Pyelonephritis is a serious urinary tract infection that can affect one or both kidneys. In most common cases, it is caused by the penetration and rise of germs and bacteria from the bladder to the kidney, but it can also occur when the bacteria is located elsewhere in the body and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in the kidneys.
It is an infection that can affect anyone of any age or gender, but anatomical factors make women more susceptible, as well as older people with prostate problems.
It is not a contagious infection, but when it is not well treated and eliminated, it can develop into a chronic condition that takes months or even years to treat, causing scarring, loss of kidney function and more severe conditions.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may appear suddenly in the acute or progressively chronic form, and the most common signs are intermittent renal colic pain, malaise, high fever, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, darkened and fetid urine and typical symptoms. urinary tract infection or cystitis as a constant urge to urinate, accompanied by aches and pains, with very little urine.
How is the diagnosis made?
Once the symptoms are identified, the diagnosis is made by analyzing the patient's medical history, as well as blood and urine tests that help identify the presence of the bacteria causing the infection.
How is the treatment given?
From the type of bacteria found, antibiotics are prescribed and should be administered within 10 to 14 days approximately. In most cases, the causative bacterium is called Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria often found in feces.
If the exams identify the cause of urinary tract obstruction or malformation, surgery may be required to eliminate or correct the problem.
Cases of chronic pyelonephritis may result in renal hypertension, nephrotic syndrome and renal failure, and may require dialysis.
What are the risk factors?
Women are more susceptible to developing the infection because the female urethra is shorter than men, which makes it easier for the bacteria to reach the bladder. During pregnancy, the risks of developing the infection also increase.
In addition, any anomaly of urinary tract formation or obstruction caused by stones, tumors, calculi, extensors, prostate problems, nerve problems that prevent bladder contraction and emptying, reflux, which causes urine to return to the ureter, Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, poor genital hygiene, neurogenic bladder, retention of urine, and diseases that decrease organic defenses may also favor infection.
How to avoid?
Leading a healthy lifestyle with a high intake of fluid during the day, properly treating any type of infection and bladder weakness, maintaining good hygiene habits and not holding urine when you feel the need, are some of the measures that can reduce your chances. from contracting the infection.
If you spot any of these symptoms, do not self-medication, seek medical advice and follow their recommendations. Take care.
Chronic pyelonephritis (urinary tract infection) - an Osmosis preview (March 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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