Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a urinary tract infection that affects the renal pelvis, parenchyma, and calyces. It originates in the urinary tract and ascends to the kidneys.
Women are more commonly affected by this condition.
If not properly treated in its early stages, it can lead to serious complications that permanently damage the kidney and may even cause septicemia (blood poisoning, which can be fatal).
We distinguish two types:
- Acute pyelonephritis: Infection of the upper urinary tract without tissue destruction in the kidney.
- Chronic pyelonephritis: Involves destruction of kidney tissue, characterized by lesions in the renal calyces, renal parenchyma, and renal pelvis. It usually occurs in people with anatomical abnormalities of the kidneys.
Causes
Some of the causes that may lead to the initial infection include:
- Obstructions in the urinary tract: These may cause vesicoureteral reflux.
- Kidney stones.
- Urinary catheter: Prolonged use should be avoided whenever possible.
- Weakened immune system: As with other infections, low defenses reduce the body’s ability to fight off microorganisms.
- Diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this condition may include:
- Abdominal and back pain.
- Pain or burning during urination (dysuria).
- Hematuria (presence of blood in the urine).
- Fever and chills.
Diagnosis
To diagnose pyelonephritis, blood and urine tests are required to confirm the infection, as well as an ultrasound or other tests the doctor considers appropriate.
Treatment
Some of the treatments used for this condition include:
- Antibiotics: To fight the infection, administered either orally or intravenously.
- Analgesics and antipyretics: To control pain and fever.
- Drinking plenty of water: To help eliminate bacteria through urine.
- Applying heat to the lower back area.
- Surgery: In cases of chronic pyelonephritis, surgery may be required to correct anatomical problems and prevent future infections.