The renal pelvis, also called the renal funnel, is a structure in the kidney where urine temporarily collects and plays a role in sending urine to the ureter. Pyelonephritis refers to a disease in which the kidneys in the kidney become inflamed due to causes such as bacterial infection. It is divided into acute and chronic according to the course, and acute pyelonephritis refers to pyelonephritis that occurs in an acute form as the name suggests.
The most common cause of acute pyelonephritis is bacterial infection. About 85% of it is caused by E. coli, and it is an abnormal phenomenon in which urine flows backwards from the bottom to the top. The cause is due to ascending infection, which causes infection in the kidneys by retrograde bacteria to the kidneys. It can also be caused by infection with viruses, fungi and protozoa. In recent years, it is known that the number of pathogens causing the increase is gradually increasing due to the increase in the use of antibiotics. In addition, it is reported that urinary tract obstruction, urinary tract stenosis, and urolithiasis due to functional abnormalities of the lower urinary tract also have a significant impact on the occurrence.
Acute pyelonephritis has a much higher incidence in women than in men. The reason for this can be said to be due to the physical difference in that women’s urethra is shorter and straighter than men’s. In particular, it is known that the incidence rate of acute pyelonephritis is higher in women with poor urination and in pregnant women who experience physiological changes in the urinary tract due to pregnancy. Now, let’s learn more about the main symptoms of acute pyelonephritis, as well as various information on treatment and prevention.
Main symptoms of acute pyelonephritis
When acute pyelonephritis occurs, the main symptoms are easy fatigue, sudden chills, fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and severe pain in the flanks and back. In addition, if symptoms become more severe, symptoms of cystitis such as high fever of 39 to 40°C, frequent urination, urgency, and dysuria may appear, and hematuria in which blood is mixed with urine may appear.
Acute pyelonephritis has many similarities to cold symptoms, such as chills and fever, so it is easy to delay or neglect the treatment. If the treatment time is delayed even though symptoms appear, treatment becomes more difficult due to chronicity, and if it gets worse, various complications such as kidney abscess and sepsis can occur due to kidney damage. Therefore, it is important to visit a hospital for an accurate diagnosis, examination, and appropriate treatment procedures when a suspected symptom appears.
Treatment and prevention of acute pyelonephritis
1. Various tests and appropriate treatment
Diagnosis of pyelonephritis is performed based on clinical symptoms, urinalysis, and urine culture, and goes through the process of checking the level of white blood cells and identifying the pathogens that cause it. And depending on the result of the diagnosis, simple pyelonephritis is treated with the prescribed antibiotic for 1 to 2 weeks through outpatient treatment. If it is difficult to take medicines due to a bad stomach or if various problems occur throughout the body as a result of taking medicines, you will be hospitalized and treated with antibiotics by injection. If the symptoms of pyelonephritis are usually treated with antibiotics for 7 to 14 days, the symptoms are relieved within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment. We will check the condition to find the root cause and treat it.
2. Drinking plenty of water
Drinking enough water, about 8 glasses of water a day, is also important for the treatment and prevention of pyelonephritis. Drinking water like this is a very important habit because it not only prevents bacteria from entering the urinary tract, but also helps the excretion of the infiltrated bacteria. In addition, drinking enough water and not holding back urine and allowing it to be discharged normally is also an important management habit. And after defecation, it is also important to wipe the perineum from front to back to minimize contamination of the urinary system by E. coli.
3. Consistently consume foods that are good for pyelonephritis
In order to prevent pyelonephritis and prevent symptoms from worsening, it is also important to eat a variety of foods that help kidney health and symptom relief. Cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and other berries, as well as cherries and pumpkins, are representative foods that help relieve symptoms.
In particular, cranberries are known to be excellent in inhibiting the adhesion of causative bacteria, including E. coli, to the cell wall of the bladder due to their abundant proanthocyanidin component. is known as On the other hand, excessive consumption of cooked foods and various processed foods with excessive salt added, and a high-protein diet centered on meat can decrease kidney function, so it is recommended to refrain from intake during treatment.
