Pyelonephritis Treatment in Delhi, India

Symptoms may differ in children and older adults. People with chronic pyelonephritis experience only mild symptoms or may even lack noticeable symptoms altogether. Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection generally include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Back or groin pain
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent urination
• Strong, persistent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation or pain when urinating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pus or blood in your urine (hematuria)
• Urine that smells bad or is cloudy

When to See a Doctor?

• Doctor consultation is required if the patient is experiencing signs or symptoms. If the patient is treated for a urinary tract infection, but the signs and symptoms aren't improving, then they should visit a doctor.
• Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they develop the above symptoms combined with haematuria, nausea, and vomiting.

Bacteria generally enters the urinary tract through the urethra, where it can multiply and advance to the kidneys. This contributes to the common cause of kidney infections. However, any serious infection present in the bloodstream can also spread to the kidneys and cause acute pyelonephritis. Rarely, kidney infection results after kidney surgery.

Other causes comprise of:

• Structural abnormalities lead to blockage of urine output.
• An enlarged prostate gland constricts the urethra.
• Urine reversal from the bladder to the kidneys.
• If the immune system is compromised due to low white blood cell count, intake of certain drugs, HIV, or cancer.
• Pregnancy, where the enlarging uterus can squeeze the ureters and reduce the flow of urine, allowing the bacteria to migrate to the kidneys.
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

To rule out kidney infections, the doctor will probably advise certain tests mentioned below:

• Urine analysis to evaluate for blood, pus, and bacteria in the sample
• Urine culture to access the type of bacteria

Apart from all these above tests, the doctor may also recommend the following tests:

• Ultrasound or CT - Performed to look out for a blockage in the urinary tract.
• Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)- A type of X-ray that looks for issues in the urethra and bladder. Doctors often perform these on children.
• Digital rectal exam (for men)- In this procedure, the doctor inserts a lubricated finger into the anus to check for a swollen prostate.
• Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy-This technique uses radioactive material to show kidney infection and damage.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are the first line of treatment in terms of kidney infections. The type of drug used and for how long it has to be administered depends on the overall health and the type of bacteria found in the urine tests.

Generally, the signs and symptoms of a kidney infection begin to resolve within a few days of medical treatment.

The doctor might recommend a repeat urine culture to make sure that the infection has resolved completely. If the infection still persists, the patient further needs to take a repeat course of antibiotics.

Hospitalisation for severe kidney infections

If the patient has a severe kidney infection, the doctor might advise hospitalisation. Treatment might include antibiotics and IV fluids. Staying in the hospital depends on the seriousness of the patient's condition.

Treatment for recurrent kidney infections

An underlying medical problem, such as a deformed urinary tract, can result in recurrent kidney infections. The patient might need surgery to repair a structural abnormality. In such cases, a nephrectomy is performed, which involves the removal of a part of the kidney.

Acute pyelonephritis

• Any obstruction that interrupts the normal flow of urine poses a higher risk of acute pyelonephritis.
• Also, women's urethras are much shorter in size compared to men, making it easier for bacteria to enter their system. That makes women more susceptible to kidney infections.

• People with chronic kidney stones or having kidney or bladder-associated conditions
• Older adults
• People with compromised immune systems
• People with vesicoureteral reflux
• People having enlarged prostate

• Use of catheter
• Cystoscopic examination
• Surgery of the urinary tract
• Certain medications

• Kidney damage- Pus might collect and form an abscess inside the kidney tissue. As a result, the bacteria may spread to other parts of the body. Kidneys can also become scarred, leading to high blood pressure levels, chronic kidney disease, and even kidney failure.
• Blood poisoning (septicemia)- When bacteria from a kidney infection is transported into the bloodstream, they can transfer to the body and into the organs as well. This is a serious medical concern and requires treatment quickly.
• Severe infection- The presence of an infection called Emphysematous Pyelonephritis (EPN) may result in the destruction of kidney tissue and the formation of toxic gases up there. It usually occurs in people with diabetes.
• Problems in pregnancy- Women who have kidney infections while conceiving are more prone to have premature babies or with low weight and kidney complications.

The risk of kidney infections can be avoided by taking certain steps. Women, in particular, may lessen their chances of urinary tract infections if they follow the below-mentioned things:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, as they help to remove bacteria from the body during urination.
• Avoid delaying urination
• Empty the bladder after intercourse as it helps clear bacteria from the urethra, thereby reducing any chance of infection.
• Wipe carefully. Wiping from the front to the back region after urinating and after the completion of bowel movement helps prevent bacteria from progressing to the urethra.
• Avoid using feminine products in the genital area, as it can be irritating.

With treatment, the outlook for kidney infections (pyelonephritis) is positive. It is vital that patients take all prescribed medications for the infection. You may begin feeling better shortly after starting treatment but need to continue the entire prescribed treatment.