are quite common, especially among women, and can lead to inflammation as bacteria spread throughout the urinary system. Pain in the lower back, sides and abdomen is often the first symptom of pyelonephritis and may be accompanied by a burning or burning sensation when urinating. A person with this condition may feel an almost constant need to urinate, even when the bladder is essentially empty.
Sometimes fever and chills may occur due to pyelonephritis. Nausea and vomiting are also relatively common symptoms. Urine tests may reveal the presence of blood, pus, and a large number of white blood cells. Occasionally, the patient may notice a small amount of blood after urinating.
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for inflammation of the renal pelvis. Because of the potential severity of this type of infection, you may need to take these antibiotics for several weeks. In the most severe cases, intensive antibiotic therapy in a hospital setting may be required. Without proper treatment, permanent kidney damage can occur, leading to the eventual need for dialysis or a transplant. If the infection travels into the bloodstream, it can cause a potentially fatal blood infection known as sepsis.
You may need over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to control the discomfort associated with pyelonephritis. This pain can range from mildly irritating to severely debilitating. If kidney damage has occurred, the types of pain medications used may be limited. A heating pad placed on the affected kidney for about 15 minutes at a time can also help relieve discomfort. If you have any specific questions or concerns about renal pelvic inflammation or the most appropriate treatment options for an individual situation, you should consult a physician.
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