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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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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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 Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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How do you get pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis is a clinical type of urinary tract infection, which refers to the inflammatory disease caused by the growth and reproduction of various pathogens in the renal pelvis. Pyelonephritis is usually divided into acute pyelonephritis and chronic pyelonephritis. Acute pyelonephritis is primarily characterized by frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, chills, fever, back pain, overall muscle soreness, and tenderness or percussion pain in one or both kidney areas. Chronic pyelonephritis, on the other hand, shows varying degrees of bilateral renal damage, reduced kidney size, rough surfaces, renal papillary scars, renal tubular atrophy, and chronic inflammation signs such as lymphocyte infiltration in the renal interstitium. Chronic pyelonephritis typically presents with low-grade fever, weight loss, backache, and anemia. Therefore, sufficient attention should be given to pyelonephritis, as chronic pyelonephritis can lead to uremia in patients.

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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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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.