Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) involve only the bladder and urethra (the lower urinary system). Pyelonephritis results when a UTI progresses to involve the upper urinary system (the kidneys and ureters). Pyelonephritis is a potentially serious kidney infection that can spread to the blood, causing severe illness. Fortunately, pyelonephritis is almost always curable with antibiotics. Recommended Related to Kidney Disorders Goodpasture Syndrome Goodpasture syndrome is a rare but serious autoimmune disease that attacks the lungs and kidneys. The disease occurs when the bodys immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against collagen in the lungs and kidneys. Collagen is a protein that helps form connective tissue. Goodpasture syndrome initially causes vague symptoms such as fatigue. But it can rapidly involve the lungs and kidneys. It is almost always fatal if it is not quickly diagnosed and treated. Read the Goodpasture Syndrome article > > The kidneys filter the blood to produce urine. Two tubes called the ureters carry urine from the kidneys down to the bladder. Urine travels from the bladder out of the body through the urethra. Most cases of pyelonephritis are complications of common bladder infections. Bacteria enter the body from the skin around the urethra. They then travel up the urethra to the bladder. Sometimes, bacteria escape the bladder and urethra, traveling up the ureters to one or both kidneys. The resulting kidney infection is called pyelonephritis. The urethra is much shorter in women than in men, which is one reason why women are more vulnerable to UTIs and pyelonephritis. Symptoms of Pyelonephritis At least half of women have experienced the discomfort with urination caused by a urinary tract infection: painful, urgent, or frequent urination. Pyelonephritis may start with similar symptoms. However, once the infection has spread to the kidney, signs of more severe illness usually result:
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 09:49:22 +0000
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