Principles of treatment for pyelonephritis

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Pyelonephritis, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, is a bacterial inflammation, with over 95% being caused by bacterial infections, among which 70% are caused by Escherichia coli. Therefore, as a bacterial infection-induced inflammation, antibiotic treatment is of course necessary. Clinically, third-generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolone antibiotics are often chosen for bactericidal treatment. For acute pyelonephritis, it is generally recommended that medication be administered for 14 days, alongside measures such as increased water intake and frequent urination. In cases of chronic pyelonephritis, a low-dose, long-course antibacterial treatment, such as using nitrofurantoin, may also be employed, with continuous medication for two months. (Please consult a clinical doctor for specific medication use; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is pyelonephritis more serious or nephritis more serious?

Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection caused by a bacterial infection, leading to an inflammatory response in the urinary system. The severity of this condition can vary. Nephritis, on the other hand, refers to the sterile inflammation within the glomeruli of the kidney, which also varies in severity. Therefore, it is challenging to compare these two diseases in terms of their severity. In the case of pyelonephritis, most conditions are relatively more treatable, and using antibiotics can control acute pyelonephritis. However, a small number of patients may develop severe complications such as perinephric abscess, acute renal failure, renal papillary necrosis, and even death from septic shock. The severity of nephritis also varies, with symptoms ranging from significant proteinuria to mild hematuria. Therefore, a comparison should be based on the specific conditions of the patients. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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What foods to eat for pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is not nephritis, but a type of bacterial infection. Therefore, as a bacterial infection, there are no specific dietary restrictions for patients. Such patients should ensure adequate intake of fluids, with a recommended daily urine output of over 2000ml. This can help flush the urinary system and wash away some bacteria, reducing bacterial proliferation. Since it involves inflammation, it is advisable to follow a lighter diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, and focusing on easily digestible and warm foods.

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Written by Pan Wu Shan
Nephrology
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Can pyelonephritis lead to pregnancy?

Pyelonephritis is actually a urinary tract infection. It is not the same as nephritis, so do not confuse the two. Thus, pregnancy is completely feasible for someone with pyelonephritis; as long as the infection is treated, the urine test shows negative results, and there are no white blood cells, pregnancy can occur without any impact. Currently, the treatment for pyelonephritis is anti-infection therapy. Since the bacteria have entered the kidney via the urethra, this treatment needs to last for two weeks. If the treatment duration is insufficient, there could be a recurrence of pyelonephritis. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, avoid holding urine, consume more than 2500 milliliters of water daily, and maintain a light diet avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is pyelonephritis easy to treat?

Pyelonephritis is generally not difficult to treat. Because the condition often appears quite aggressive, it is caused by bacteria entering the urinary system through the urethra, leading to an inflammatory response. Therefore, the primary treatment involves using antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Most of the bacteria causing pyelonephritis are Gram-negative rods, so antibiotics sensitive to Gram-negative rods are often chosen. After a treatment course of 10-14 days, the patient's condition is generally controllable and curable. However, there are also a few cases of chronic pyelonephritis, involving complex factors related to urinary tract infections, such as urinary tract malformations, urinary system stones, prostate hyperplasia, diabetes, etc., which make treatment more difficult. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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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.