What is Pyelonephritis? Why is Early Treatment for Kidney Infections so important?
Jan 4, 2025
Kidney health is often overlooked until a problem arises. One such serious condition is pyelonephritis, commonly known as a kidney infection. It can affect anyone but tends to impact women more frequently due to anatomical differences. Left untreated, this infection can cause severe complications, including permanent kidney damage. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what pyelonephritis is, its symptoms, causes, and why early treatment is crucial for safeguarding your kidney health.
Pyelonephritis is the upper urinary tract infection that progresses into the kidneys. The usual progression of a pyelonephritis begins as a lower urinary tract infection in the bladder or ureters. Once these infections reach one or both of the kidneys, it can start the inflammation which might cause quite significant pain and potentially other more severe health conditions.
Think of your kidneys as natural filters that remove waste and toxins from your body. When they're under attack from bacteria, their ability to perform this vital function is compromised. This is why it's important to recognize the signs early and seek medical help.
Symptoms of Pyelonephritis
Kidney infections don't always come with clear warning signs. However, some common symptoms to watch for include:
- High fever and chills
- Pain in your lower back or sides (flank pain)
- Frequent urination with urgency
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and general weakness
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Delaying treatment can result in serious health risks.
Causes of Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is caused by bacteria, the most common of which is Escherichia coli, or E. coli, that lives in the digestive tract. Here is how the infection often occurs:
- Bacteria are introduced into the urinary tract via the urethra.
- They move up to the bladder.
- Unless treated, they move up into the kidneys and cause a worse infection.
Other conditions that predispose people to kidney infections include:
- Urinary tract obstruction, such as from kidney stones
- Weak immune system
- Use of urinary catheters
- Some other medical conditions, such as diabetes
Pregnant women, people who have had UTIs before, and those with immunodeficiency syndrome are more susceptible to pyelonephritis.
Why Pyelonephritis Shouldn't Be Left Untreated
Never ignore a kidney infection. Pyelonephritis may cause serious complications if left untreated, including the following:
- Permanent damage to the kidneys
A severe kidney infection can cause scars in the kidneys, which in turn impairs their ability to filter waste effectively. This gradually leads to CKD. - Sepsis (Blood Infection)
In some instances, the bacteria spread from the kidneys into the blood, causing sepsis - a life-threatening condition that must be treated with urgency. - High Blood Pressure
Chronic kidney infections can also cause hypertension, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. - Pregnancy Complications
Kidney infections can be a serious threat to pregnant women and their babies. It can cause premature labor, low birth weight, and other complications.
Early treatment can prevent these complications and ensure full recovery.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The tests likely to be run on a visit to the doctor for a diagnosis of a kidney infection are:
- Urine test for bacteria, blood, and pus
- Blood test: Infection could have reached into the blood vessels.
- Imaging tests like an ultrasound or a CT scan check for any blocks or abnormalities within the urinary system.
The primary treatment for pyelonephritis includes antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may require the following:
- Oral antibiotics for mild infection
- Intravenous (IV) antibiotics for severe infections, especially if you are to be hospitalized.
Complete the entire course of antibiotics as given by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. You risk having the infection recur and becoming resistant to antibiotics by discontinuing the medication too soon.
Preventing Kidney Infections
Here are some practical tips to prevent pyelonephritis and other UTIs:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract.
- Practice good hygiene: Always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading.
- Empty your bladder regularly: Don’t hold in urine for too long.
- Urinate after sexual activity: This helps reduce the risk of bacteria entering the urethra.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid harsh soaps or feminine products that may irritate the urethra.
When to See a Doctor
Do not ignore the early signs of kidney infection. In case you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, back pain, or painful urination, it is best to seek a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.
We, at Paras Health, have specialized nephrologists and urologists to treat the kidney infections and other urinary tract disorders. Our services range from complete diagnostic work-up, to treatment plan for the patient and continued follow-up care for proper maintenance of kidney health.
Why Choose Paras Health for Kidney Care?
At Paras Health, patient-centric care focused on early diagnosis and effective treatment is what guides us. In this regard, our dedicated teams of specialists offer the best practices to every single patient.
The Services We Provide Are:
- Early diagnostic tests
- Emergency care 24/7
- Personalized medical treatment
- Check-up after being treated
- Stop a simple infection from becoming kidney infection. Let's book a consultation with your kidney specialist.
Book Your Consultation Now
Your health is in your hands. Let's keep it that way. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a kidney infection, visit Paras Health for expert care and peace of mind.
