5 Things You Need to Know About Pyelonephritis

1. The Ascent of Bacteria

Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and ascending to the bladder and through the ureters (tubes which carry urine from the kidneys). It is one of the most common types of renal diseases, and is also referred to as complicated urinary tract infection. It can be either sudden (or acute), or chronic. In the case of chronic pyelonephritis, repeated inflammation of the kidneys can result in scarring and possible renal failure.

2. On the Wrong Tract

Though some doctors say the bacteria that causes pyelonephritis can travel to the kidneys from anywhere in the body, it is generally believed that the bacteria enters through the urinary tract and ascends to the kidneys. The source of this bacteria is in many cases organisms from the bowel (in women, because of the closeness of the anus to the urethra, pyelonephritis appears four times more often than in men). Other factors that might cause this infection is minor bladder infections, kidney stones or other obstructions of urine flow such as an enlarged prostate, use of a catheter or cystoscope or urinary tract surgery.

3. If You Have These Symptoms

Pyelonephritis will present itself with several symptoms that are impossible to ignore. Initially, the condition may be difficult to pinpoint because the first signs are often fever and chills, and the kidneys are not generally considered. But these first symptoms will be followed by an increase in urination frequency and urgency, and the experience of burning or pain when urinating. A pain in the groin, side or lower back will develop. Foul-smelling urine, or pus or blood present in urine, are also indications of pyelonephritis.

4. Just a Few Simple Tests

Fortunately, it doesn't take a lot of invasive tests and time to arrive at a diagnosis for pyelonephritis. A urine test on a dipstick evaluates the presence of bacteria and leukocytes (white blood cells) in the urine. A blood test may also be conducted to determine if an infection does indeed exist. In some cases, an ultrasound of the kidneys or a CT scan of the abdomen is called for. A voiding cystourethrogram (x-ray images of a dye-filled bladder before and during urination) might be performed if any kidney abnormalities are found.

5. Fighting the Infection

As with any type of infection, antibiotics are the preferred course of treatment for pyelonephritis. Usually a 21-day course is administered. Generally, symptoms of pyelonephritis begin to dissipate within 72 hours. In some cases of severe infection, patients may be hospitalized and have antibiotics administered intravenously. For any abnormalities that might be the underlying cause of the infection, surgery is usually the only option.