Chronic pyelonephritis

Chronic pyelonephritis: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Chronic pyelonephritis: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Definition of chronic pyelonephritis

Chronic pyelonephritis is an inflammatory disease of the kidneys characterized by a prolonged progressive lesion of the kidney parenchyma and renal pelvis. This involves structural changes in kidney tissue, accompanied by dystrophic and fibrotic processes. As a result, there is a gradual loss of functional activity of the kidneys, which can lead to serious complications, including chronic kidney failure.

Chronic pyelonephritis may occur as a result of recurrent or chronic urinary tract infections, obstruction of the ureters, disruption of expensive factors, or prolonged use of nephrotoxic drugs. The disease is characterized by a long and slow course without pronounced symptoms in the early stages, which complicates its diagnosis and can lead to the progression of kidney damage.

Factors contributing to the development of chronic pyelonephritis

The development of chronic pyelonephritis may be due to various factors, including recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary function disorders, obstruction of the urinary tract, the presence of ureteral stents or catheters, as well as hereditary predispositions. Other potential causes include inadequate drinking habits, prolonged use of improperly selected medications, and systemic diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune conditions that may contribute to the development of pyelonephritis.

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections: constant inflammation can lead to chronic pyelonephritis.
  • Disorders of urinary function: obstruction or impairment of urine output can contribute to the development of pyelonephritis.
  • Presence of ureteral stents or catheters: prolonged presence of these devices can increase the risk of infection and inflammation.
  • Hereditary predispositions: genetic factors may play a role in the onset of chronic pyelonephritis.
  • Long-term use of improperly selected medications: uncontrolled treatment of urinary tract infections can exacerbate the situation and contribute to the chronicity of the process.

The main signs of chronic pyelonephritis

Chronic pyelonephritis often progresses asymptomatically in the early stages, but over time it can manifest with various symptoms such as a constant feeling of fatigue, weakness, general malaise, loss of appetite, changes in urine, and increased body temperature. Patients may also experience back or flank pain, frequent urination, swelling, and elevated blood pressure. Sometimes, symptoms of intoxication may appear, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bowel disturbances. If such signs are present, it is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and timely treatment of chronic pyelonephritis.

  • Fatigue and weakness: a constant feeling of fatigue and weakness may be one of the first signs of chronic pyelonephritis associated with kidney function disorders.
  • Back and side pain: patients often complain of pain in the lower back or side, which may worsen during physical exertion or urination.
  • Changes in urine: the presence of blood, pus, or changes in urine color may indicate a chronic inflammatory process in the kidneys.
  • Swelling: chronic pyelonephritis can lead to fluid retention in the body, manifesting as swelling, especially in the face, hands, and feet.
  • High blood pressure: patients with chronic pyelonephritis may experience high blood pressure due to kidney function disorders and fluid retention in the body.

The professionals’ perspective on the treatment of chronic pyelonephritis

The experts’ opinion on the treatment of chronic pyelonephritis is based on a comprehensive approach, which includes adjusting the therapeutic tactics depending on the form and severity of the disease. Doctors usually recommend the use of antibiotics to combat the infection and prevent possible complications. However, the treatment approach may also include recommendations for lifestyle changes, diet, and hydration regimen, as well as measures to eliminate factors that contribute to recurrences of the disease.

Experts also emphasize the importance of regular monitoring of kidney condition and examination of patients with chronic pyelonephritis to control the effectiveness of treatment and exclude possible complications. An individualized approach to each patient, taking into account the specifics of their condition and the presence of concomitant diseases, is considered key in doctors’ practice when treating chronic pyelonephritis.

Methods for diagnosing chronic pyelonephritis

To diagnose chronic pyelonephritis, doctors may use a number of methods, including a clinical urine analysis to determine the presence of leukocytes and bacteria, a blood test to assess inflammation markers and kidney function, as well as an ultrasound examination of the kidneys to identify structural changes and the presence of stones in the urinary system organs. Additional diagnostic methods may include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cystoscopy, and microbiological studies of urine to determine sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.

  • Clinical urine analysis: includes the assessment of the presence of leukocytes, bacteria, and other parameters indicating an inflammatory process in the kidneys.
  • Blood test: allows determining inflammation markers and kidney function by measuring creatinine, urea, and other indicators.
  • Ultrasound examination of the kidneys: helps identify structural changes, stones, and other pathologies in the kidneys and urinary tract.
  • Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): more detailed imaging methods to assess the condition of the kidneys and surrounding tissues.
  • Cystoscopy: a method that allows for visual examination of the urinary tract and detection of changes such as inflammation or tumors.

Methods of therapy for chronic pyelonephritis

Treatment of chronic pyelonephritis depends on the severity of the disease, the causes of its occurrence, and the presence of complications. The mainstay of therapy includes the use of antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infection, monitoring blood pressure, and maintaining hydration. Patients may also be advised to adjust their diet, which includes limiting salt intake and adopting a healthy lifestyle. In cases of severe forms of chronic pyelonephritis, surgical intervention may be required to remove kidney stones or restore the urinary tract.

  • Use of antibiotics: One of the key methods in the treatment of chronic pyelonephritis is the prescription of appropriate antibiotics to combat bacterial infection and prevent complications.
  • Blood pressure control: Patients with chronic pyelonephritis are advised to regularly measure their blood pressure and maintain it at an optimal level to improve kidney function.
  • Hydration: An important aspect of treatment is maintaining an adequate level of hydration by consuming sufficient amounts of fluids, which helps eliminate toxins from the body and improves kidney function.
  • Dietary modification: Patients are often advised to follow a low-salt diet and limit protein intake to reduce the burden on the kidneys and improve overall health.
  • Surgical intervention: In the case of kidney stones or problems with the urinary tract, surgical operation may be required to remove them and restore normal blood flow in the urinary system organs.

Measures for the prevention of chronic pyelonephritis

The prevention of chronic pyelonephritis includes a number of measures aimed at preventing urinary tract infections. This includes adhering to hygiene standards during urination, the importance of personal hygiene, consuming a sufficient amount of water to improve the elimination of bacteria and toxins from the kidneys, regular monitoring of blood pressure, and timely treatment of urinary tract infections. It is also recommended to avoid overcooling, control blood sugar levels in the presence of diabetes, and monitor physical activity levels to reduce the risk of developing chronic pyelonephritis.

  • Adhering to urinary hygiene: regular washing of the genital area and proper technique in urination help prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract.
  • Increasing water intake: consuming adequate amounts of water helps dilute urine, which aids in eliminating bacteria and toxins from the body.
  • Monitoring blood pressure: stabilizing blood pressure is important for maintaining kidney health and preventing the development of pyelonephritis.
  • Treating urinary tract infections in a timely manner: promptly consulting a doctor at the first signs of infection can prevent its spread and complications.
  • Avoiding hypothermia and monitoring physical activity levels: maintaining optimal body temperature and moderate physical activity help preserve kidney health and prevent the development of chronic pyelonephritis.

Unusual aspects of chronic pyelonephritis

Although chronic pyelonephritis is often associated with classical symptoms such as kidney pain and changes in urine, some cases of the disease may be asymptomatic or mimic other diseases of the urinary system. For example, in patients with underlying kidney diseases or diabetes, the symptoms of chronic pyelonephritis may be less pronounced or mask the symptoms of another disease, complicating diagnosis. Additionally, the course of chronic pyelonephritis can be diverse and depend on the individual characteristics of the patient, highlighting the importance of professional assessment and an individualized approach to the treatment of this disease.

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