Pyelonephritis
What are the symptoms of a kidney infection? Information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for pyelonephritis.
Symptoms and Causes
Pyelonephritis is an infection that affects the urinary tract. It usually originates in the urethra or bladder and then spreads to the kidneys. Depending on its nature, this condition is classified into two different types:
- Acute pyelonephritis: Affects the ureters without damaging kidney tissues.
- Chronic pyelonephritis: One of the most severe conditions that can affect the kidney. It is a persistent infection that damages internal parts of this organ, such as the pelvis, calyces, or parenchyma.
If not treated immediately in its early stages, pyelonephritis can severely damage the kidneys and even allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis.
Symptoms
The most significant symptoms of pyelonephritis include:
- Hematuria: Blood in the urine.
- Fever and chills.
- Dysuria: Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
- Abdominal or back pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Cloudy urine.
Causes
The primary cause of pyelonephritis is the entry of bacteria—usually from feces—into the urinary system through the urethra. In some cases, a kidney infection can also occur through the bloodstream.
Risk Factors
Pyelonephritis can affect people of all types. However, certain factors increase the risk, including:
- Being female, especially during pregnancy.
- Kidney abnormalities.
- Urethral or ureteral obstructions.
- Vesicoureteral reflux.
- Kidney stones.
- A weakened immune system.
- Use of a urinary catheter.
- Diabetes.
- Nerve damage around the bladder or in the spinal cord.
Complications
If left untreated, pyelonephritis can cause kidney scarring, leading to kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension. Additionally, this type of infection can result in the spread of bacteria throughout the body due to inefficient blood filtration.
Prevention
The best way to prevent kidney infections is to follow medical recommendations for urinary system care. The most important preventive measures include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Urinating as soon as you feel the need.
- Urinating after sexual intercourse.
- Always wiping from front to back after urinating or defecating.
Which Doctor Treats Pyelonephritis?
Pyelonephritis is treated in the urology department.
Diagnosis
The main method for diagnosing pyelonephritis is a urine test and culture, which detect the presence of bacteria, pus, or blood. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT scan) may be requested to assess the condition of the urinary system and determine if there is another underlying cause for the symptoms.
Treatment
The most commonly used treatments for pyelonephritis include:
- Antibiotics to fight the infection.
- Analgesics to reduce pain.
- Antipyretics to lower fever.
- Surgery to correct urinary tract abnormalities and prevent chronic infections.
