Acute pyelonephritis

Acute Pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis (pronounced: a-kyoot pie-low-nuh-fry-tis) is a type of kidney infection that results from bacteria entering the kidneys, most commonly from a pre-existing bladder infection.

Etymology

The term "acute pyelonephritis" is derived from the Greek words "pyelo" (pelvis), "nephros" (kidney), and "itis" (inflammation). "Acute" refers to the sudden onset and short course of the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute pyelonephritis can include fever, pain in the lower back or side, frequent urination, and nausea or vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

Causes

Acute pyelonephritis is most often caused by E. coli bacteria, but it can also be caused by other types of bacteria or by viruses. It is more common in women than in men due to the shorter urethra in women, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the kidneys.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis typically involves a urine test to identify the presence of bacteria and white blood cells, which indicate an infection. In some cases, a kidney ultrasound or CT scan may be used to check for abnormalities in the kidneys.

Treatment

Treatment for acute pyelonephritis usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Related Terms

• Chronic Pyelonephritis
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Cystitis
• Urethritis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Acute pyelonephritis
• Wikipedia's article - Acute pyelonephritis

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