Pyelonephritis is an inflammatory disease caused by various pathogens invading the renal pelvis. It is more common in women, especially pregnant women of childbearing age. The main symptom of pyelonephritis is frequent urination, with a significant increase in the number of urinations, sometimes exceeding 10 times per day. During urination, there is a noticeable stinging or burning sensation at the urethral opening, a feeling of swelling in the lower abdomen, and in severe cases, gross hematuria, chills, body temperature above 38°C, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, and general weakness. A routine urinalysis will reveal a large number of red blood cells and white blood cells in the urine.
What specific tests should be done for pyelonephritis?
The main examinations for pyelonephritis include urinalysis, urine culture, and urinary tract ultrasound. Pyelonephritis is a localized inflammation of the renal pelvis caused by bacterial infection. Because the disease is caused by bacterial infection, urine culture is necessary to identify the bacteria and their sensitivity to specific medications, providing a clinical basis for future antibiotic adjustments. Another important examination is urinalysis. If symptoms such as lower back pain, fever, or even urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria are present, and white blood cells are found on the urinalysis, an acute pyelonephritis diagnosis can be made, and antibiotic treatment can be administered. Urinary tract ultrasound is primarily used to determine if there is urinary tract obstruction or urinary tract stones; these predisposing factors also need to be addressed.
Methods for treating pyelonephritis.
Pyelonephritis is quite common clinically, mainly causing a series of infection symptoms such as lower back pain, high fever, and chills. It is a urinary tract infection and can be completely cured with regular anti-infective treatment. Generally, the most common bacteria causing pyelonephritis is Escherichia coli, which enters the bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis through the urethra, causing corresponding infection symptoms. Treatment options include quinolones, cephalosporins, and penicillins. In addition to medication, it is important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and avoid holding urine. Antibiotic treatment should be continued for at least two weeks to aid recovery and prevent recurrence.