What causes acute pyelonephritis?

Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Acute pyelonephritis refers to an acute inflammatory disease caused by bacteria invading the renal pelvis. It is commonly seen in women of childbearing age, the elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems, and patients with urinary tract obstructions. The main clinical manifestations of acute pyelonephritis typically include frequent urination, increased urination frequency, painful urination, back pain, fever, cold stomach, and it can even present symptoms such as headache, whole body muscle soreness, nausea, and vomiting. The most common pathogen causing acute pyelonephritis is Escherichia coli, while other bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also cause infections of acute pyelonephritis. Therefore, it is crucial to actively choose sensitive antibiotics for the treatment of acute pyelonephritis.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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How to diagnose pyelonephritis?

For the diagnosis of pyelonephritis, it is first necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Generally, patients should first undergo routine urine tests. In these tests, the presence of white blood cells and positive nitrites, along with clinical symptoms such as back pain, blood in urine, and fever are common. A routine blood test often shows elevated white blood cells and C-reactive protein. These indicators together suggest the presence of pyelonephritis. Furthermore, a culture of a clean-catch midstream urine sample can be done. If the bacteria grow to a certain quantity, it can also help in confirming the diagnosis of pyelonephritis. Additionally, to assess complications associated with pyelonephritis, it is necessary to perform blood tests for kidney function and an ultrasound of the urinary system to rule out conditions such as acute renal failure, renal papillary necrosis, and perinephric abscess, among others.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
57sec home-news-image

What causes acute pyelonephritis?

Acute pyelonephritis refers to an acute inflammatory disease caused by bacteria invading the renal pelvis. It is commonly seen in women of childbearing age, the elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems, and patients with urinary tract obstructions. The main clinical manifestations of acute pyelonephritis typically include frequent urination, increased urination frequency, painful urination, back pain, fever, cold stomach, and it can even present symptoms such as headache, whole body muscle soreness, nausea, and vomiting. The most common pathogen causing acute pyelonephritis is Escherichia coli, while other bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also cause infections of acute pyelonephritis. Therefore, it is crucial to actively choose sensitive antibiotics for the treatment of acute pyelonephritis.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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How do you get pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis, also known as upper urinary tract infection, is an inflammatory response caused by pathogens; 95% of pyelonephritis is caused by bacterial infections. Most cases involve bacteria from the urethral opening ascending into the urinary system to reach the kidneys, where they proliferate and cause inflammatory symptoms. Normally, there are bacteria present at the human urethral opening. Under normal immune function or absence of factors like significant urinary obstruction, it is unlikely for an upward bacterial infection to occur. However, under certain conditions, this type of infection may happen, prompting an inflammatory response from the pathogens.

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Written by Pan Wu Shan
Nephrology
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What should not be eaten with pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis is actually a type of urinary tract infection, which can be divided into pyelonephritis and cystitis. If the bacteria are confined to the bladder without other symptoms, it is called cystitis. At this time, anti-infection treatment is needed, and recovery can usually be achieved within about three to seven days. However, if cystitis is not treated in time, causing the bacteria to enter the kidney along the urinary tract, the patient may develop systemic fever, sometimes high fever from 38°C to 39°C, and may also experience kidney percussion pain, back pain, etc. This condition is called acute pyelonephritis, and its anti-infection treatment course requires two weeks. If the treatment course is insufficient, it is very easy to relapse. Currently, for the diet of pyelonephritis, it is important to maintain a low-salt, low-fat, light diet, avoid spicy, stimulating, cold food, drink more water, and urinate frequently.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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What should I do if pyelonephritis recurs?

Pyelonephritis, also known as upper urinary tract infection, is an inflammatory reaction caused by bacterial infection of the urinary system. Therefore, in cases of recurrence of this condition, it is still necessary to use antibiotics for bactericidal treatment, generally requiring a full two-week course, choosing drugs with low nephrotoxicity. Additionally, it is important to investigate whether there are any complicating factors for pyelonephritis, such as the presence of diabetes, urinary system stones, tumors, or urinary tract anomalies. Identifying and addressing these complicating factors can reduce the likelihood of recurrence of pyelonephritis.