Can pyelonephritis lead to pregnancy?

Written by Pan Wu Shan
Nephrology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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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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How is pyelonephritis caused?

Pyelonephritis can also be referred to as an upper urinary tract infection. It occurs when bacteria proliferate in parts of the kidney such as the renal pelvis and calyces, leading to inflammation. In most cases, these bacteria enter the urinary system retrogradely from the urethral opening and cause inflammation in areas like the renal pelvis and calyces. Normally, bacteria are already present at the urethral opening, and when the body's immune system is functioning well and the urinary system is unobstructed, it is difficult for these bacteria to enter the urinary system and cause an inflammatory response. However, in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those suffering from a cold, diabetes, or those using steroid medications, bacteria may enter the urinary system and replicate in large numbers. Additionally, if there are obstructive factors in the urinary system, such as prostate enlargement in male patients, or if the patient has urinary system stones or tumors, bacteria are more likely to cause an inflammatory response.

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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.

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Written by Niu Yan Lin
Nephrology
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The difference between pyelonephritis and nephritis

Pyelonephritis and nephritis are two completely different diseases. Pyelonephritis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, chlamydia, etc. Treatment generally requires the use of antibiotics. The vast majority of patients can fully recover within two weeks under the treatment of sensitive antibiotics, without any sequelae. On the other hand, nephritis is mostly an autoimmune disease, not an infectious disease caused by pathogens. Therefore, its treatment does not require the use of antibiotics. Treatment usually involves ACE inhibitors or ARB type RUSH blockers, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, cytotoxic drugs, etc., and the course of nephritis is relatively long, with some patients having relatively poor prognosis. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.