What is Acute Pyelonephritis?
Acute pyelonephritis is a severe and sudden bacterial infection of the kidneys, which can cause fever, chills, and pain in the back or side. It is a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys and ureters. This condition requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
Symptoms of Acute Pyelonephritis
The most common symptoms of acute pyelonephritis include:
- Fever and chills
- Pain in the back or side, below the ribs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Causes of Acute Pyelonephritis
Acute pyelonephritis is usually caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel up to the kidneys. The most common bacteria that cause this infection are Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally live in the colon. Women are more likely to develop acute pyelonephritis than men due to the shorter length of the urethra, which allows bacteria to travel easily to the bladder and kidneys.
Treatment of Acute Pyelonephritis
Treatment for acute pyelonephritis usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to administer intravenous antibiotics and fluids. Pain relievers may also be prescribed to relieve discomfort. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is completely cleared.
Prevention of Acute Pyelonephritis
Preventing acute pyelonephritis involves maintaining good hygiene and urinary tract health. This includes:
- Drinking plenty of water to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract
- Urinating frequently and completely to avoid the buildup of bacteria in the bladder
- Wiping from front to back after using the toilet to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra
- Avoiding the use of irritating feminine products such as douches and powders
- Emptying the bladder before and after sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of bacterial infection
Conclusion
Acute pyelonephritis is a serious bacterial infection of the kidneys that requires prompt medical attention. If left