Acute and chronic pyelonephritis: symptoms and treatment

As a general rule, the term pyelonephritis is used to refer to an alteration that affects the upper urinary tract. In this way, an infection occurs in this region that normally reaches the pelvis and renal parenchyma.

Further, usually begins to develop in the urethra or bladder and later it extends until it reaches the kidneys. On the other hand, infections in the lower urinary tract usually occur more frequently than this class of disorders.

In many medical problems we can apply a classification criterion according to its duration. Pyelonephritis can be generated suddenly and in a reduced period of time. However, the infection can be maintained over time, hindering its treatment and the quality of life of the patient.

In any case, it will be the doctor who must identify the most characteristic symptoms of this problem. In this way, by checking the circumstances of the patient and the disorder itself, the most appropriate treatment can be chosen in each case.

What causes pyelonephritis?

Being an infection, it has its origin in the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. In this case, most clinical cases are related to an infection of bacterial origin.

On the other hand, it can also be caused by the presence of microorganisms resistant to certain types of medicines or other species less frequently.

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What are the most common symptoms of pyelonephritis?

Normally, when a patient develops some type of change or medical problem experiences certain symptoms. The analysis of these signals will guide the team of experts to correctly identify the cause of the disorder. In any case, among the most frequent symptoms of pyelonephritis we can find:

• Fever which may vary in intensity.
• Chills or tremors in different body areas.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Inappetence. It refers to the decrease in appetite that can cause the reduction of body weight in a short period of time (unintentionally).
• Headache or intense headache.
• Powerful discomfort in the lower back that can extend to other regions such as the abdomen and even the groin.
• Scourge e discomfort when urinating. In addition, a smaller amount of urine is expelled than under normal conditions. The patient may also feel that they have not completed the urination or the urgent need to go to the service.
• Alterations in the characteristics of urine. For example, it has a different amount of blood, pus, a different hue and smell, etc.

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What is the right treatment to correct pyelonephritis?

Currently, specialists usually carry out a series of medical tests in order to identify the trigger. Between them, the symptoms that the patient has developed will be reviewed.

In any case, the most appropriate treatment options will be planned according to each patient and clinical case. A) Yes, Among the guidelines or recommendations within the treatment of pyelonephritis we can highlight:

• Antibiotics. In this way, the bacteria that are causing these alterations are attacked. In the most complicated cases it is possible that the subject's hospitalization is required to ensure recovery. It is necessary when an aggravation of the disease appears, if the oral route can not be used …
• Repose or temporary reduction of intense physical activity.
• Use of other types of drugs with the aim of solving the related symptoms. This is the case of intense fever and frequent nausea.
• Consume of a balanced and healthy diet that contains the adequate amount of liquids.

It is important to follow the recommended guidelines and treatments to speed recovery. In this way, in addition, possible complications are avoided, although not in all clinical cases is achieved.

In any case, we hope we have resolved some doubts on the subject. But in the presence of any symptom or suspicion of having pyelonephritis, both acute and chronic, it is essential to go immediately to the doctor to undergo a checkup.