Common symptoms of pyelonephritis in women include frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, lower back pain, and fever. Treatment includes antibiotics, symptomatic treatment, and lifestyle modifications. Pyelonephritis is a common urinary tract infection in women, primarily because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to ascend and infect the kidneys. Women are at higher risk of infection during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause due to hormonal changes and decreased immunity.
1. Frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination: Patients with pyelonephritis often experience urinary tract irritation symptoms, manifested as increased frequency of urination, urgency, and pain during urination. These symptoms are related to inflammation of the bladder and urethral mucosa.
2. Lower back pain: When the infection affects the kidneys, patients may experience persistent dull or aching pain in the lower back or flank, which may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin area.
3. Fever: Pyelonephritis is often accompanied by fever, with body temperature rising to above 38°C, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as chills and fatigue, indicating that the infection may have spread throughout the body.
In terms of treatment, antibiotics are the first choice. Commonly used drugs include cephalosporins, quinolones, and penicillins, with a course of treatment typically lasting 7-14 days. Symptomatic treatment includes using antipyretics and analgesics such as ibuprofen to relieve fever and pain, and drinking plenty of water to promote bacterial excretion. Regarding lifestyle, pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid holding urine, keep the vulva clean, and avoid using irritating washes.
If pyelonephritis is not treated in time, it may develop into chronic nephritis or kidney damage. Therefore, if related symptoms appear, you should seek medical attention in time, follow your doctor's advice for standardized treatment, and strengthen daily preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrence.