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pyelonephritis
Pain in the lateral abdominal and back area, fever, chills, nausea and burning while urinating may be evidence of acute pyelonephritis . Anyone who observes these symptoms should immediately consult the family doctor or a urologist. Dr. Reinhold Schaefer, urologist and managing director of Uro-GmbH Nordrhein, explains that kidney pelvic inflammation often develops from untreated cystitis. " In the process, bacteria reach the kidney via the bladder and ureter, settle there and multiply. "
Women are at particular risk of developing kidney pelvic inflammation because they have a shorter urethra than men and more commonly have bladder infections. " In addition, the risk increases during pregnancy and menopause, when the body is exposed to hormone fluctuations, " says the urologist. The risk group also includes people with kidney and bladder stones or congenital urinary obstruction. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes or gout also play a role in the pathogenesis.
Renal pelvic inflammation is treated with antibiotics, which often need to be taken for up to several weeks. Patients should drink a lot and, if possible, observe bed rest for the first time. " The choice of the right antibiotic belongs in the hands of a specialist ", says Dr. med. Shepherd. Because many bacteria no longer respond to certain remedies (the dreaded antibiotic resistance), the urologists examine the urine in the laboratory and determine exactly the type of bacteria that triggered this inflammation. " So we know even before the start of therapy, which antibiotic is effective against this bacterial strain, and thus ensure an effective treatment, " says Dr. med. Shepherd.
If an acute pyelitis is not recognized or consistently treated, it can become chronic. " In the worst case, it can then lead to kidney failure or end in sepsis, ie, blood poisoning, " Dr. Shepherd.
To prevent pyelitis, the urologist recommends that you drink plenty of fluids and keep your abdomen and feet warm at all times . In hypothermia, the mucous membrane of the vagina and bladder is poorly supplied with blood - which makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate. " Sensitive people should go to the toilet immediately, even after urinary frequency and after intercourse, " Dr. Shepherd. " With the urine, most pathogens are flushed out before they can do harm ."
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