How can cystitis cause pyelonephritis

These 2 bean-shaped organs are found near the middle of the back, just below the ribs. One kidney sits on each side of the spine. They clean about quarts of blood daily. Every day, they form about quarts of urine by pulling water and waste from the blood. Urine normally travels from the kidneys down to the bladder and out through the urethra. When the kidneys are damaged, they may not function well.

But, major damage may require more treatment, like dialysis. Very young children younger than 2 years old may only have a high fever. They may not feel pain or have problems urinating. Older people, also, may not show typical signs. Instead, they may show signs of confusion, muddled speech, or visions. This infection can be life threatening. It is important to seek medical care quickly if you think you have a kidney infection.

Although the urinary system is designed to keep bacteria out, problems can occur. Escherichia coli E. These bacteria can travel up into the bladder. When this happens it can cause cystitis inflammation of the bladder. It can also cause a urinary tract infection UTI.

If the infection continues up to the kidneys, it can cause kidney infection. This problem is rare but it can be severe. About 1 in every 30 cases of UTI leads to a kidney infection. You are more likely to get a kidney infection if you have frequent bladder infections or have a structural problem in the urinary tract. Urine normally flows only in one direction—from the kidneys to the bladder. If the flow of urine is blocked or flows in the wrong direction, infections can happen. Urine flow can be blocked by many things, including:.

Sepsis and septic shock are serious complications of acute pyelonephritis, and if any signs of sepsis are present, the patient should be hospitalised without delay. Other circumstances suggesting that hospitalisation would be wise include: [3]. Signs of sepsis include: [10] [11]. Medical assistance should be sought. In children, signs of sepsis include laboured breathing, listlessness, loss of appetite, floppiness, fretfulness, green or black vomit and irritability.

Sepsis and septic shock can be fatal, particularly among children. If these signs appear, seek emergency medical help immediately. Q: Can I prevent acute pyelonephritis?

A: Acute pyelonephritis cannot be entirely prevented, but the risk can be minimised. Remaining adequately hydrated flushes potentially harmful microorganisms and urine out of the bladder and urethra, reducing the risk of infection. Avoiding spermicides and vaginal douches, as well as urinating after sex for both men and women also removes potentially dangerous bacteria from the area of the urethra and urethral opening. Urinating when the urge arises, rather than waiting to do so, and fully emptying the bladder lower the risk of kidney infections.

In cases where infection arises, the period of recovery can be shortened by promptly seeking medical attention. A: What constitutes frequent sexual intercourse varies according to various factors, such as marital status and age.

Some studies have found that sex three or more times a week, or ten times in the last month, increases the risk of getting a UTI. The cause of this high risk appears to be that, during sex, new bacteria, usually from the enteric tract and anal area, are introduced to the vaginal and urethral area. New partners carry new combinations of bacteria and have different effects on skin pH, among other things. However, smoking and having previously had a UTI also increase risk.

Anatomical differences between women, like the size of the pelvis and vaginal pH, may also affect risk. Q: Does cystitis or urinary tract infection increase my risk of acute pyelonephritis? A: Cystitis is a very common urinary tract infection , specifically an inflammatory infection of the bladder. Many of the bacteria that cause acute pyelonephritis can cause cystitis. Many of the symptoms are similar to those of acute pyelonephritis. Both men and women can get cystitis.

Q: I am male; how serious is my risk of acute pyelonephritis? A: Men are generally at lower risk than women; however, older men and male infants have the same level of risk as older women and female infants.

Male infants with genitourinary abnormalities are at higher risk than female infants. However, due to the fact that the urethral opening and anus are further apart in men than in women, there is less likelihood of bacteria being transferred from one to the other. Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks.

People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover. A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria, often a type called E. The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys. They can be transferred from your bottom to your genitals during sex or if you're not careful when wiping your bottom after going to the loo. A kidney infection can sometimes develop without a bladder infection. For example, if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Kidney infections can happen at any age and are much more common in women. This is because a woman's urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the kidneys.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Cystitis sis-TIE-tis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Female urinary system Open pop-up dialog box Close. Female urinary system Your urinary system — which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra — removes waste from your body through urine. Male urinary system Open pop-up dialog box Close. Male urinary system Your urinary system — which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra — removes waste from your body through urine. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references Kellerman RD, et al. Bacterial infections of the urinary tract in women. In: Conn's Current Therapy Elsevier; Accessed April 29, Bennett JE, et al. Urinary tract infections. Hooton TM. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection. New England Journal of Medicine. Stein R, et al. European Urology. Interstitial cystitis.