Acute Pyelonephritis: Description, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Description of the Disease

Acute pyelonephritis is an inflammatory process affecting the kidneys and their blood vessels. The disease can occur as an acute response to infection or be a complication of chronic pyelonephritis.

Classification

• Acute bacterial pyelonephritis
• Acute interstitial pyelonephritis
• Acute suppurative pyelonephritis

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute pyelonephritis include high fever, back pain, frequent urination, nausea, and vomiting.

Causes

Acute pyelonephritis is most often caused by bacterial infection, most commonly E. coli. However, the condition can also be caused by fungi or viruses.

Diagnosis

To establish a diagnosis, a doctor may perform a general blood and urine analysis, ultrasound of the kidneys, and computer tomography.

Treatment

Treatment of acute pyelonephritis includes taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, abundant drinking, and bed rest.

Prevention

• Observance of hygiene
• Proper nutrition
• Prevention of chronic diseases of the urinary tract

Doctor

Acute pyelonephritis is treated by a urologist or nephrologist.