Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection caused by a urinary tract infection. Symptoms include painful urination, abdominal and lower back pain, fever, chills, and nausea. It is diagnosed through urine and blood cultures and treated with antibiotics. Risk factors include medical problems involving the urinary tract or kidneys, diabetes, and immune disorders. Seeking treatment for a UTI can prevent pyelonephritis.
Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney caused by the upward spread of a urinary tract infection. If it’s severe, pyelonephritis may also be called urosepsis. The infection causes kidney inflammation or nephritis. It is treated through antibiotics and treatment of the underlying causes.
The main symptoms of pyelonephritis are painful urination and pain in the abdomen and lower back, where the kidneys are located. A doctor may tap the back on the kidneys to check if the patient is experiencing pain, a sign of a kidney infection. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and delirium.
Pyelonephritis is diagnosed by urine culture and, if necessary, blood culture. As a preliminary test, a doctor may check a patient’s urine for nitrites and leukocytes or white blood cells, as these can indicate an infection. If this test is positive, a complete urine culture is usually done. X-rays are needed to diagnose kidney stones, which may be responsible for the infection. If you have recurrent pyelonephritis, an ultrasound may be done to check for polycystic kidneys or vesicoureteral reflux, in which urine flows from the bladder into the ureter leading to the kidneys.
Most cases of pyelonephritis are caused by intestinal bacteria entering the urethra. The condition is more likely to affect those with medical problems involving the urinary tract or kidneys, including kidney stones, vesicoureteral reflux, catheterization, prostate disease, and pregnancy. Diabetes and immune disorders also increase the risk of developing pyelonephritis. Family history of urinary tract infections, numerous or new sexual partners, and use of spermicides are also risk factors.
It is very important to seek treatment as soon as you notice symptoms of a urinary tract infection to prevent pyelonephritis. If you experience painful or frequent urination, along with a feeling of pressure and pain in the pubic area, see a doctor right away. Blood or pus in the urine can be signs of a more serious condition. A UTI that hasn’t advanced to the kidneys can usually clear up easily with a course of oral antibiotics.
Pyelonephritis is treated with antibiotics, usually intravenously, unless the case is mild. If a patient presents with an increase in white blood cells and a high fever, they may be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids for hydration along with antibiotics. Patients with recurrent pyelonephritis are treated for the underlying cause if it can be determined. Increasing your fluid intake, along with cranberry and cranberry juice or supplements and probiotics, can help prevent urinary tract infections.
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