Bacterial nephritis or renal infection can be regarded as a spectrum of clinical entities, progressing from mild acute pyelonephritis (APN) to renal abscesses or emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN). Radiological images such as CT when available help delineate the nature, extent and severity of disease and also reveal complications such as abscess formation or obstruction.
Acute pyelonephritis
It is the acute infection involving the kidney presenting as fever, pain in the flank region and pus cells in urine examination. It usually spreads through blood or as an ascending infection from urinary bladder in to the kidneys.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis
It is the infection of the kidneys usually associated with presence of stones. Sometimes it is so severe that it needs removal of the kidney.
Emphysematous Pyelonephritis
It is the infection of the kidney with gas producing bacteria leading to accumulation of gas within the kidney leading to destruction of the parenchyma of the kidney. These acute infections can lead to pus collection (abscess) within the substance of the kidney and also in the surrounding of the kidney. Infections or pus in the kidney can lead to decrease in the renal function and also the infection can spread to the entire body (Severe Sepsis), more so in the patients with diabetes or other comorbidities. Prompt diagnosis of the disease and proper treatment with anitibiotics or surgical drainage of the pus or drainage of urine will be required in certain cases.
Urinary Tract Infection
The urinary tract is the body’s filtering system for removing liquid waste, or urine. It comprises the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from kidneys to bladder), bladder, and urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder for excretion). A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract. Women are more likely than men to get UTIs because of their urinary tract’s design. Men have a longer urethra, so it is more difficult for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Nearly half of all women will have a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. About 20 percent of these women will have repeat infections. The urinary tract has two parts: the lower and upper tracts. Most infections occur in the lower urinary tract and can also be called bladder infections. Infections in the lower tract (involving the bladder and urethra) are more common because bacteria can easily enter this area. Infections in the upper urinary tract (involving the kidneys and ureters) can also be called kidney infections and cause serious illness.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection or bladder infection may include:• Frequent need to urinate
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Pressure in the lower abdomen
• Pain in the lower back
• Blood in urine
Symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection or a kidney infection may include:• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Pain higher in the back (around the upper sides and waist)
In women, the symptoms of a urinary tract infection are similar to those caused by some vaginal infections.
Causes of UTI's
In women, urinary tract infections usually are caused by bacteria that live on the skin near the rectum or vagina. These bacteria can travel through the urinary tract and cause infections in the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract. UTIs in men are rare and usually indicate an abnormal urinary tract or an enlarged prostate. The most common causes of urinary tract infections are:• Sexual intercourse
• Waiting too long to urinate
• Kidney stones that may physically block the free flow of urine
• Cystocele : relaxing of the bladder and vaginal area, which causes pools of urine to remain in the bladder
• Diverticula : infections that develop on the inside wall of the urethra, allowing urine to collect
• Urethral stenosis—a narrowing of the urethra, preventing an easy flow of urine out of the body
• Certain conditions may put you at risk for urinary tract infections, including Urinary tract infections in childhood Diabetes Pregnancy Testing for UTIs Several methods may be used to tell whether you have a UTI.
• A urine sample may be used to evaluate the number of bacteria and white blood cells present. A high number of white blood cells in your urine may indicate an infection.
• A pelvic exam may be needed to rule out a vaginal or pelvic problem. X-rays or ultrasounds may be used if infection returns often or does not respond to treatment. Treatment Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. It is very important to use all medication that your doctor prescribes, even if symptoms go away before finishing the medication. Your doctor may recommend testing your urine after the treatment is finished to be sure the infection has completely cleared up. Prevention
• Understand the causes
• Practice good personal hygiene. Always wipe from front to back
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least three to four glasses of water each day) to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract
• Empty your bladder completely as soon as you feel the urge, or at least every three hours
• Get plenty of vitamin C. It makes urine acidic and helps keep bacteria down. Vitamin C is found in orange juice, citrus fruits, and broccoli
• Wear cotton underwear. Bacteria grows better in moist places. Cotton does not trap moisture
• If you contract an infection, see your doctor and follow the prescribed treatment
• Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently during menstruation
• After intercourse, urinate as soon as possible. This will help flush out any bacteria that may have gone into the urinary tract
If you have any symptoms of a urinary tract infection, see a doctor as soon as possible. With proper treatment, the infection can be cleared up before it causes serious problems.