Pyonephrosis (pionephrosis): causes, symptoms and drugs & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is pyonephrosis?

Pyonephrosis is a bacterial or fungal infection that occurs in the kidneys. These microbes move from the urethra into the kidneys through the blood. This infection then causes pus to form, preventing urine from leaving the kidneys.

If treated quickly, the infected kidney will usually heal within 24 to 28 hours. In severe cases, permanent kidney damage may occur or total kidney failure. In these circumstances, it may be necessary to remove part or all of the infected kidney. If left untreated, pyonephrosis can also lead to loss of kidney function.

How common is pyonephrosis?

This condition can affect patients of any age. This can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pyonephrosis?

Pyonephrosis usually occurs as a combined disease of blockage in the urinary tract and infection in the kidney cells. Hence the symptoms of these two conditions are found in pyonephrosis. The clinical symptoms of each patient can be different, but fever, chills, and pain in the pelvis are three characteristic features.

Apart from these three symptoms, pyuria (gonorrhea) is also almost always found in cases of pyonephrosis. Pyuria is a condition where there is pus in the urine. Nausea and vomiting may also accompany this disease. Pain can also appear in the back of the waist area.

Another symptom you may encounter is finding a lump that can be felt when doing an abdominal exam. The lump appears due to an enlarged kidney due to an abscess. This condition can lead to kidney failure.

Left untreated, pyonephrosis can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition, especially in immunocompromised people. With presenting symptoms of sepsis, such as rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, abdominal distension, pale skin, and low blood pressure, the patient can go into septic shock and die.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes pyonephrosis?

Pyonephrosis is a rare kidney disease that occurs due to the buildup of pus and the formation of a kidney abscess.

The most common reasons for pionephrosis are infection of the renal tract and obstruction. E. coli, Klebsiella, proteus, Candida, and others are infectious causes that may have to be responsible for infection and damage to kidney tissue.

Blockage can occur for various reasons such as kidney stones, tumors that spread from testicular cancer and colon. Blockage can also occur at the junction of the ureter and pelvic kidneys due to compression of the uterus that grows during pregnancy.

A past history of kidney surgery and chronic kidney infections can also lead to kidney abscess formation. People with weak immunity such as HIV or diabetes patients are at high risk for developing pionephrosis.

Triggers

What puts a person at risk for pionephrosis?

There are many factors that can trigger pionephrosis in a person, including:

• Female anatomy. Women are more at risk for kidney infections than men. A woman's urethra is much shorter than a man's, so it is closer for bacteria to move from the outside into the bladder. The proximity of the urethra to the vagina and anus also creates more opportunities for bacteria to enter the bladder. Once in the bladder, the infection can spread to the kidneys. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing kidney infections.
• Blockage in the urinary tract. Anything that slows down the flow of urine or reduces your ability to completely empty your bladder when you urinate, such as kidney stones, structural abnormalities in the urinary system; or in men, an enlarged prostate gland, can increase the risk of kidney infection.
• Weak immune system. Medical conditions that interfere with the immune system, such as diabetes and HIV, can increase the risk of kidney infections. Certain medications, such as those used to prevent organ transplant rejection, can have the same effect.
• Damage to the nerves around the bladder. Damage to the nerves or spinal cord can block the sensation of a urinary infection so you may not notice it when the condition develops into a kidney infection.
• Prolonged use of a urinary catheter. A urine catheter is a tube used to drain urine from the bladder. You may use a catheter during and after some surgical procedures and diagnostic tests. Catheters can be used continuously if you need to be hospitalized.
• Conditions that cause urine to drain in the wrong direction. In vesicoureteral reflux, small amounts of urine flow from the bladder back up into the ureters and kidneys. People with vesicoureteral reflux can often develop kidney infections during childhood and are at increased risk of developing kidney infections during adulthood.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How is pionephrosis diagnosed?

A proper medical history and clinical examination assisted by laboratory tests can diagnose this condition. CT scan and ultrasound are important radiological tools for diagnosing pyonephrosis. The doctor will also recommend blood tests such as CBC, ESR, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood culture, urine culture, and urine analysis.

What are the treatments for pyonephrosis?

Pionephrosis is a life threatening condition. Therefore there should not be any delay for the patient in pursuing medical treatment. The first line of treatment is the administration of intravenous antibiotics. Often times surgery is needed to remove the pus and urine that has accumulated in the infected kidney.

Pus can be removed in two different ways. Stent can be placed in the ureter (the long tube that attaches to the kidneys and bladder) so that it becomes wide and allows pus to drain out. Another way is by percutaneous drainage of the pus.

Sometimes, if the pionephrosis damages the kidneys and makes them malfunctioning, removal may be necessary.

Prevention

What can I do at home to prevent and treat pionephrosis?

Here are some tips you can do at home to prevent or treat pyonephrosis:

• Put a warm object. Place a heating pad on your stomach, back or side of your body to reduce pressure or pain.
• Use pain medication. For fever or discomfort due to illness, you can use a non-aspirin pain reliever containing acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) as directed by your doctor.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids will help flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Avoid coffee and alcohol until your infection has cleared up. Both can affect the amount of urine that you will pass.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.