Pyelitis is inflammation of the renal pelvis, often caused by kidney stones or urinary tract infections. Symptoms include fever, back pain, and frequent urination. Treatment depends on the cause and can include antibiotics or surgery. Prevention includes good hygiene and drinking plenty of water.
Each of the kidneys has a renal pelvis which is connected to the ureter, which connects to the bladder, where urine is stored. When inflammation occurs in the renal pelvis, it is referred to as pyelitis. The term “pyelitis” generally refers to inflammation of both the bladder and the ureter. It can come on suddenly or it can develop gradually.
There are several factors that can lead to this condition. One of them is the presence of kidney stones, which can cause irritation in the renal pelvis. Any obstruction in the ureter can limit or block urine flow, so urine is retained in the renal pelvis and causes irritation and inflammation. Untreated urinary tract infections, mainly caused by bacteria and sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, can reach the renal pelvis and kidneys, also causing pyelitis and pyelonephritis, respectively. Pyelonephritis is the medical term used for infection of the kidneys.
Patients frequently develop a low-grade fever, back pain, and frequent urination. When a patient’s urine is tested in a laboratory, the urine usually appears cloudy. White blood cells and, rarely, red blood cells may also be present. In severe cases, some patients may develop extreme pain in the abdomen and their urine may appear dark due to the presence of many red blood cells. Patients’ urine may also become acidic and proteins may be present.
When pyelitis progresses to pyelonephritis, affected patients may experience chills, back pain, fever, vomiting, pain when urinating, and nausea. In rare cases, pyelonephritis can spread to the blood and cause sepsis, a condition in which there are bacteria in the blood. Sepsis is often life-threatening and must be managed promptly.
Diagnosis is often made through physical examination, review of the patient’s history, and the use of laboratory tests. Treatment often depends on the cause. If a kidney stone is found, it is often treated with medication and sometimes surgery. When infection is the root cause, antibiotics are usually given to stop the infection. These patients are also often advised to drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest in bed.
Pyelitis can be prevented with prompt treatment of urinary tract infections. Good personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent the onset of the disease. By drinking enough water every day, you can also avoid kidney stones and other kidney problems.
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