Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney. It is most common in women and can lead to permanent kidney damage if not treated in time. The condition is characterized by fever, chills, and flank pain.
Patients usually have a positive urine culture. The results of this test will determine the type of bacteria causing the infection and the course of treatment.
In most cases of acute pyelonephritis, antibiotic therapy is sufficient to resolve the infection. However, some patients may require hospitalization for treatment of acute kidney injury including IV fluids and additional supportive care.
Clinical symptoms are usually present within a few days of an infection and include fever, chills, and flank pain. Although these symptoms can be associated with a variety of conditions, they are most common in bacterial infections and should not be confused with other, more serious illnesses.
Urine cultures are obtained to diagnose the exact bacterial organism causing the inflammation in the kidneys. Depending on the severity of the illness, blood cultures may also be obtained.
History and physical examination are the most important tools for diagnosis of pyelonephritis. Most patients have a sudden onset of chills and fever, which are often confused with other illnesses, such as pneumonia or other viral diseases.
Patients with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections or a history of abdominal pain are also at higher risk for developing pyelonephritis. The most common bacterium that causes this infection is Escherichia coli.
Other bacterial infections, such as Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis, are occasionally associated with acute pyelonephritis. These patients are treated with antibiotics, including vancomycin and meropenem.
In addition, anti-inflammatory medications and narcotics can be used to control pain, nausea, and vomiting. These medications should be started early in the disease to prevent a worsening infection.
Laboratory tests are also used to diagnose pyelonephritis. Your doctor will look at a sample of your urine under a microscope and send it to the lab to see if white or red blood cells are present. If a urine culture results in bacteria, your doctor will order a blood culture to find out what kind of bacteria is causing the infection.
When you have a pyelonephritis, your doctor will want to know what caused it so that they can get it under control as quickly as possible. They will also want to know if you have any underlying conditions that can cause the condition to come back in the future.
The most common cause of acute pyelonephritis is bacterial infections of the bladder and kidney. These infections are more common in women than men because women’s urethras are shorter and close to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter the body. Other causes of pyelonephritis include vesicoureteral reflux, which is a backward flow of urine from the bladder to the ureters instead of out of the body.
If you have a urinary tract infection, your doctor will treat it right away to prevent the spread of bacteria into your kidneys. Your doctor will also order other tests to see if there is an underlying problem that is causing the infection. These tests may include X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans.
