Acute Pyelonephritis

Definition of Acute Pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney that causes inflammation of the renal parenchyma.

Etiology and Pathology

• Causes: E. coli (70-90%), Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Staphylococcus.
• Pathology: Bacterial infection of the upper urinary tract, ascending from the lower urinary tract.

Clinical Features and Complications

• Clinical Features:
  • Fever
  • Flank pain
  • Chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Frequency and urgency of urination
  • Hematuria
• Complications:
  • Sepsis
  • Pyonephrosis
  • Renal abscess
  • Chronic kidney disease

Diagnostic Approach

• Imaging:
  • USG (Ultrasound)
  • CT scan
  • IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)
• Laboratory Tests:
  • Urine culture
  • Urine analysis (Leucocyte esterase, Nitrite)
  • Blood tests (WBC count, Blood culture)

Homoeopathic Therapeutics for Pyelonephritis

• Medicines:
  • Arnica montana
  • Belladonna
  • Apis mellifica
  • Cantharis
  • Berberis valdiviana
  • Lycopodium clavatum

Indications:

• Arnica montana: Pain in ureters and kidneys
• Belladonna: Inflamed kidneys and ureters
• Apis mellifica: Pain in kidneys and ureters
• Cantharis: Dysuria and pain in urethra and bladder
• Berberis valdiviana: Stone in kidney or ureter
• Lycopodium clavatum: Chronic pyelonephritis

Treatment

• Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, Amikacin, Gentamicin
• Fluids: IV fluids
• Pain control: NSAIDs, Analgesics