Kidney Infection, Pyelonephritis
Kidney Infection, Pyelonephritis
It is define as the infection of the urinary tract which travel to the kidney through urethra and bladder. It can damage the kidneys if left untreated and cause life threatening complications.
Symptoms
Following are the Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection:
- Chills
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary problems
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation during urination
- Hematuria
- Pus in urine
Cause
The cause of kidney infections are commonly bacterial infection. Bacteria enter in body through urinary catheter or bacteria enter through blood vessels due to IV line also causes infections.
Complications
It can cause following complications:
- Pregnancy problems
- Septicemia if bacteria go into the bloodstream
- Kidney fibrosis due to inflammation
Diagnosis
After taking history your doctor will recommend you following test to diagnosis this condition:
- Imaging tests like X-ray and ultrasound to check the detailed images of kidneys.
- Blood test for serology
- Kidney function test
Treatment
The first line management of infections are antibiotics. In kidney infection first check the bacterial sensitivity then prescribed the specific antibiotics for week or longer depend upon the severity of the infection and extend of infection. Hospiltilzation is required in seriously ill patient or patient undergo in septicaemia.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Following lifestyle habits will reduce the pain and discomfort:
- Drink a lot of water
- Take painkillers
- Apply heating pad over lower abdomen