What is Pyelonephritis?
Pyelonephritis is a serious infection of the kidneys, typically caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and spreading to the kidneys. It can affect one or both kidneys and requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
Side Effects of Pyelonephritis:
Pyelonephritis can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Fever and Chills: Patients may experience a high fever accompanied by chills, indicating an infection.
- Pain: Pain in the lower back or sides, often concentrated on one side of the body, is common with pyelonephritis.
- Urinary Symptoms: This may include frequent urination, urgency to urinate, pain or burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting, especially if the infection is severe.
If left untreated, pyelonephritis can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage or sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
How is Pyelonephritis Diagnosed?
To diagnose pyelonephritis, your doctor will typically perform a physical examination and may order several tests, including:
- Urinalysis: This test examines a sample of your urine for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and other signs of infection.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cell count and inflammatory markers.
- Imaging Studies: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered to visualize the kidneys and detect any abnormalities, such as swelling or abscesses.
Based on the results of these tests, your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of pyelonephritis and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Potential Treatments of Pyelonephritis:
Treatment for pyelonephritis typically involves a combination of antibiotics and supportive care. Depending on the severity of the infection and individual patient factors, treatment options may include:
- Antibiotics: Oral or intravenous antibiotics are prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection. It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help alleviate discomfort associated with pyelonephritis.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and kidneys.
- Hospitalization: In severe cases or if complications arise, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring.
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