Pyelonephritis - symptoms, causes & treatment

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidneys that is associated with high fever and pain in the back.

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Wissenswertes über "Pyelonephritis (inflammation of the renal pelvis)"

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidneys that is associated with high fever and pain in the back.

Pelvic inflammatory disease is often caused by an ascending infection in which bacteria from the bladder enter the kidneys via the urinary tract. In most cases, the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) is responsible for the inflammation, which normally occurs in the intestine and can enter the kidneys through urinary tract infections.

Typical symptoms of pyelonephritis include high fever, pain in the lower back or flank, pain when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, the condition can lead to septic shock if the infection spreads to the bloodstream.

Renal pelvic inflammatory disease is usually treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and control the inflammation. In severe infections, hospitalisation may be required to administer intravenous antibiotics and monitor kidney function. Early treatment is important to avoid complications such as kidney abscesses or chronic kidney failure.

The best way to prevent pyelonephritis is to take careful care of the urinary tract. This includes regular urination to flush the urinary tract and emptying the bladder immediately after sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection. Careful intimate hygiene and sufficient fluid intake, especially water, are also important to promote regular emptying of the bladder and thus the flushing out of bacteria. A high-fibre diet also contributes to urinary tract health as it prevents constipation, which can be a risk factor for infections.

Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections due to their shorter urethra and therefore to pelvic inflammatory disease. People who frequently suffer from urinary tract infections or have already had a pelvic inflammatory disease should consider taking probiotics or other supplements to support the urinary tract flora in consultation with their doctor.