What is Kidney Inflammation (Pyelonephritis), and What Precautions Should Be Taken?

"Kidney inflammation" or "kidney infection" refers to a type of urinary tract infection.

The condition we refer to as "kidney inflammation" or "kidney infection" is a type of urinary tract infection. Kidney infection is medically referred to as "pyelonephritis." To learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment methods of kidney inflammation, you can read the continuation of the article prepared by our Associate Professor, Enes Murat Atasoyu.

What is Kidney Inflammation (Pyelonephritis)?

"Kidney inflammation" or "kidney infection" refers to a type of urinary tract infection. Kidney infection is medically defined as "pyelonephritis."

What symptoms does it cause?

• Pain: Pain on the side of the affected kidney, which may feel like a burning pain or abdominal pain.
• Urinary changes: Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine.
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating.
• High fever.
• Chills and shaking.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Do the symptoms appear suddenly?

Most kidney infections initially start in the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder or urethra. The infection then ascends and spreads to the kidneys. Therefore, at the beginning of the disease, symptoms such as frequent urination, foul-smelling urine, weakness, and pain in the lower abdomen may be observed. If not treated at this stage, the infection can progress upward toward the kidneys, leading to more severe symptoms.

What are the Causes?

The infection agents are usually bacteria and viruses. The majority of bacteria that cause kidney infections are microorganisms found in the intestines and assist in digestion. In women, untreated genital infections can also spread to the urinary tract via proximity and cause infections.

Vesicoureteral reflux (an anomaly causing urine from the bladder to flow back toward the kidneys), kidney stones, congenital kidney abnormalities (such as horseshoe kidney, underdeveloped small kidneys, polycystic kidney), dehydration, constipation, and people who hold their urine (those who avoid using the toilet) are at a higher risk for developing kidney infections.

What Happens if It Is Left Untreated?

If kidney infections are not treated, they can lead to serious conditions such as kidney damage, kidney abscess, kidney failure, sepsis (infection spreading into the bloodstream), hypertension, and more.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you experience symptoms such as burning, pain while urinating, cloudy, foul-smelling urine, abdominal pain, pain in the kidney area, pressure in the bladder, groin pain, or fever, you should consult a doctor.

How Is the Diagnosis Made?

Diagnosis is made through blood tests, urine analysis, urine culture and antibiogram, ultrasound for the kidneys and urinary tract, and imaging tests such as CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

How Is It Treated?

Depending on the severity of the condition, the patient may be monitored on an outpatient basis or hospitalized. Appropriate antibiotic treatment and fluid support are provided.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Enes Murat Atasoyu listed 7 simple measures for kidney health:

• Pay attention to adequate fluid intake:
• According to Australian and Canadian researchers, adequate fluid consumption reduces the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The traditional scientific view suggests 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily for optimal health, but consult your doctor for the exact amount.
• Adopt an active lifestyle:
• Regular exercises such as walking, light jogging, and cycling can help you maintain a fit body and lose excess weight, if any.
• Regularly check your blood sugar levels:

  Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Early recognition of diabetic kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) allows treatments that can reverse or slow the damage to the kidneys.

• Monitor your blood pressure:

  Hypertension can lead to chronic kidney disease or develop as a result of kidney disease. High blood pressure accelerates the progression of the disease.

• Be mindful of salt intake and healthy eating:

  The World Health Organization recommends a daily salt intake of 5 grams. However, the average daily salt intake in our country is around 18 grams. Do not keep a salt shaker on your table and flavor your meals with spices and herbs (like mint, thyme, etc.).

• Avoid tobacco products:

  Smoking reduces kidney blood flow, which impairs the kidneys' ability to filter waste, leading to waste accumulation in the body. Smokers also have a 50% higher risk of developing kidney cancer.

• Do not take medication without a prescription:

  Do not use painkillers without a doctor's prescription. These medications can cause kidney damage, either in relation to the dose and duration of use or independently.