Is pyelonephritis easy to treat?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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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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 Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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How many days does the high fever last in pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, indeed tends to cause fever in patients. Generally, this type of fever can rise sharply in a short period of time, potentially exceeding 39°C. The duration of the fever mainly depends on the patient's own resistance and the effectiveness of the medication. If sensitive antibiotics are used and the patient has strong immune capabilities, the bacteria can be killed or mostly eliminated in a short period of time. In such cases, the patient's high fever may gradually subside within three to five days. However, if the medication is ineffective, the fever may persist for an extended period, possibly lasting up to half a month or even a month. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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 Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is pyelonephritis serious?

Pyelonephritis, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, occurs in the majority of cases when bacteria enter the renal pelvis and calices, causing an inflammatory response. This condition is indeed characterized by severe symptoms and an aggressive onset. Patients may suddenly develop a fever, with temperatures even exceeding 39°C, and experience back pain. Some patients may also exhibit clinical signs such as hematuria. The symptoms are indeed severe, and there is a pronounced systemic inflammatory response, leaving patients feeling listless, dizzy, headachy, and lacking appetite. However, the treatment for this disease generally yields good results. After antibiotic treatment, most patients can gradually see symptom relief within 3 to 5 days, and the condition is mostly curable after 10 to 14 days of medication.

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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.