NSG201D UTI & RENAL DISEASE

Flashcards covering the key aspects of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and renal infections (pyelonephritis).

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys.

Causes of UTI

Primarily caused by bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli), but can also be caused by Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterococcus, fungi, or viruses.

Triggers for UTI

• Sexual activity,

• poor hygiene,

• urinary retention,

• use of catheters,

• dehydration,

• weakened immunity.

Initial Pathological Process of UTI

Bacteria enter the urethra and ascend into the bladder, where they multiply and trigger inflammation of the mucosal lining.

Mechanism of Progress for UTI

If untreated, the infection may ascend via the ureters to the kidneys, causing more serious infections like pyelonephritis.

Structural and Functional Changes Due to UTI

1. Inflammation of the bladder

2. inflammation of the urethra,

3. mucosal edema,

4. impaired urine flow,

5. potential renal damage in severe cases

Symptoms of UTI

• Burning during urination,

• frequent urge to urinate,

• cloudy or bloody urine,

• strong-smelling urine,

• lower abdominal pain.

Complications of UTI

• Kidney infections (pyelonephritis),

• renal damage,

• sepsis,

• recurrent infections.

Diagnostic Tests for UTI

• Urinalysis

• urine culture

Medications for UTI

Antibiotics

Renal Infection (Pyelonephritis)

A serious kidney infection often caused by bacteria ascending from the lower urinary tract.

Causes of Renal Infection

Most commonly caused by E. coli, renal infections occur when bacteria from a lower UTI ascend to the kidneys.

Triggers for Renal Infection

• Untreated UTIs

• urinary obstructions

• catheter use,

• immunosuppression.

Initial Pathological Process of Renal Infection

Bacteria reach the renal pelvis and start multiplying, causing inflammation of kidney tissues (interstitial nephritis).

Mechanism of Progress for Renal Infection

The infection leads to inflammation, tissue damage, renal abscesses, and potentially spreads to the bloodstream causing sepsis.

Structural and Functional Changes Due to Renal Infection

• Tubular damage

• interstitial inflammation,

• renal scarring (fibrosis),

• impaired urine concentration and filtration.

Symptoms of Renal Infection

• Fever,

• chills

• back pain,

• nausea, vomiting,

• urinary urgency.

Complications of Renal Infection

• Renal abscesses,

• chronic kidney disease,

• hypertension,

• life-threatening sepsis.

Diagnostic Tests for Renal Infection

Urinalysis, urine culture, blood tests (e.g., WBC count), and imaging (renal ultrasound or CT scan) to detect inflammation or abscess.

Medications for Renal Infection

Broad-spectrum antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, or IV antibiotics for severe cases; tailored based on culture sensitivity.