Pyelonephritis in women is a fairly common disease of the genitourinary system. An infectious disease is characterized by inflammation of the kidneys. It can be unilateral and bilateral in nature and in the absence of the required treatment can lead to very serious consequences, up to sepsis. Among the main causes of pyelonephritis in women, the penetration of pathogens from the urethra into the kidneys should be noted. If the first signs of the disease occur, you should definitely consult a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Disease feature
Pyelonephritis is a non-specific inflammatory process, often of a bacterial nature, affecting the kidneys. Women are more prone to the formation of pyelonephritis, which is due to the anatomical structure of the urethra, which is much shorter and wider than in men. As a result, pathogens from the urethra quickly penetrate the bladder and kidneys, causing an inflammatory process.
In addition, women are much more predisposed to the onset of the disease, since they have frequent hormonal changes, which mainly occur during pregnancy and menopause. Changes in the body during this period lead to a weakening of immunity and create conditions for the development of infection.
Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to very serious consequences for the body, therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. It is worth considering that the symptoms of pyelonephritis in women are similar to cystitis, inflammation of the bladder, as well as many other diseases of the reproductive and urinary system, therefore, before starting treatment, a comprehensive diagnosis should be made.
Classification
Doctors have not developed a single classification of pyelonephritis . That is why they distinguish this disease according to several characteristics. In particular, inflammation can be unilateral and bilateral. Depending on the causes of the disease, pyelonephritis can be primary and secondary.
The primary inflammatory process develops in a healthy body, and during the diagnosis, factors that lead to its development are not detected. The secondary form of the disease can be triggered by other pathologies. According to the degree of patency of the urinary system, it is divided into non-obstructive and obstructive.
With a non-obstructive form of pathology, complete patency of the urinary tract is maintained. The basis of development may be immunodeficiency and endocrine diseases. The obstructive form of pyelonephritis is based on organic or functional disorders of the outflow of urine.
The course of the disease can be acute or chronic. The acute form of pyelonephritis occurs with the occurrence of severe pain, hyperthermia, as well as fever. It can be serous and purulent. The chronic form of pyelonephritis occurs for a long time, often throughout life. The patient has a wrinkled kidney. Pathology can occur in such stages as:
The active phase is characterized by the presence of pronounced clinical manifestations. Its symptomatology is similar to the course of pyelonephritis in the acute stage, namely, pain, signs of intoxication, changes in the composition of urine are observed. With a latent stage in a patient, urine changes its composition and structure, and a violation of the urination process is also observed. Symptoms are somewhat blurred.
During the period of remission, the patient may not have any obvious signs indicating the occurrence of pyelonephritis in the body. It is very difficult to detect the disease at this stage. However, the nephrologist after conducting a comprehensive diagnosis will be able to determine the presence of pathology.
Pyelonephritis can be ascending and descending along the path of infection. With an ascending type of infection, bacteria enter the urinary system through the urethra, then enter the bladder and kidneys. The downward route of infection is rarer. In this case, the bacteria enter the kidneys with a blood or lymph flow from any foci of inflammation occurring in the body.
Pyelonephritis during pregnancy
If there is a disease in women before pregnancy, kidney treatment should be performed to reduce the risk of kidney failure after childbirth. Often, it is she who causes the death of a woman about 5 years after delivery. In some cases, the causes of pyelonephritis in women are associated with pregnancy, since during this period the hormonal background changes dramatically. An increased risk of the disease occurs in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
The disease can provoke pathologies such as:
- sepsis;
- anemia;
- renal failure;
- premature birth.
For treatment, it is recommended to consume pumpkin juice, since it has an anti-inflammatory effect in pyelonephritis or cystitis. You can also drink watermelon juice with brown bread.
Causes of occurrence
Among the main causes of pyelonephritis in women, it is necessary to highlight the penetration of pathogens into the kidneys. This can happen in several ways, namely:
- urinogenous;
- hematogenous;
- violation of the outflow of urine and congestion.
The most common urinogenic method of infection with acute pyelonephritis. The disease develops against colpitis, cystitis, urethritis, that is, pathogens penetrate the kidneys from a nearby focus of inflammation. With the hematogenous method of infection, the infection enters the kidneys with a blood stream from other foci of inflammation or can be brought in during medical or diagnostic procedures.
Stagnation and impaired urine outflow can also lead to the development of pyelonephritis, which is due to partial reverse reflux into the kidneys. In stagnant urine, pathogens begin to multiply intensely, which provoke the development of inflammation. Among pathogens, E. coli is isolated. In addition, among the causes of pyelonephritis in women, it is necessary to highlight such pathogens as:
- enterococci;
- staphylococci;
- enterobacteria;
- fungal microflora;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Additional risk factors contributing to the development of the disease are facilitated by pathologies such as:
- endocrine system diseases;
- congenital defects of the kidneys;
- pathology of the nervous system;
- medical or diagnostic procedures;
- urolithiasis disease;
- operations on the organs of the urinary system;
- kidney injury;
- diseases of the female genital organs;
- decreased immunity.
In addition, among the causes of pyelonephritis in women, it is necessary to highlight age-related changes, hormonal disorders during menopause, which are accompanied by a weakening of the functioning of the renal pelvis and ureter.
During pregnancy, a growing uterus can pinch the ureters, creating certain conditions for stagnation of urine and the growth of bacteria. The beginning of sexual life is also a threat to a woman, therefore, hygiene measures must be observed. Among other causes of pyelonephritis in women, urinary tract obstruction, old age, chronic stress, frequent hypothermia, spinal cord injuries should be highlighted.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of the disease may vary slightly depending on the cause of pyelonephritis in women. Doctors distinguish between acute and chronic course of pathology. These forms can vary in symptoms and move from one stage to another.
Depending on the cause of the disease, acute pyelonephritis in women may vary slightly in their symptoms. A similar pathology is characterized by the presence of severe inflammation in the kidneys. In this case, the active reproduction of the pathogen occurs, which is accompanied by the presence of a response of the immune system. Among the main symptoms, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- temperature increase up to 40 degrees;
- general weakness;
- chills;
- migraine;
- heavy sweating;
- nausea;
- acute pain in the lumbar region.
By localizing the pain, you can judge whether one kidney or two is affected. It can be dull and aching. The intensity of the manifestations of pain may vary slightly. Acute pain is mainly characteristic of the course of urolithiasis.
When suppuration occurs, a sharp deterioration in the patient's well-being can be observed. If the causes of pyelonephritis in women are not timely addressed and complex treatment is not carried out, then the pathology will turn into a chronic form. In addition, in some cases, various kinds of complications may occur.
Regardless of the cause of chronic pyelonephritis in women, the symptoms of the disease are distinguished by their attrition. Often the disease develops without an acute stage. Relapse may occur in the event of a decrease in immunity or the attachment of a secondary infection. The causes of chronic pyelonephritis in women are mainly due to the fact that treatment of its acute form was incorrectly or untimely. In the period of exacerbation, quite pronounced symptoms are observed. Outside the stage of exacerbation, the presence of pathogens in the kidneys may be indicated by signs such as:
- weakness and malaise;
- swelling;
- fatigue;
- dark color of urine and the presence of sediment in it;
- frequent urination
- increase in pressure;
- tachycardia.
Depending on the causes and symptoms of pyelonephritis in women, treatment is selected purely individually after a comprehensive diagnosis. Based on the data obtained, the doctor selects medications and other methods of therapy.
Diagnostics
If the causes of pyelonephritis in women are known, the diagnosis is based on determining the presence of a provoking factor. In some cases, the pathology is hidden, which often complicates the early detection of the disease. In addition, the symptomatology resembles the signs of many other diseases. Often, a problem is detected when examining a patient by other doctors.
When identifying precisely the symptoms of pyelonephritis in women, the causes of which, as already mentioned, may be different, treatment must be carried out immediately, as this will avoid complications. Initially, you need to contact a nephrologist or urologist.
Then the doctor will recommend the patient to undergo instrumental and laboratory research. All these measures will help to correctly diagnose and distinguish pyelonephritis from other pathologies with similar symptoms. Initially, a woman will be recommended to take tests such as:
- general analysis and blood biochemistry;
- Analysis of urine;
- urine culture;
- Zemnitsky samples;
- research by Nechiporenko;
- prednisone test.
To determine the cause of pyelonephritis in women, you must additionally undergo instrumental diagnostics. For this, the doctor prescribes such events as:
- ultrasonography;
- CT scan;
- excretory urography;
- cystometry;
- cystography.
Be sure to visit a gynecologist. The doctor will take smears to clarify the pathogen, determine the pathology that accompanies pyelonephritis. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment.
Treatment feature
There are various causes of pyelonephritis in women. In the treatment of the cause (diagnosis of the disease, as a rule, allows the latter to be determined fairly accurately), the symptoms of the disease must be taken into account first, as this will allow you to choose the most suitable method of therapy. The treatment regimen for this disease is selected purely individually, but it should be comprehensive. It is important to eliminate the infection that provokes inflammation. In addition, it is necessary to normalize blood circulation in the kidneys, remove pain and other symptoms. After the acute stage and complete recovery, strengthening of immunity is required.
To eliminate the causes and symptoms, treatment of pyelonephritis in women in the acute stage is carried out in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor. In addition, you need to strictly observe bed rest. For therapy are used:
- antibacterial agents;
- anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs;
- drugs that improve vascular tone;
- folk remedies.
To eliminate the cause of pyelonephritis in women, treatment is carried out with the help of antibacterial drugs, since inflammation is provoked by the penetration of pathogens. The medicine is selected only after diagnosis and determination of the causative agent of the disease.
A special diet will help reduce the burden on the kidneys. She will achieve the most rapid recovery. When treating with the help of folk remedies and methods, special care must be taken, as they can harm health. These are just the basic techniques. To more quickly eliminate the causes and symptoms of chronic pyelonephritis in women, treatment can additionally be carried out using physiotherapy.
Drug therapy
Depending on the stages and causes of pyelonephritis in women, treatment is selected purely individually. The choice of antibacterial agents is somewhat limited. Since E. coli is often the causative agent of the disease, penicillins are not suitable because of the resistance of bacteria to them. Basically prescribed antibacterial agents such as:
- macrolides;
- nitrofurans;
- fluoroquinols;
- cephalosporins.
The course of taking antibiotics is mainly 1-2 weeks. It is necessary to strictly follow the scheme of prescribed therapy, and also not to abandon treatment ahead of time. Antibacterial therapy is also supplemented with such drugs as:
- anti-inflammatory ("Movalis", "Diclofenac");
- multivitamin complexes;
- phytopreparations ("Cyston", "Kanefron");
- probiotics to restore normal intestinal microflora.
To eliminate the causes and symptoms of chronic pyelonephritis in women, treatment requires a longer and more complex. Since therapy begins in the acute stage, it is prescribed:
- antibiotics
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- antimicrobial drugs;
- antispasmodics;
- probiotics;
- fortifying drugs.
As part of the treatment, it is recommended to follow a diet and a drinking regimen. An important role is played by hygiene and the prevention of infectious diseases.
Folk techniques
Many alternative methods are quite effective and help to eliminate the existing signs and causes of chronic pyelonephritis in women. It is worth noting that before using them, you must definitely consult a doctor regarding safety. To achieve the maximum result of therapy, it is absolutely necessary to strictly observe the dosage, the rules of storage, preparation and use of medicines. Have a good result:
- honey and viburnum;
- flax seeds;
- potato juice;
- oats with milk;
- birch leaves.
A good effect is given by special herbal infusions and fees. Treatment should be carried out for at least 2 months. In chronic pyelonephritis, mineral water therapy such as "Naftusya", "Polyana Kupel", "Luzhanskaya" is indicated.
Bearberry has very powerful bactericidal and anti-inflammatory qualities. Based on this plant, you can prepare an alcoholic or aqueous solution that helps to quickly and effectively cope even with the chronic form of the disease.
You can buy ready-made liver fees at the pharmacy. They help reduce pain, cope with inflammation, and eliminate the focus of infection in the body. Brew herbs in accordance with the instructions on the packaging.
Dieting
Following a special diet and adjusting the diet will help speed up the healing process and normalize well-being in the acute course of pyelonephritis. It is recommended that patients exclude from the usual diet:
- fat meat;
- smoked meats, fried foods, marinades and pickles;
- mushrooms, legumes, raw vegetables with coarse fiber;
- carbonated drinks, strong coffee and alcohol.
It is advisable to cook without adding various spices and seasonings. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of baked goods, chocolate, confectionery. Food should be consumed in small portions 5-6 times a day, that is, you must adhere to fractional nutrition. With pyelonephritis, you should try to drink plenty of fluids. It can be ordinary water, compotes, juices, a rosehip broth.
In the acute stage, it is better to cook food without salt or slightly add salt to ready-made dishes. In chronic pyelonephritis, it is recommended to reduce salt intake. You must follow such a diet constantly so as not to provoke an exacerbation of the disease. Food needs to be steamed, baked, stewed. It is better to refuse fried foods completely.
In the summer, it is advisable to arrange fasting days for yourself, during which you only need to eat watermelons. They have pronounced diuretic qualities, help get rid of congestion, accelerate the excretion of microbes, and normalize kidney function.
For kidney diseases, it is recommended to consume natural juices. Blueberry and birch contribute to the restoration of electrolyte balance, as well as increase immunity. They are also used as a prophylactic of a bacterial infection. During the period of antibiotic treatment, it is recommended to consume cranberry juice.
Carrot fresh is famous for its good anti-inflammatory and bactericidal qualities, and pumpkin juice guarantees a diuretic and tonic effect.
Possible complications
Launched pyelonephritis is dangerous with very serious complications. Among them, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- purulent abscess;
- the development of chronic renal failure;
- sepsis.
Due to the fact that there is a very high risk of complications, it is important to timely diagnose and treat inflammation. If mistakes were made during the diagnosis, this can lead to very bad consequences and result in sepsis. With a very severe course of the disease, everything can result in disability or death of the patient.
If during acute pyelonephritis, the temperature rises sharply and there is a burning sensation during urination, then you should immediately consult a doctor, since there is a high probability of an abscess.
Prophylaxis, prognosis
Prevention of pyelonephritis in women includes the following recommendations:
- it is important to prevent hypothermia;
- wear cotton underwear;
- visit your doctor regularly if you feel unwell;
- strictly observe hygiene;
- to refuse from bad habits;
- adjust the mode of the day.
If you follow all these recommendations, you can prevent the occurrence of pyelonephritis or significantly reduce the period of treatment. This is a rather dangerous pathology, however, with proper and timely treatment, it lends itself well to therapy. The forecast in this case is quite favorable. If acute pyelonephritis has remained untreated and the pathogen has remained in the body, then the disease goes into a chronic sluggish form.