Diseases Dictionary (Free)

Pyelonephritis (See: Kidney infection)

DEFINITION

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a specific type of urinary tract infection (UTI)

that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels up into your kidneys.

A kidney infection requires prompt medical attention. If not treated properly, a

kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys or the bacteria can spread
to your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection.

Kidney infection treatment usually includes antibiotics and often requires

hospitalization.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection may include:

FeverBack, side (flank) or groin painAbdominal painFrequent urinationStrong,

persistent urge to urinateBurning sensation or pain when urinatingPus or blood in
your urine (hematuria)Urine that smells bad or is cloudy

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that
worry you. Also make an appointment if you're being treated for a urinary tract
infection but your signs and symptoms aren't improving.

Severe kidney infection can lead to life-threatening complications. Seek immediate

medical attention if you experience typical kidney infection symptoms combined
with bloody urine or nausea and vomiting.

CAUSES

Kidney infection typically occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract through the
tube that carries urine from your body (urethra) and begin to multiply.

Bacteria from an infection elsewhere in your body also can spread through your
bloodstream to your kidneys. Kidney infection is unusual through this route, but it
can happen for instance, if you have an artificial joint or heart valve that
becomes infected.

Rarely, kidney infection results after kidney surgery.

RISK FACTORS

Factors that increase your risk of a kidney infection include:

Female anatomy. Women have a greater risk of kidney infection than do men. A
woman's urethra is much shorter than a man's, so bacteria have less distance to
travel from outside the body to the bladder. The proximity of the urethra to the
vagina and anus also creates more opportunities for bacteria to enter the bladder.
Once in the bladder, an infection can spread to the kidneys. Pregnant women are at
higher risk of a kidney infection.Obstruction in the urinary tract. Anything that slows
the flow of urine or reduces your ability to completely empty your bladder when
urinating, such as a kidney stone, structural abnormalities in your urinary system or,
in men, an enlarged prostate gland, can increase your risk of kidney
infection.Weakened immune system. Medical conditions that impair your immune
system, such as diabetes and HIV, increase your risk of kidney infection. Certain
medications, such as drugs taken to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, have
a similar effect.Damage to nerves around the bladder. Nerve or spinal cord damage
may block the sensations of a bladder infection so that you're unaware when it's
advancing to a kidney infection.Prolonged use of a urinary catheter. Urinary
catheters are tubes used to drain urine from the bladder. You may have a catheter
placed during and after some surgical procedures and diagnostic tests. A catheter
may be used continuously if you're confined to a bed.A condition that causes urine
to flow the wrong way. In vesicoureteral reflux, small amounts of urine flow from
your bladder back up into your ureters and kidneys. People with vesicoureteral
reflux may have frequent kidney infections during childhood and are at higher risk
of kidney infection during childhood and adulthood.

COMPLICATIONS

If left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to potentially serious complications,

such as:

Permanent kidney damage. Permanent kidney damage can lead to chronic kidney
disease.Blood poisoning (septicemia). Your kidneys filter waste from your blood and
then return your blood to the rest of your body. If you have a kidney infection, the
bacteria can spread as the kidneys return blood to circulation.Pregnancy
complications. Women who develop a kidney infection during pregnancy may have
an increased risk of delivering low birth weight babies.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Doctors often diagnose kidney infections based on signs and symptoms, such as
fever and back pain.

If your doctor suspects you have a kidney infection, you may be asked to provide a
urine sample to test for bacteria, blood or pus is in your urine. Your doctor may also
obtain a blood culture a lab test that checks for bacteria or other organisms in
your blood. Other tests might include an ultrasound, computerized tomography
scan or a type of X-ray called a voiding cystourethrogram.
TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Antibiotics for kidney infections

Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for kidney infections. Which drugs you use
and for how long depend on your health condition and the bacteria found in your
urine tests.

Usually, the signs and symptoms of a kidney infection begin to clear up within a few
days of treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or longer.
Take the entire course of antibiotics recommended by your doctor to ensure that the
infection is completely eliminated.

Hospitalization for severe kidney infections

For a severe kidney infection, your doctor may admit you to the hospital. Treatment
in the hospital may include antibiotics that you receive through a vein in your arm
(intravenously). How long you'll stay in the hospital depends on the severity of your
condition.

Treatment for recurrent kidney infections

Recurrent kidney infections may result from an underlying medical problem, such as
a structural abnormality. Your doctor may refer you to a kidney specialist
(nephrologist) or urinary surgeon (urologist) for an evaluation to determine whether
urologic abnormalities may be causing your infections. You may need surgery to
repair a structural abnormality.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

Reduce your risk of kidney infection by taking steps to prevent urinary tract
infections. Women, in particular, may reduce their risk of urinary tract infections if
they:

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Drinking fluids can help remove bacteria
from your body when you urinate.Urinate frequently. Avoid delaying urination when
you feel the urge to urinate.Empty the bladder after intercourse. Urinating as soon
as possible after intercourse helps clear bacteria from the urethra, reducing your
risk of infection.Wipe carefully. Wiping from front to back after urinating and after a
bowel movement helps prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra.Avoid using
feminine products in the genital area. Using feminine products, such as deodorant
sprays or douches, in your genital area can irritate your urethra.