Infections of the kidney and its pelvis (pyelonephritis) are quite common. They are of extreme importance because chronic and recurring infections tend to induce changes which in time may interfere seriously with kidney function. In many ways the conditions seem to be related to high blood pressure. Some cases, particularly if untreated or neglected, progress to renal insufficiency incapacity of the kidneys to filter toxins adequately from the blood. Retention of these infectious wastes leads to uremia or "uremic poisoning."
Infections can reach the kidney by various routes: direct ascent of infecting organisms from the bladder; spread from infections in surrounding tissues; and via the bloodstream and lymphatic channels. Acute infections manifest themselves by pain in the kidney region, fever and chills, and changes in composition of the urine. Chronic and recurrent infections tend to manifest themselves more insidiously in symptoms such as headache, nausea or vomiting.
Symptoms Of Kidney Infections
The urine may contain pus (pyuria), colonies of micro-organisms, many white blood cells, and other products of inflammation. Identification of the infecting organisms enables effective antibiotics or other drugs to be given to destroy the organisms. Many acute and chronic infections respond to proper chemotherapy, rest, and general care in the form of fluids and other measures.
However, many kidney infections are complicated by obstructions and conditions which prevent free drainage of the urinary tract. Infected teeth and other foci may introduce infecting organisms into the bloodstream and thence the kidneys, in continuous supply. Extrarenal sources of infection must be recognized and cleared up, and there is need for urological investigation to recognize and correct abnormalities which impede good drainage and perpetuate low-grade infectious organisms. Early diagnosis and treatment is important and neglect may lead to kidney damage that is difficult if not impossible to reverse.
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