$Unique_ID{BRK02069}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Pyelonephritis}
$Subject{pyelonephritis kidney infection renal pelvis ureter urine bladder
urination Escherichia coli urethra kidney stones kidney stone enlargement
prostate gland scars infections infection pregnancy falling uterus
catheterization diabetes chills fever pain nausea vomiting antibiotics}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Types of Urinary Tract Infections*0007101.scf
Predisposing Factors for Urinary Tract Infections*0007102.scf
Pyelonephritis of the Kidney*0015201.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Pyelonephritis


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QUESTION:  I know that you as a physician must have heard about
pyelonephritis, but it is a new and disturbing disease for us.  I know it has
to do with a kidney infection, but little else.  What is it, and how do
doctors diagnose and treat it?

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ANSWER:  You are correct.  It is an infection of the kidney, but the term
pyelonephritis refers to the fact that the infecting bacteria strike both at
the tissues of the kidney and the renal pelvis.  The renal pelvis (from the
Greek "pyelos" which means pelvis) is a funnel shaped structure that forms the
upper end of the ureter, where it joins the kidney.  The ureter, a tube-like
organ, carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder.
     The most common cause of pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection, and the
most common bacteria is Escherichia coli, which accounts for about 75 percent
of these infections.  The bacteria find their way to the kidney by ascending,
moving up the ureter from the bladder, where they locate after entering
through the urethra (the tube which leads to the bladder from the outside of
the body).  Certain conditions make it easier for the bacteria to reach the
kidney, such as obstructions in the ureter, kidney stones, enlargement of the
prostate gland, scars from previous infections of the urinary system, and poor
emptying of the bladder.  The infection is more common in women, especially
during pregnancy, or in older women when they suffer from a "falling uterus".
It also often occurs after catheterization of the bladder, when tubes inserted
into the bladder provides a route for the bacteria to follow and enter into
the system.  This is particularly true in patients who suffer from diabetes.
     Usually the onset of the infection is swift, with chills, fever, pain in
the flank, nausea and vomiting.  In about 1/3 of the cases, there is urination
frequency with pain.  Often a tender and enlarged kidney can be felt by the
doctor performing the examination.  Testing the urine for blood and cells
and culturing the specimen for the presence of bacteria can offer the final
proof of the diagnosis.  Antibiotics provide effective treatment, which should
be started as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed.  While oral medications are
usually adequate, they can be administered by intravenous drip if the
infection is severe.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.