The difference between pyelonephritis and nephritis

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Pyelonephritis and nephritis are two completely different concepts. Pyelonephritis is actually a bacterial inflammation, usually caused by bacteria at the urethral opening ascending into the urinary system and causing inflammation in areas like the renal pelvis and calyces. Patients may experience symptoms such as fever, hematuria, and back pain. In severe cases, it can cause necrosis of the renal papillae, leading to acute renal failure. Some patients may also develop perinephric abscesses, which are caused by bacterial infections. Nephritis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation within the glomeruli. This type of inflammation does not involve bacteria and is related to disorders in the body’s immune function. The disordered immune response is aggressive, attacking the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to proteinuria and hematuria. Therefore, the mechanisms of disease and treatment methods for the two conditions are different.

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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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Acute Pyelonephritis Nursing Measures

Acute pyelonephritis, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, is a type of bacterial inflammation. In terms of care, patients should first focus on increasing their fluid intake. If the patient does not have urinary system stones, tumors, or other factors causing urinary obstruction—that is, if there is no kidney hydronephrosis—it is recommended that the patient's daily urine output be maintained at 2000-2500 milliliters. This means increasing fluid intake can help flush the urinary system, reducing bacterial growth and reproduction, which is beneficial for the treatment of pyelonephritis. Secondly, since the patient has acute inflammation, dietary considerations should include eating light, avoiding heavy and greasy foods as well as spicy and stimulating foods, and paying attention to perineal hygiene. Additionally, during episodes of fever, if the patient's body temperature is not very high, a warm water sponge bath can be given, especially focusing on the neck, armpits, and the root of the thighs, which can facilitate heat dissipation and is very beneficial for reducing body temperature.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is pyelonephritis easy to treat?

Most cases of pyelonephritis start acutely, with patients abruptly experiencing bacterial infections in their urinary system, causing inflammation in areas such as the renal pelvis and calyces. This manifests clinically with symptoms such as fever and back pain. This acute onset type is called acute pyelonephritis, and it is relatively easy to treat because it involves a bacterial infection that requires antibacterial treatment. Hence, it is generally manageable. However, if a patient's condition becomes prolonged and turns into chronic pyelonephritis, treatment may be more challenging. The bacteria causing chronic pyelonephritis are often drug-resistant, and this condition might be associated with predisposing factors for urinary infections, such as urinary system stones, anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract, or obstructions that can conceal bacteria or contribute to their resistance, making treatment more difficult.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Symptoms of recurring pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection. When the condition recurs, the initial symptoms are similar. Patients may also experience fever, and the temperature can rise quickly, even up to 40 degrees Celsius. There may also be a systemic inflammatory response, characterized by fatigue and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. Recurrence can also cause pain in the lumbar region, which may even radiate to the perineal area, and patients may also experience visible hematuria. In urinalysis, leukocytes or positive leukocyte esterase can be observed. These are the symptoms of recurring pyelonephritis.

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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.