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What is Chronic Pyelonephritis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Chronic pyelonephritis is a persistent infection of the kidneys leading to inflammation, scarring, and other permanent damage. It is most commonly seen in patients with underlying anatomical abnormalities predisposing them to infections in the urinary tract and kidneys. Treatment options usually include antibiotic medications to treat the infection and may involve surgery to correct an anatomical problem and prevent future infections, as well as other complications.

In patients with chronic pyelonephritis, the infection often starts lower in the urinary tract, around the bladder, with bacteria or viruses causing infection and obstruction. Urine can back up into the kidneys, causing the infection to spread into the kidneys and leading to widespread inflammation. Symptoms of pyelonephritis can include difficulty urinating, changes in urine color, and painful kidneys. In the case of chronic pyelonephritis, these symptoms persist for an extended period of time, as the inflammation never fully resolves.

Cranberry juice may help with chronic pyelonephritis.
Cranberry juice may help with chronic pyelonephritis.

Samples of urine can be taken to look for infectious organisms to diagnose infection and patients may also be evaluated with medical imaging studies to look for signs like swelling or other tissue changes in the kidneys. These studies will also reveal variations in the patient's anatomy, such as strictures in the urinary tract, which may explain why the patient developed pyelonephritis initially and why it is so difficult to resolve.

The kidneys and renal veins and arteries.
The kidneys and renal veins and arteries.

Immediate treatment includes medications to kill the causative organism. Once the infection is resolved, a doctor may suggest other options such as surgery. Patients can also be advised to make dietary modifications to reduce the risk of future urinary tract infections, such as drinking cranberry juice to keep the urine acidic, thereby resisting bacterial growth. Some chronic pyelonephritis patients may also be given a standing prescription for antibiotics they can use when they detect signs of an infection.

Antibiotic medications can be used to treat the infection associated with chronic pyelonephritis.
Antibiotic medications can be used to treat the infection associated with chronic pyelonephritis.

If this condition is not treated, the persistent inflammation can be very damaging to the kidneys. Scarring can cause narrowing of the urinary tract, making it harder for patients to express urine, and the kidneys may not function as well. Over time, this may lead to damage to other organs, as once the kidneys start to malfunction, a cascading series of reactions happens because the body can no longer regulate levels of electrolytes and waste products effectively. Treatment of chronic pyelonephritis is critical, as are follow-up appointments to check for recurrence of the condition and provide patients with prophylactic care to prevent urinary tract infections from reaching the kidneys.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Cranberry juice may help with chronic pyelonephritis.
      Cranberry juice may help with chronic pyelonephritis.
    • The kidneys and renal veins and arteries.
      By: satin_111
      The kidneys and renal veins and arteries.
    • Antibiotic medications can be used to treat the infection associated with chronic pyelonephritis.
      By: Syda Productions
      Antibiotic medications can be used to treat the infection associated with chronic pyelonephritis.