Pyelonephritis

1. Definition of "pyelonephritis."

1. It is the inflammation of kidney tissue and may be acute or chronic.

2. Chronic pyelonephritis may destroy kidney tissue permanently.

3. Infection in the kidney frequently results from lower tract infection.

2. Factors that may increase risk of pyelonephritis.

1. Pregnancy.

2. Obstruction caused by tumors, strictures, stones, etc.

3. Trauma to the kidney.

4. Incompetent ureterovesical valve, which allows urine to back up into ureters.

5. Chronic health problems (diabetes, kidney disease, etc.).

3. Signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis.

1. Chills.

2. Nausea or vomiting.

3. Fatigue.

4. Pain upon urination.

5. Frequent urination.

6. Loss of appetite.

7. Cloudy, foul-smelling urine.

8. Back pain.

9. Fever.

4. Measures to prevent or control pyelonephritis.

1. Prevent lower urinary tract infection.

1. Drink liberal amounts of fluid each day.

2. Avoid delaying the urge to void.

3. Females should wipe from front to back after bowel movement.

2. Report early symptoms of urinary tract infection for early treatment (burning, frequency, fever, flank pain).

3. Drink up to 3 quarts of fluids per day in not contraindicated.

4. Monitor intake and output, and report decrease in output.

5. Weigh daily, and report any sudden increase in weight.

5. Possible complications of pyelonephritis.

1. Chronic renal failure.

2. Hypertension.

3. Kidney stones.