Kidney infection : Diagnosis and Treatment

Summary :

◉ Diagnosis of Kidney infection

Many diseases of the pelvis and abdomen can cause symptoms that resemble Kidney infection.

To diagnose acute Kidney infection, doctors should rely on evidence of a UTI from a urinalysis, as well as signs and symptoms suggesting an upper UTI.

After a questionnaire on the symptoms, the medical history and according to the age and sex of the patient, the doctor can:


◉ Differential diagnosis

Other causes of flank pain, with or without fever, include:


Treatment

Treatment for a kidney infection depends on your symptoms, your general health, your response to treatment, and any complications you may have.

The usual treatment for Kidney infection is antibiotics, although some people need other forms of treatment.

Hospitalization

Critically ill patients may be hospitalized and restricted to bed rest until they can take the fluids and medications they need on their own. Fluids and medications may be given intravenously during this time.

Clinical indication for hospitalization in case of kidney infection :

Antibiotics :

Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for kidney infections. They can be given intravenously, orally, or both.

While a urine sample is sent to a lab for culture, the doctor may begin probabilistic treatment with an antibiotic that is effective against the most common types of bacteria.

Once the culture results are known and the bacterium is clearly identified, the antibiotic can be replaced with an antibiotic that more effectively targets the bacterium.

Painkillers :

For fever or discomfort, take an analgesic (paracetamol). It is best to avoid or limit the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.

Surgical intervention :

An underlying medical problem such as an abnormality of the urinary tract, kidney stone, fistulas, vesicoureteral reflux or an enlarged prostate is blocking your urinary tract, a doctor can sometimes treat the problem with surgery or another procedure.


Prevention

The goal of medical management of patients with kidney infection is not just to eradicate the infection, but to identify patients at risk for further infection and renal scarring.


Complications

An untreated infection can damage the kidneys and lead to long-term problems:


◉ Frequently Asked Questions

Q : What are the main causes of kidney infection ?
R : The main cause is gram-negative bacteria, the most common being Escherichia coli.

Q : What are the classic signs of pyelonephritis ?
R : The classic presentation of acute pyelonephritis is the triad of fever, costovertebral angle pain, and nausea and/or vomiting.

Q : Does kidney infection require hospitalization?
R : Patients with acute complicated kidney infection who are sicker or have not responded to outpatient treatment should be hospitalized.

Q : Can pyelonephritis cause kidney failure?
R : A possible complication of acute pyelonephritis is chronic renal failure. If the infection persists, the kidneys may be permanently damaged.

Q : Does kidney infection require surgery?
R : In addition to antibiotics, surgery may be necessary in certain situations: Renal cortical abscess, surgical drainage, an enlarged prostate blocks the urinary tract, kidney stone...

Q: How long will I stay in the hospital?
A: The length of your hospital stay depends on many factors. The average length of hospital stay with a kidney infection is 3 to 5 days.

Q: The risk of pyelonephritis in pregnant women?
A: Pregnancy causes many temporary changes in the body, including physiological changes in the urinary tract. Increased progesterone and increased pressure on the ureters can lead to an increased risk of pyelonephritis.


⮜ Kidney infection : Symptoms and causes Kidney infection : Diagnosis and Treatment


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