It is a condition, which is associated with infection of the kidney leading to pus formation, swelling and loss of function of the whole kidney. The infection in the kidney affects the whole of the kidney specially the tissue of the kidney called parenchyma. The parenchyma contains Glomerulus, which filter the blood of poisonous substances in the body and produce waste, which is urine. Urine is essentially ultrafiltrate of blood. The infection in the kidney affects these glomerular cells and they are destroyed leading to loss of function of the kidney. Further infection also produces Pus, which fills the kidney parenchyma and the collecting structures like Calyces, Pelvis and ureters leading to swelling of the kidney. The common causes are

Infected Hydronephrosis

Pyelonephritis

Tuberculosis

Hydronephrosis is obstruction to the free flow of urine, which is produced by the kidney. Once there is obstruction there is potential for infection, as the urine is stagnant. Common causes of obstruction are stones, strictures, tumor etc.

There are several common organisms like E.coli, Proteus, Psuedomonas, Staphylococcus etc, which cause this bacterial infection. Many a time it is a combination of organisms, which cause the infection.

Certain other diseases like Diabetes, Anemia, medication of steroids for other diseases may aggravate the infection and cause rapid progression.

CLINICAL FEATURES

One or combination of these symptoms are usually seen

Pain in the flanks

High grade fever which may be intermittent

Severe chills and Rigors

Vomiting and giddiness

Feeling exhausted, weak and really sick.

Pus in the urine

Swelling in the flanks

Feeling of uneasiness in the stomach

Treatment

This is a serious emergency and needs hospitalisation, intensive monitoring, antibiotics and expert supervision. If not promptly treated it can be fatal.

Diagnosis may require several tests to appropriately identify the exact cause. Only proper and prompt identification of the cause will lead to a dramatic recovery. Early recognition may lead to recovery of the kidney. If seen in later stages then there may be total destruction of the kidney with total loss of function. Expert opinion is absolutely essential.

Treatment options are several and are best decided by your physician or Urologist.