Kidney infection involves:
Bacterial Infection: Typically caused by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, ascending from the lower urinary tract to the kidneys.
Inflammation: The infection triggers inflammation in the kidney tissues (pyelonephritis), leading to swelling and potential kidney damage.
Obstruction and Reflux: Obstruction of urine flow or vesicoureteral reflux (backward flow of urine from the bladder into the kidneys) can facilitate bacterial entry and infection.
Complications: Severe cases can lead to abscess formation, sepsis, chronic kidney disease, or renal scarring.
Clinical Evaluation
Symptoms: Assessment of symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, vomiting, and urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency, dysuria).
Physical Examination: Examination findings may include costovertebral angle tenderness and signs of systemic infection (fever, tachycardia).
Diagnostic Tests: Urinalysis to detect pyuria (pus in urine), bacteriuria (bacteria in urine), and hematuria (blood in urine). Urine culture to identify the causative organism. Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan) to assess for complications like abscesses or obstruction.
Fever and chills.
Flank pain, often severe and located on one or both sides.
Nausea and vomiting.
Urinary symptoms, including frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination (dysuria).
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
General malaise and fatigue.
Blood in the urine (hematuria).
Treatment aims to eradicate the infection, manage symptoms, and prevent complications:
Antibiotic Therapy: Administration of appropriate antibiotics based on the causative organism and sensitivity patterns. Initial intravenous antibiotics for severe cases, followed by oral antibiotics.
Hydration: Increased fluid intake to help flush out bacteria and prevent dehydration.
Pain Management: Analgesics to manage pain and fever.
Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and close monitoring.
Preventive Measures: Addressing underlying conditions such as urinary tract obstructions or vesicoureteral reflux, and practicing good hygiene to prevent recurrence.