Such a pathological process as pyelitis in children is an inflammation of the renal pelvis. And in this case, the question of what it comes from is quite natural. Parents need such knowledge in order to minimize the likelihood of a similar disease in their child.
Etiology and causative agents of pathology
Pyelitis in children is usually diagnosed before the age of 6 years. Moreover, the majority of young patients are female children. In girls, the disease is detected more often for the reason that their genitourinary system has its own specifics.
Often, pathology is a form of complication of previous diseases. For example, it can be a sore throat, flu, as well as caries.
The likelihood that pyelitis will occur in children is highest among babies up to one year of age and pregnant women in the presence of appropriate provoking factors. In addition, men with impaired prostate function are at risk.
In addition to previous pathologies, a number of stimulating factors are capable of provoking the development of a designated ailment in children:
- the presence of congenital renal abnormalities;
- transferred hypothermia of the body;
- urinary retention in the pelvis during pregnancy;
- and, finally, exacerbation of chronic diseases in a severe form.
Exposure to the development of this pathology is monitored in those people in whom the immune system is constantly impaired. Such pathogens as viruses, Candida fungal bacteria and other types of microorganisms can contribute to the development of the inflammatory process in the renal pelvis.
Now that we know what pyelitis is in children, it is also important to understand that there are downward and upward paths of infection. In the latter case, the infectious process develops towards the organ from the bladder. In the case of a downward development, the infection affects the organ through the bloodstream. Taking into account the structural features of the body of the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity, it should be noted that for women and girls a downward path of infection is characteristic.
Classification of the pathological process
In addition to knowledge about what pyelitis is, the types of this pathological process are also important to share. If we take the area of damage as a basis, then we distinguish:
- right-sided pyelitis;
- left-sided;
- bilateral.
By the nature of the course, the disease is classified as:
- acute form;
- subacute;
- chronic form, when the disease lasts from six months or more;
- and, finally, a relapsing form of the inflammatory process in the organ of the urinary system.
It is very important to know what causes pyelitis in children and adults. Thus, it is possible at an early stage to suspect something was wrong and turn to the appropriate medical specialist.
Signs of a pathological process in children
To begin with, it should be understood that pyelitis in children is a disease that, as in the case of any other inflammatory process, is characterized by pronounced general intoxication of the body. In this regard, babies become moody, cry and enter an apathetic - depressive state. Some children experience lethargy. Answering the question of what pyelitis is and how it is characterized, it should be said that with the defeat of the body by this pathology in children, eating behavior changes. Kids refuse long-loved dishes, drink less water and complain of bloating. If the child has a severe form of intoxication, then in this case the baby has a feeling of nausea and vomiting.
The second no less important sign of the disease is high body temperature, which varies from 37 to 39 degrees, which is accompanied by a state of chills, severe headaches and cramps.
Symptom of ailment in adults
With the development of pyelitis in adults, the following clinical picture appears:
- urination becomes uncomfortable and is accompanied by cutting pains;
- there is an increase in body temperature in the patient;
- in the acute form of the disease, pain occurs in the lumbar region;
- the patient's urine acquires a light brown or dark shade.
Methods for the diagnosis of pathology
With the development of this disease, the designated organ continues to work, as before. However, during a visit to a specialist, a patient reveals a painful reaction in the lumbar spine, as well as in the urinary tract. During the examination of such patients, a laboratory test of urine is mandatory to determine the level of leukocytes.
In addition, the following diagnostic procedures are performed:
- biochemical blood test;
- Ultrasound of the kidneys.
In medical practice, the most difficult from the point of view of diagnosis is the detection of the disease in infants.
Therapeutic measures
After the answer was given to the question of pyelitis - what is it, how to treat the disease, you also need to know. Treatment of the inflammatory process in the kidneys requires an integrated approach. As you know, there are conservative and radical methods of treatment.
In the first case, the patient is prescribed medication, a special drinking regimen, as well as a dietary diet. If we talk about taking medications, then in this situation, patients are prescribed:
- antibacterial agents to eliminate the infectious process in the body;
- antimicrobial agents;
- medicines with antispasmodic properties;
- antipyretic drugs.
During the rehabilitation period, patients are prescribed physiotherapy, as well as the use of alternative methods of treatment.
As for the surgical treatment of pyelitis, in this case, part or all of the affected organ is excised. The latter option is applied infrequently. It is for this reason that the attending physicians conduct the most gentle treatment in order to preserve as much of the organ as possible.
The key principles of pyelitis therapy are:
- removal of inflammatory swelling;
- taking measures to prevent dehydration, as well as the development of cardiovascular failure and shock.
If the pathological process was detected untimely, and the treatment was carried out incorrectly, then the development of such complications is possible:
- urosepsis;
- paranephritis;
- renal failure.
If chronic pyelitis will last for a long time and complications worsen, then the child may experience septic shock, after which the organ will cease to function, which can lead to death.
The regime of baby food with pyelitis
The quality of food consumed by a child with diagnosed pyelitis is of great importance. This is due to the fact that a lot of effort is needed to regenerate tissues, restore energy and fight the body against the infectious process. For this reason, the parents of the baby should make sure that the body receives the necessary amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and with them minerals and vitamins.
You should also limit your child’s intake of salt and other harmful foods, including:
- chocolates and marmalade;
- baked products with cream;
- processed cheese;
- crackers and chips;
- packaged juices and sodas;
- and finally fast food.
Excluding the above products, it is necessary to enrich the child’s diet with the following components:
- cereals and milk soups;
- cheese, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese and sour cream;
- fresh, boiled and baked vegetables and fruits;
- natural juices and berry fruit drinks;
- low-fat varieties of meat and fish;
- and finally, seafood.
Treatment prognosis
If the pathological process was detected at an early stage of development, the treatment process can take from 1 to 3 weeks. If the disease takes on a chronic form, then therapy can drag on for several years. As for women bearing a child, then in their case the ailment will come to naught after the birth of the baby.
In general, we can say that the prognosis of the patient with pyelitis is favorable. And only in the most severe cases a fatal outcome is possible due to blood poisoning.
Preventive measures
Why pyelitis appears in children is understandable, but how to prevent its development? Pyelitis is a rather unpleasant disease, and therefore, if its first signs are revealed, you should make an appointment with a nephrologist as soon as possible. The sooner the necessary treatment is prescribed and received, the more favorable the outcome of the disease will be.
As for preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of pathology, here it is necessary to highlight compliance with the principles of personal hygiene, a healthy lifestyle. Subcooling should also be avoided. In addition, do not forget about strengthening the immune system through multivitamin complexes in the autumn and spring. The child should play sports, this will strengthen the protective functions of the body.
Thus, pyelitis in babies can lead to the most serious consequences. Therefore, parents need to do everything in terms of preventive measures, and also do not put off a visit to the doctor when the first symptoms of the disease appear. Only in this case will it be possible to preserve the health and life of the child.