A renal abscess usually results from the rupture of an acute cortical abscess. Therefore, it is a collection of pus around one or both kidneys. Because its diagnosis is difficult, it has high morbidity and mortality.
Abscesses usually occur in patients around 46 years of age, with an 80% prevalence in women. On the other hand, it should be noted that Although they are rare in children, their consequences can be serious. These injuries include sepsis, severe kidney damage, or even kidney loss.
Risk factors for kidney abscess
Factors predisposing to the development of renal abscesses have been identified. Some of the most important are:
- Trauma
- Neoplasms
- Nephrolithiasis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Liver disease
- Vesicoureteral reflux
- Presence of urinary infection
40% of patients have multiple associated risk factors. Patients with more than 10 years of diabetes diagnosis require intensive care and nephrectomy more frequently.
The duration of symptoms before diagnosis is, on average, 11 days. However, only 35% of patients receive a correct diagnosis upon hospital admission. This is due to the lack of specific clinical data.
Causes
A kidney abscess is caused by urinary infections They start in the bladder. Then they spread to the kidneys and then to the area around the kidneys.
Surgery of the urinary tract or reproductive system, or an infection of the bloodstream, it can also lead to a kidney abscess.
The biggest risk factor for a kidney abscess is kidney stones.which block urine flow. This promotes the spread of the infection. The bacteria tend to stick to the stones and cannot be destroyed by the antibiotics there.
Stones are found in 20% to 60% of people with kidney abscess. Other risk factors for kidney abscess include diabetes, abnormal urinary tract, trauma, or intravenous drug use.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Some of the symptoms of kidney abscess are chills, fever, sweating, and pain in the side or abdomen. However, the pain may radiate to the groin or down the leg. Also, there may be tenderness in the back.
Diagnostic tests include:
- computed tomography.
- Urinalysis with urine culture.
- blood tests and blood culture.
Treatment
Drainage of abscesses, either percutaneously or by open surgery, is the most accepted treatment. To treat a kidney abscess, pus can be drained through a catheter It is placed through the skin or with surgery.
Similarly, antibiotics must be administered, initially through a vein. After that, you can switch to oral treatment when the infection starts to get better. Open drainage is the most likely option to resolve the kidney abscess.
Kidney abscess antibiotics
Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for kidney abscess. The medications and usage time will depend on the patient’s health status. However, one must also take into account the bacteria found in urine tests.
Generally, the signs and symptoms of a kidney infection begin to disappear within a few days of treatment. However, you may need to continue taking antibiotics for a week or more.
Another urine culture is recommended. to make sure the infection is gone. However, if the infection persists, another course of antibiotics is needed.
If the infection is severe, hospitalization may be required. In this case, Treatment may include antibiotics and fluids given through an IV.
To reduce the discomfort during the recovery process from a kidney infection is possible take a number of measures AS:
- Apply heat: place a warm compress on the abdomen, back or side for pain relief.
- Consume of analgesics: To bring down the fever or reduce discomfort, pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are used.
- drink liquids: Maintaining a good level of hydration can help you eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid coffee and alcohol until the infection clears up.
Kidney abscesses are serious complications that we need to be aware of. If you notice any symptoms, you should consult a specialist. so that he makes the correct diagnosis and the problem does not lead to worse consequences.
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