How to check for pyelonephritis?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on September 22, 2024
00:00
00:00

Pyelonephritis, also known as upper urinary tract infection, is mostly caused by bacterial infection and the inflammatory response of the urinary system. The screening for this disease involves routine urine tests. Presence of white blood cells in the urine, coupled with symptoms like fever and back pain, can lead to a preliminary diagnosis. However, to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific infecting pathogen, a culture of midstream urine is needed. Generally, to exclude certain causes of pyelonephritis, it is also necessary for the patient to have blood sugar levels checked and an ultrasound of the urinary system conducted. These tests can confirm whether the patient has diabetes, urinary system stones, or obstructions in the urinary system. Male patients can also undergo a prostate ultrasound to rule out urinary obstruction caused by prostate enlargement. These examinations can also help determine why the patient might have developed pyelonephritis.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Lin
Nephrology
1min 37sec home-news-image

How to treat acute pyelonephritis?

During the acute phase, it is important to rest, drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and provide a diet that is easy to digest, high in calories, and rich in vitamins for patients with fever. For patients with evident bladder irritation symptoms and significant hematuria, oral sodium bicarbonate can be taken to alkalize the urine and relieve symptoms. The primary treatment for acute pyelonephritis, of course, is anti-infection therapy. The pathogen in 80% of acute pyelonephritis cases is Escherichia coli. After collecting urine samples for bacterial examination, treatment should be initiated. For patients with milder conditions, outpatient oral medication can suffice, with a treatment duration of 10 to 14 days. Common medications include ofloxacin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporins, among others. Secondly, for severe infections accompanied by obvious systemic toxic symptoms, hospitalization for intravenous medication is required. Commonly chosen drugs include ampicillin, cefotaxime sodium, ceftriaxone sodium, and levofloxacin, etc. If the patient improves following the above treatments, they can switch to oral therapy after fever cessation and continue with a drip for three more days to complete a two-week course of treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
1min 10sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
47sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
56sec home-news-image

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.