Among girls and women, chronic pyelonephritis is considered one of the most common diseases. Symptoms and treatment depend on the degree of neglect of the pathology. This article discusses its main causes, signs and stages of development.
Disease Description
Chronic pyelonephritis is an infectious inflammatory process that forms in the kidney tissue. This disease develops due to the active life of various types of bacteria. It is mainly distributed among the fair sex. This is due to the morphological and functional features of the urethra. Thanks to its special structure, the penetration of microorganisms into internal organs is greatly facilitated. Pathology can develop in certain periods of the female cycle (defloration, pregnancy, menopause).
What is the difference between chronic pyelonephritis? Stage of remission and subsequent exacerbation - these two stages usually alternate with each other. Therefore, various polymorphic changes (foci of inflammation, cicatricial zones, areas of unchanged parenchyma) can be simultaneously detected in the kidneys. The involvement in this pathological process of new areas of healthy organ tissue causes its gradual death and the formation of renal failure.
The disease itself does not cause serious discomfort to a person, but it can cause the development of very serious complications. First of all, the inflammatory process does not allow the kidneys to fully perform their main function. As a result, the patient is disturbed by the usual water-salt metabolism, swelling appears. In addition, against the background of inflammation, other pathologies of a urological nature may occur. The most dangerous consequence is the attachment of a purulent infection, which is very difficult to fight.
Main reasons
The etiological factor causing this disease is the microbial flora. As a rule, these are the so-called colibacillary bacteria (Escherichia coli), enterococci, staphylococci. A special role in the development of the inflammatory process belongs to the L-forms of bacteria, which are formed due to ineffective antimicrobial therapy or changes in pH. Such microorganisms are distinguished by difficulty in identification, activation under certain conditions, and resistance to treatment.
Very often, chronic pyelonephritis is preceded by a stage of exacerbation of pathology. Chronic inflammation contributes to the timely elimination of violations of the outflow of urine due to kidney stones, nephroptosis, prostate adenoma. Other diseases of a bacterial nature (otitis media, prostatitis, urethritis, cholecystitis, appendicitis, etc.), somatic ailments (diabetes mellitus, obesity), as well as immunodeficiency can support this pathological process in the body.
In young women, the impetus for the development of this disease can be the beginning of sexual activity, childbirth and pregnancy. Quite often, doctors diagnose chronic pyelonephritis among young patients . Symptoms in children can be caused by impaired functioning of the body at the congenital level, which change the usual urodynamics (ureterocele, diverticulum of the bladder).
Clinical signs
Symptoms of the disease are nonspecific in nature, and recently, an asymptomatic course is more and more common. A patient who has previously dealt with acute pyelonephritis or other urological pathologies should be responsible for his own health and listen to the body. Often the occurrence of the disease is a consequence of a violation of the immune response from the body, which accompanies diabetes and tuberculosis. Weakening of the defenses is also observed due to insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. Despite all the specificity of the clinical manifestations, a number of signs of this disease can be distinguished, which need special attention:
- An increase in temperature in the evening for no apparent reason.
- Headache.
- Fatigue, weakness.
- Frequent urination.
- Pain discomfort in the lumbar region, which manifests itself when walking.
- Change in color and smell of urine, its clouding.
All of the above symptoms indicate chronic pyelonephritis. Symptoms and treatment of the disease are general in nature, this was already mentioned in the article. Often, patients perceive such clinical manifestations as the most common cold and begin treatment with appropriate drugs. Such therapy can really relieve symptoms and improve the patient's condition at first. And the inflammatory process will continue to develop. That is why in this case it is recommended to seek the advice of a specialist, and not try to overcome the disease on your own.
It is easy to confuse the symptoms of exacerbation of pyelonephritis with ARVI, because they are inherent in many inflammatory processes in the body. As a rule, if a person is already diagnosed with a chronic form, he understands the symptoms that accompany the ailment. In this case, the patient may experience the following conditions:
- Dysuria.
- Headache and muscle pain.
- Febrile temperature.
- Clouded urine (proteinuria) and the appearance of an uncharacteristic odor.
- Hematuria
Classification
How is chronic pyelonephritis classified? The stages of the disease are distinguished depending on the manifestation of the inflammatory process. At the first stage, active inflammation with pronounced symptoms is observed. The second stage is characterized by the latent course of the pathological process. It can only be detected after a series of laboratory tests. The condition of patients is accompanied by the following symptoms: fatigue, chills, a slight increase in temperature. The third stage of development is chronic pyelonephritis in remission. What does it mean? If over the next five years there is no exacerbation of the disease, the doctor confirms a complete cure.
In addition, pyelonephritis is unilateral and bilateral, depending on the number of affected organs.
According to the severity of the course of the disease, the following forms are distinguished:
- Pyelonephritis without complications.
- Pyelonephritis, complicated by tumors, congenital malformations, urolithiasis, diabetes mellitus, HIV infection.
- Anemia.
- Secondary reno-parenchymal arterial hypertension.
Pyelonephritis and pregnancy
Many women in a situation who have had to deal with such a disease are worried about how it can affect the baby’s health. All those who let this pathology on its own and do not seek qualified help can encounter very serious problems. What is the danger of chronic pyelonephritis during pregnancy?
The consequences of the disease primarily affect the fetus. A child can seriously suffer from a developed intrauterine infection. As a rule, such a pathology of the kidneys causes a spontaneous abortion or premature birth. The consequences of infection for babies manifest themselves in different ways. Some are diagnosed with the most common conjunctivitis, which does not pose a threat to life, while others have severe infectious lesions of the systems of internal organs.
During pregnancy with this disease, there is also a risk of intrauterine hypoxia. This means that the fetus receives less oxygen than it actually needs. As a result, a child is born with low weight and underdevelopment. Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that chronic pyelonephritis should not be allowed to drift.
Symptoms and treatment of the disease should be determined solely by a specialist. If an inflammatory process is detected, the doctor prescribes antibiotics for the future mother in childbirth. Of course, such medications are undesirable to take while carrying a baby. However, a specialist can pick up such funds that will not cause serious harm to the fetus and help mom cope with the disease. Also in this kind of situation, painkillers, antispasmodics, vitamins, sedatives are prescribed, physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out.
It is recommended that all women after childbirth be under the supervision of a doctor and register with the dispensary. This is extremely important, because the disease may not be treated.
Establishing diagnosis
It is often difficult to confirm chronic pyelonephritis. Symptoms in women can vary, moreover, cases of latent course of the disease are not uncommon. The diagnosis is usually identified taking into account the anamnesis, the results of laboratory tests, as well as the presence of a characteristic clinical picture. Additionally, the following diagnostic methods may be required:
- General urine / blood test.
- Quantification of cells (Steenheimer-Malbin method).
- The study of urinary sediment.
- Determination of electrolytes in urine and blood.
- X-ray of the kidneys.
- Radioisotope renography.
- Kidney biopsy.
Chronic pyelonephritis: symptoms and treatment
Drug therapy of the disease should be aimed at eliminating its main causative agent. For this, antibiotics and uroseptics are prescribed. It is considered optimal before the start of therapy to conduct urine culture to determine the sensitivity to antibiotics. In this case, the choice of drugs will be more accurate. As a rule, the following agents are used for treatment:
- Penicillins with a wide spectrum of action (Amoxicillin, Azlocillin).
- Cephalosporins of the second and third generation.
- Fluoroquinolones (Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin). Preparations of this group are prohibited for pregnant and lactating women.
- Nitrofurans ("Furadonin", "Furamag"). Sometimes patients have side effects in the form of nausea, a taste of bitterness in the mouth, and vomiting.
- Sulfanilamide preparations ("Biseptolum").
The duration of therapy is at least 14 days. If symptoms persist, the course of treatment may increase to one month. It is advisable to periodically repeat urine culture and change drugs.
Chronic pyelonephritis: diet
Regardless of the stage of the disease, patients are advised to follow a special diet. It implies the exclusion of spicy foods and spices, alcoholic beverages, coffee, meat and fish broths from the diet. On the other hand, nutrition should be as fortified and balanced as possible. It is allowed to eat almost all fruits and vegetables (preferably raw), eggs, boiled meat / fish (low-fat varieties), dairy products.
It is very important to pay attention to the drinking regimen. At least two liters of still water are recommended to be consumed per day to prevent excessive urine concentrations. It is useful to drink the most common cranberry juice, because these berries contain natural antibacterial substances that help fight pathologies such as chronic pyelonephritis.
Diet in the period of exacerbation of the disease is somewhat different. At this time, it is recommended to reduce fluid intake, as the outflow of urine is significantly slowed down. It is equally important to limit the consumption of table salt (up to 4 g per day).
Help traditional medicine
Herbal medicine can be used as an additional treatment to the main one. You should not try to overcome chronic pyelonephritis on your own with the help of traditional medicine. Antibiotic treatment, as a rule, is more effective and safe for human health.
Medicinal plants used in this disease most often have a diuretic effect. The course of treatment can be from several months to a year and a half. Such a duration can prevent the development of complications and the re-entry of infections.
Herbal treatment involves taking them inside and using baths. For example, taking a bath with parsley has not only anti-inflammatory, but also a cleansing effect. It enhances blood flow and helps eliminate existing toxins. Chamomile has an antibacterial and simultaneously calming effect for all systems of internal organs. St. John's wort is an excellent assistant in the fight against various infections.
Sometimes in patients, the disease is accompanied by the formation of polyps (small growths). In this case, it is recommended to take celandine, but do not abuse it. A glass of boiling water will require only one teaspoon of herb. Drinking such an infusion is recommended in small sips during the day. Celandine has an anti-inflammatory effect and is an excellent tool in the fight against many oncological diseases.
Some experts advise before going to bed to drink tea with a leaf of blueberries and lingonberries. Blueberries are rich in vitamins and minerals, and lingonberries are an excellent natural antiseptic. Such tea helps to strengthen the immune system, increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood and reduce pain discomfort in the lower back.
Once again, it should be noted that you should not try to overcome chronic pyelonephritis on your own. Symptoms and herbal treatments are two interdependent factors that the doctor should pay attention to. Each patient has clinical manifestations of the disease, their severity may vary. Moreover, not in every case herbal medicine has a positive effect, sometimes it significantly aggravates the state of health.
Prevention
How can chronic pyelonephritis be prevented? How many people live with this diagnosis?
Prevention of the disease primarily implies the timely treatment of all diseases of a urological nature. Here, first of all, we are talking about competent drug therapy. Many patients resort to traditional medicine or prefer to be treated on the advice of friends and relatives. This approach is highly undesirable. The thing is that in this way you can harm your own health, and the disease itself will progress.
It is equally important to observe the correct drinking regimen (about two liters of fluid per day). If possible, hypothermia, the use of non-steroidal analgesics should be avoided. It is not recommended to endure a small need, it is necessary to empty the bladder every time before bedtime and after the next sexual intercourse.
This article provides information on what is dangerous during pregnancy with chronic pyelonephritis. Symptoms in women of this disease during the period of bearing the fetus inside the womb should alert and become the reason for going to the doctor. Only a specialist can recommend a truly effective and safe treatment. In order not to encounter this pathology during pregnancy, it is recommended that you check your body before planning it. In the presence of any ailments, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment. A very important role in the prevention of pyelonephritis at this time belongs to the observance of personal hygiene. Of course, you should lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
As for the question of life expectancy with this ailment, there is no definite answer. If the patient clearly follows all the recommendations of the doctor, eats properly and monitors his condition, you can live a long and happy life. If the disease is aggravated by constant alcohol intoxication, the lack of competent therapy, then the likelihood of a fatal outcome increases several times.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that only a qualified specialist can recommend how to cure chronic pyelonephritis. Symptoms, diagnosis, causes of the disease - all these factors are an important component of timely therapy. Be healthy!