Pyelonephritis is an acute or chronic inflammatory disease of the kidneys. According to statistics, about 25-30% of the world’s population suffers from this disease, or have already suffered from the disease. And if you also take into account that chronic pyelonephritis is skillfully disguised under other pathologies, the extent of its spread is simply astounding.
How pyelonephritis develops
Pyelonephritis develops as a result of infectious inflammation. The process begins in the renal cups and lobules, and then moves to the renal tissue. At the same time, the tissue swells, small pustules are formed. They can unite, with the formation of larger reservoirs of pus. The renal tubules are destroyed. These structures are not restored and are replaced by connective tissue, or scars. Naturally, the kidney as a result can not fully cope with its functions.
Once replaced by connective tissue, the kidney atrophies and shrivels. A shriveled, shrunken kidney is one of the signs of pyelonephritis. Complications of pyelonephritis include:
- acute renal failure;
- sepsis;
- bacterial shock;
- hypertension;
- pyonephrosis (purulent melting of the kidney).
In most cases, pyelonephritis is unilateral, i.e. one kidney is affected. The healthy kidney differs in structure and function from the affected kidney.
Causes of pyelonephritis
- Infection – more often bacteria, less often viruses. Microorganisms can enter the kidneys through the urethra, or with the blood or lymphatic flow from various foci of infection in the body. The cause of pyelonephritis is most often cystitis, but sometimes also completely unobvious diseases – dental caries, sore throat, cholecystitis, pneumonia and even arthritis.
- Disorder of urine outflow in urolithiasis, prostatitis, fibroid, tumor processes, kidney prolapse, or due to congenital anomalies of the ureters and kidneys.
- Weakening of the immune system against the background of any disease or due to hypothermia. If the immune system does not fight infection, bacteria or viruses cause pyelonephritis.
- Hormonal disorders that lead to urinary retention.
- Disruption of the blood supply to the kidneys.
- Catheterization of the bladder. Sometimes an infection can get into the kidneys along with the catheter.
- Diabetes mellitus is not a cause, but rather a risk factor. This disease is accompanied by metabolic disorders and predisposes to the development of infectious kidney diseases.
Treatment
Treatment of pyelonephritis is usually carried out on an outpatient basis, but in severe cases, hospitalization is required. It is important to observe bed rest and avoid physical activity and hypothermia. It is better to rest under a warm blanket.
At the first symptoms of pyelonephritis, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and prescription of treatment. At the beginning of treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, and later, if necessary, adjust therapy.
- Drinking regimen
It is necessary to drink about 2-2.5 liters of fluid per day, preferably morses or decoctions with diuretic effect (rose hips, cranberries). In the hospital, in case of fluid deficit, intravenous solutions are used.
- Nutritional correction
A diet restricting salty, spicy, fried and smoked foods is recommended. Exclude convenience foods, sausages, canned foods and pickles.
- Phytopreparations
Phytopreparations help with inflammation and have a diuretic effect, but they cannot completely cure pyelonephritis. They should only be used in combination with antibiotics.
- Antibiotics
Fluoroquinolones are most often prescribed. Treatment of acute pyelonephritis lasts 15 days, chronic – 6-8 weeks. In case of allergy to fluoroquinolones, alternative antibiotics are prescribed.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve inflammation and pain. Medicinal herbs can be useful, but their effectiveness differs. It is better to use only proven medical preparations with plant components.
Prevention of pyelonephritis
Given the unpleasant symptoms of the disease, as well as possible consequences, you should seriously think about its prevention. So that it was not then agonizingly painful.
- Maintain genitourinary hygiene.
- Avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Avoid urinary retention in the body (treat related diseases).
- Treat infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system in a timely manner, sanitize foci of infection in the body.
- Do not allow the development of intestinal dysbiosis (fiber in the diet, natural fermentation products, minimize simple carbohydrates).
- Strengthen immunity (hardening, active movement, nutritious diet rich in vitamins and trace elements).
- Control stress levels (healthy sleep, adequate rest, meditative practices).
- Avoid hypothermia.
- Have an annual checkup and preventive ultrasound of the kidneys.
Myths and dangerous misconceptions in the treatment of pyelonephritis
The biggest misconception is that any kidney disease should be accompanied by severe pain. This is one of the possible symptoms, but it may not always be pronounced. The latent course of the ailment (chronic and asymptomatic) can be discovered accidentally on ultrasound or CT scan during examination for some other reason. Pressure spikes, fever, malaise, general weakness are rarely taken seriously to make an appointment specifically with a urologist.
If there is pyelonephritis in men, then it is impossible to clean the kidneys with beer, although many are sure of the opposite. This is another big misconception. Beer does not carry any benefit to the kidneys. But you can not get hypothermia – this is true. This leads to ascending inflammatory processes.
Conclusion
Pyelonephritis is a serious disease that requires an attentive approach to treatment and prevention. It is important to see a doctor in a timely manner at the first symptoms, comply with the prescribed therapy and monitor your condition. Understanding the causes of the disease, proper drinking regimen, nutritional correction and the use of antibiotics in combination with phytopreparations can significantly accelerate recovery. To prevent pyelonephritis, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, strengthen immunity, avoid hypothermia and monitor the condition of the genitourinary system. Remember that only a comprehensive approach and regular medical examinations will help to avoid complications and long-term consequences of the disease.
