Pyelonephritis


Last Updated December 20th, 2021

What is pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis (Kidney infection) is a urinary tract infection, generally caused by bacteria, that commonly begins in your bladder and then moves upstream to affect one or both of your kidneys. It is usually more serious than an infection that affects the bladder alone (cystitis). In some cases, especially after surgery, the bacterium can enter the bloodstream and then travel to the kidneys.

Cause of Pyelonephritis

Though many bacteria and viruses can cause pyelonephritis, the common cause of pyelonephritis is the bacterium Escherichia coli. In rare cases, kidney infections cause serious health problems, but most complications can be avoided by a quick treatment.  Pyelonephritis can cause permanent damage to your kidneys or cause a life-threatening situation by moving into your bloodstream. The treatment of kidney infection usually requires only antibiotics but in serious cases might need hospitalization.

Types of pyelonephritis

Mild pyelonephritis

It is the early stage of onset of the disease. It can usually be treated by antibiotics prescribed by a physician, and treatment can happen at home. There is little or no risk of organ failure at this stage.

Acute pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis is an organ/life-threatening condition that very often leads to renal scarring. It has moderate to severe symptoms that are characteristic of pyelonephritis. In such cases also, where there are no complications, the outpatient setting works well, with the administration of oral antibiotics at home. In certain cases, that are complicated, the patient will need to be hospitalized.

Chronic pyelonephritis

When repeated or persistent infections occur to the kidneys, the condition is classified as chronic pyelonephritis. The chronic form of the disease is usually prevalent in people with urinary tract obstructions. These can be caused by anatomical anomalies, UTIs, or vesicoureteral reflux.  They are more prevalent in children as opposed to adults.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis

You can expect to start seeing symptoms within just 2 days of the infection. Common symptoms include:

  • A fever with temperatures greater than 102°F (38.9°C)
  • Pain in the abdomen, groin, side, or back.
  • Pain or burning sensation while urinating
  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood or pus in urine
  • Urgent or frequent urination
  • Fish-smelling urine

Other symptoms can include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Shaking or chills
  • Moist skin
  • Mental confusion
  • General aching or ill feeling
  • Fatigue

Symptoms may be different in children than they are in adults. For example, mental confusion is a symptom common in older adults with pyelonephritis, and it is often their only symptom.

People with chronic pyelonephritis may experience only mild symptoms or may even lack noticeable symptoms altogether.

Risk factors for a kidney infection

The factors that can increase your risk of a kidney infection are:

  • Women have a urethra that is shorter than in men, making it easier for the bacteria to travel into the body. Also, the vagina, anus, and the urethra are all in close proximity, which makes the spread of bacterial infection through any of them easier. After affecting the bladder, the infection can spread to the kidneys.
  • Blockage of the urinary tract.If your urination is made slow or you are unable to empty your bladder for a number of reasons. The reasons could be a kidney stone, urinary tract structural abnormalities, or even prostate enlargement in men.
  • Weakened immune system.Medical conditions such as HIV and diabetes that impair your immune system put you at greater risk of kidney infection. Similarly, drugs are taken to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs (by controlling the immune response) also can lead to a risk of kidney infection.
  • Damage to nerves around the bladder. Damage to nerves around the bladder can prevent the sensitization of a bladder infection, which in time could develop into pyelonephritis.
  • Using a urinary catheter. The use of a urinary catheter for a while can also increase the risk of kidney infection. Urinary catheters are generally placed after a surgery or a procedure to help with urination.
  • Abnormalities that cause a reversed flow of urine. In vesicoureteral reflux (described later), urine from the bladder goes back into your kidneys. Children usually are affected by this condition. Both children and adults with this condition can be affected by pyelonephritis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pyelonephritis is based on symptoms and diagnostic tests. The tests that are conducted are:

  • For urinalysis, the doctor will take a urine sample from you to confirm that you have pyelonephritis. He will test the blood sample for blood or pus. He/she might take a blood sample for culture also. This is a lab test that checks for bacteria or other microorganisms in your blood.
  • Other tests conducted are imaging tests such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or a kind of X-ray (voiding cystourethrogram). Avoiding cystourethrogram takes X-rays of the bladder, by injecting a contrast dye, when full and while urinating.

Treatment of pyelonephritis

Antibiotics for kidney infections

The treatment of kidney infections generally begins with the administration of antibiotics. The drugs you use, their dosage, and their duration depend on your health condition and the bacteria found in the urinalysis.

Usually, only a few days of treatment help ameliorate the signs and symptoms of a kidney infection. However, you may need to need to continue taking the antibiotics for more than a week.  Make sure the course prescribed by the doctor is complete even if the symptoms clear up a little earlier.

The doctor may repeat a urine culture just to make sure the infection is gone. If the tests reveal that you are still infected, you may need to repeat the course of antibiotics. The common antibiotics that are used are levofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, ampicillin, and ciprofloxacin.

Hospitalization for severe kidney infections

In case of severe kidney infections, you may be hospitalized. The antibiotics and fluids may be injected intravenously. The duration of your stay is determined by the severity of your condition. Once you are released from the hospital, you may still have to take antibiotics for the next 10–14 days.

Treatment for recurrent kidney infections

An underlying anatomical problem such as a misshapen urinary tract or obstructions may result in recurrent pyelonephritis. In such a case, the doctor might ask you to consult a kidney specialist (nephrologist) or a urinary surgeon (urologist) for an evaluation. Surgery may be required to correct a structural abnormality. If there is an abscess that cannot be drained by antibiotics, again surgery might be required.

Prevention of pyelonephritis

Most kidney infections begin as bladder infections. Not all bladder infections can be prevented. However, you may be less likely to get one if you take the following steps:

  • Avoid deodorant sprays or douches on your genitals.
  • Don’t use spermicidal condoms or diaphragms. It can trigger the growth of bacteria.
  • In women, an estrogen vaginal cream may be prescribed to keep the tissues around the bladder clean and healthy. This is especially so after
  • Use lubricated condoms as the lube helps to ease the urethra and prevents irritation.
  • Drink a lot of water.
  • Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to urinate.
  • Always urinate after intercourse. This helps to flush out the bacteria.
  • Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. Otherwise, germs from the rectum can be transferred to hand and tissue.

Home remedies to feel better

The following might reduce discomfort when you are recovering from a kidney infection:

  • Place a heating pad on your abdomen, side, or back to ease the pain.
  • If you have discomfort or fever, take a non-aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others).
  • Fluids will help flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Drink plenty of them, but avoid coffee and alcohol. These products can irritate the bladder.
  • Get good rest.

Pregnancy and pyelonephritis

  • Pregnancy can cause many physiological changes in the urinary tract of women. There is an increase in the pressure on the ureters and in progesterone during pregnancy that can also lead to pyelonephritis.
  • Pyelonephritis in pregnant womengenerally requires hospitalization because of the risk of premature delivery. Administering beta-lactam antibiotics for 24 hours helps to treat pyelonephritis in pregnant women.
  • To help prevent pyelonephritis, a urine culture must be done between the 12th and 16th weeks of pregnancy. This is because an asymptomatic UTI can in time lead to pyelonephritis.

Children and pyelonephritis

  • In children, it may be difficult to distinguish between pyelonephritis (upper urinary tract infection) and cystis (lower urinary tract infection) because their symptoms are nearly the same. A case of febrile UTI in children must be considered as pyelonephritis and further tests must be done. This is because several renal scans suggest that a vast majority of children with febrile UTIs have acute cases of pyelonephritis.
  • Children with pyelonephritis exhibit symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and lethargy in addition to fever. Flank pain or dysuria is also noted. On physical examination, you may note flank tenderness and hypertension.
  • Early diagnosis can prevent later complications such as renal scarring, hypertension and renal failure. It can also help better treat dehydration, another complication of acute pyelonephritis, intravenously.
  • VUR (vesicoureteral reflux) is a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder to one or both ureters and then to the kidneys. High-grade VUR can increase the risk of pyelonephritis. VUR is present in 33% of children affected by pyelonephritis. Other congenital or acquired anomalies like dysplasia, hypoplasia, and obstruction can also increase the risk of UTI, VUR, and pyelonephritis.
  • Even if there are no abnormalities in the urinary tract, cystitis can lead to VUR and VUR in turn can increase the risk of pyelonephritis.

Final Words

Pyelonephritis in most cases is caused by bacteria responsible for a bladder infection moving up the ureters into the kidneys. It is quite rare that bacteria can move from the bloodstream to the kidneys and generally after a surgery. This means that if we can effectively avoid a bladder infection using the remedies mentioned above, we can prevent most cases of pyelonephritis in adults.

Children with VUR need immediate medical attention to correct the condition as it might lead to chronic pyelonephritis. In all cases, it is important to be watchful of symptoms and make an early diagnosis. This will allow the doctor more time to prescribe an appropriate course of antibiotics or suggest hospitalization.

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos

Dos and Don’ts

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Use washroom whenever it is urgent
  • Take rest

 

Don'ts
  • Use spermicidal condoms or diaphragms.
  • Drink coffee and alcohol.

 

 

 

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The Cabbage Soup Diet: The healthiest way to instant weight loss Cabbage soup diet rapid weight loss diet for those who want to shed those extra pounds in less…
Goji berry: A traditional Chinese berry that packs the best of antioxidants Goji berry is an ancient berry that is considered to be power-packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Which means…
woman with abdominal pain holding ovulation calendar
Ovulation – facts to know about ovulation Learn how and when ovulation occurs, demystify common misconceptions, identify symptoms, methods of detection and right period for…
HSV-1_IGG
Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgG Test Herpes simplex virus I(HSV)-IgG is an Immunoglobulin protein that acts as an antibody & stays in the blood…
Green, brown, & bitter: The instant advantages of including fenugreek in your diet Did you know the earliest usage of fenugreek can be traced back to the Egyptian civilization? Find out…
tonometry
Tonometry Tonometry uses a device called tonometer to measure the pressure inside the eye. This pressure is depends upon…
Is it possible to achieve full body detox with Master Cleanse? Master cleanse is a diet consisting of a lemonade based beverage, a salt water drink and a herbal…
complement c4 test
Anemia Profile Anemia Profile test (Basic) is a blood screening test that measures the levels of important components of the…
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is suffering from any…
colposcopy
Colposcopy Colposcopy is a simple, quick and non- invasive diagnostic tool to look closely inside the vulva, vagina, and…
cancer-389921_1280
Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy or radiotherapy is used to treat cancer. The treatment includes high doses of radiation to destroy…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…
CLA: A breakthrough weight loss supplement with minimal side effects Tried every weight loss supplement in the market with no substantial gain? Why not try CLA supplements, derived…
common mental disorders
Common mental health disorders :The silent stigma surrounding millions More than 300 million sufferers and yet a silent and agonizing stigma; why are people still hush-hush about…
amylase test
Amylase Test Amylase test is done by checking the level of this protein in the blood sample and also in…
Cordyceps: How the Caterpillar fungus works as a proven cancer-shield Strange as it may sound, but cordyceps or "caterpillar fungus", a fungus variety native to the Himalayas may…
eating disorder anorexia
Eating Disorders: Lifestyle choice or a psychological condition? Is eating disorder just a harmless bad habit? Or does it represent grim psychological disorders? Do you want…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the face. Read more…
Hydroquinone: Is it the best topical treatment for hyperpigmentation? Darkening of the skin due to high melanin levels is called hyperpigmentation.  Hydroquinone interferes with melanin production thus treating…
What is the right way to take a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test is undertaken to determine if you have conceived. A home pregnancy test is the most…
Milk Thistle skin
Milk Thistle: Find possible cures for fatal diseases in these purple blooms Milk thistle is well-known for treating liver conditions. However, did you know that it comes with a plethora…
Cottage cheese: What can you find in this healthy chunk of fresh milk cheese? Love cheese but scared of putting on extra pounds? With cottage cheese, you can get the best of…
Heart diseases patient
Heart Valve Surgery A heart valve surgery is a procedure to replace or repair the diseased heart valves. The most commonly…
Sputum test Sputum test is a commonly used diagnostic tool that is used to examine the presence of pathogens in…
Miracle extract from the root of maca: 10 ways it can help you! Maca root has been used for years in herbal medicine. Today scientific research is unearthing fresh evidence in…
Quinine: How gin and tonic came to be known as a potent health elixir The discovery of quinine-containing tree bark is sometimes considered the most serendipitous medical discovery of the 17th century.
Oxidative Stress: Understanding the most lethal phenomenon happening in your body right now Free radicals cause damage to the body, which is known as oxidation.  The amount of oxidation caused by…
Vitamin K2: 8 reasons why you need this bone-building & cancer-fighting nutrient Vitamin K2 is claimed to be essential for your bone health, for reducing the risk of cancer, and…
Low fat diets
A complete list of low-fat diets and how to follow them Low-fat diets help you lose weight in a healthy way, but it works only with regular exercise and…
Vagus nerve: 7 health benefits of stimulating the “gut-brain” connection As a matter of fact, there are two vagus nerves namely the left and the right but is…
black seed oil benefits
Black Seed Oil: What secret benefits could it bestow on your health? Black seeds or nigella seeds are tiny packets of health brimming with amazing benefits. Find out why should…
liver detox facts
7 liver detox facts and why ignoring these could kill you! Are you taking care of this organ that handles over 500 different vital functions in your body? Your…
myelogram
Myelography Myelography is an important diagnostic tool that is used to investigate and identify abnormalities in the spine and…
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
GGt test
GGT – Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test GGT or gammaglutamyl transferase test is a liver function test that is used to detect the extent of…
angiography
Angiography Angiography is a diagnostic tool used to determine the narrowing or blockage in the arteries and veins supplying…
How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging from diabetes cure…
nutritional yeast bread
Nutritional Yeast : How can a fungi culture be good for your body? Nutritional yeast: How a simple culture of fungi can transform your skin, digestion, immunity , and much more.…
hidden benefits walking
9 benefits of walking we bet you didn’t know! Did you know walking can be the miracle pill for eternal youth? Everyone knows walking is good for…
Greek Yogurt: Discover the secret ingredient to the real Spartan strength Greek yogurt is probably the tastiest way you can enhance your gut microflora. Read more to find out…
alcohol toxic
7 startling facts that will make you quit alcohol today Does drinking really make you friendly and happy? How many calories does a can of cold beer add…
Potassium healthy
Potassium: How only 100 mg a day can dramatically increase your lifespan! The word potassium comes from the process where wood ashes were stored in pots for extraction. What else…
Blood Disorders cancer
Immunotherapy immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts the body's immune system to identify the cancer cells and fight cancer.
Lung cancer xray
Lobectomy Lobectomy is a surgery where a lobe of the diseased lung is removed. It is mainly done to…
heartfail_2
Open Heart Surgery An open heart surgery is a major procedure performed to treat heart diseases like congenital heart problem, heart…
Tart Cherry: The healthiest excuse for taking that second serving of pie Tart cherry has been traditionally used in delectable desserts such as pies. Recent studies have revealed that its…
These are the top foods to increase your hemoglobin count It is important to add iron-rich foods into your diet in order to increase hemoglobin. Deficiency of hemoglobin could…
biopsy procedure
Biopsy Biopsy is a procedure of studying a live tissue sample collected from a specific organ for diagnosing a…
chloride test
Chloride Test A chloride test of the blood checks the level of chloride in body, an important factor governing the…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling creeping up on…
L-theanine attention
L-Theanine: Better sleep, higher focus, and many other benefits Did you know that L-theanine found in green tea can make you sleep better and be focused at…
vdrl test syphilis
VDRL Test The VDRL test is a blood test that is used to diagnose sexually transmitted or venereal diseases, primarily…
What is Qigong and how can it help you channelize you inner “Qi”? Qigong is an integrated way of performing a traditional exercise regimen that can help in promoting health, mental…
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG) Test Transglutaminase is an enzyme present in our body and is involved in protein metabolism. A tTg test is…
xylitol gum
Xylitol : Is this the right sugar substitute for you? Discovered during World War 2 owing to sugar shortage, xylitol has become a common name in pharamaceutical industry.…
fructosamine test
Fructosamine Test A fructosamine test measures blood sugar glucose content. Fructosamine level can indicate blood sugar level in past 2-3…
Period sanitary napkin-menstruaion-blood-colors
Period blood – what it says about your health Your period blood color and consistency indicate what is happening in your body. Is your blood bright red…
acne removal tips
Anatomy of acne: 7 instant steps to kiss those zits goodbye Blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples-call them what you may. Acne is never good news.Did you know some of the…
stress depressed anxiety
Are you depressed or just stressed? Know when to see a doctor Why are some people more anxious than others? Is being depressed the same as feeling sad? Have you…
reflexology massage
Top reasons why you should go for a reflexology massage today Reflexology involves the application of pressure to your feet and hands to encourage self-healing. Could this be beneficial…
Bronchoscopy procedure
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a procedure where in a scope is inserted into the lung pathway to observe any growth…
APL IgM Test
Antiphospholipid Antibody(APL)-IgM test The antiphospholipid antibodies are specific protein in the body directed against the phospholipids. It is used to detect…
Hibiscus: Nourish your beauty and health with these vibrant blooms Hibiscus is a trumpet shaped flower found abundantly in tropical countries. It has been historically used for its…
Pelvic_ultrasound
Pelvic Ultrasound Pelvic ultrasound is a process where sound waves are used to create image of your pelvic region organs…

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