Kidney inflammation, also known as nephritis, is caused by inflammation of the kidney’s functional unit, the nephrons. This situation, which may develop as a result of a combination of different causes, can lead to a serious decrease in kidney functions. Here, the main goal in the treatment of kidney inflammation disease will be the preservation of the healthy parts of the kidney and its proper functioning.
Acute Pyelonephritis
Kidney inflammation (acute pyelonephritis) presents with chills, fever, and flank pain. In general, lower urinary system complaints such as burning during urination, frequent urination and inability to grow may accompany. With the mixing of bacteria into the blood, it can also lead to a severe disease called sepsis that spreads to the whole body. The cause of 20-30% of all systemic infections is urinary tract infection. In the diagnostic urine analysis, leukocytes and erythrocytes are seen. In the blood analysis, leukocytosis, increased sedimentation, and increased C-reactive protein level are detected. A urine culture should be taken before starting antibiotic therapy. The infectious agent is 80% E. Coli.
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography as radiological imaging confirms the diagnosis, but it is not necessary for every patient, it should be performed only if there is no response to treatment and there is doubt in the diagnosis. Kidney ultrasonography is very useful in showing whether there is an obstruction that may lead to infection. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection.
Serious patients should be hospitalized and treated intravenously with appropriate dual antibiotics and antipyretics. Treatment should be continued for at least 10-14 days.
Chronic Pyelonephritis
Recurrent kidney infections that cause scarring, shrinkage, and kidney failure in the kidney cause chronic pyelonephritis. Most patients with chronic pyelonephritis have no complaints and have a history of frequent and recurrent urinary tract infections. Especially in childhood, scarring in the kidney and recurrent urinary tract infections cause this.
The diagnosis is made incidentally during the investigation of complaints such as hypertension, visual impairment, headache, fatigue, and profuse urination related to renal failure. The serum creatinine level reflects the severity of renal failure. In the diagnosis, medicated kidney film or CT, USG are helpful. Renal scintigraphy with DMSA shows the scarring in the kidney best. Its treatment is limited. Elimination of recurrent urinary tract infections, correction of underlying causes such as obstruction and stones can prevent the progression of kidney damage. Long-term prophylactic antibiotic therapy may be required in children. Sometimes the problem kidney may need to be removed.
Kidney Abscess
It is characterized by destruction of kidney tissue as a result of severe infection. This area then turns into an abscess. It spreads by opening around the kidney. Diabetic patients on hemodialysis, intravenous drug users are at high risk. Patients apply to the doctor with fever, flank or abdominal pain, chills and burning in urination. Urine and blood tests help with this.
Kidney abscesses are detected by USG and CT. In the treatment, the patient is hospitalized, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics are started, if no response is received within 48 hours, the abscess is drained from the skin tract, and if no result is obtained, open surgery is performed. Patients should be investigated for reasons such as stone obstruction, which may later lead to kidney abscess.