Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, may be classified
as uncomplicated, complicated, or chronic kidney infection (long-term).
A complicated kidney infection refers to severe involvement of the
kidney, for example, abscess formation, or gas seen in the kidney by an imaging study,
such as a CT scan. In these situations, the symptoms may be more severe and
less responsive to usual treatments.
Chronic kidney infection may refer to recurring kidney
infection that could be a result of a kidney stone obstructing the ureter or
other structural abnormalities in the ureters (for example, vesicoureteral
reflux, a condition in which urine is forced back up toward the kidneys). These
conditions are usually associated with milder symptoms, but they may last
longer.
The evaluation of complicated kidney infection and chronic kidney infection
typically require a more thorough evaluation and more extensive testing such as
CT scans and X-rays.
What are the common bacteria that cause kidney infections?
The most common bacteria responsible for kidney infection are Escherichia
coli (E. coli), which accounts for close to 80% of cases of kidney and urinary
tract infections. Other common bacteria are Klebsiella,
Proteus, Pseudomonas,
Enterococcus, and
Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
What is the treatment for kidney infection?
The most important component of treating kidney
infection (as with any bacterial infection) is timely initiation of antibiotics
under the directions of a healthcare professional. If kidney infection is
diagnosed, then an empiric antibiotic (an antibiotic that would cover all likely
bacteria) is usually prescribed. A urine and blood sample will be taken and sent to a laboratory
for analysis of any bacterial growth (urine culture and blood culture).
When a specific bacteria is isolated, antibiotics may be changed to cover
that particular bacteria. If the bacteria shows resistance (unresponsive) to the
antibiotic that was initially prescribed, then the antibiotic should be changed
promptly to one in which the organism is susceptible.
Home remedy with oral antibiotics and adequate water and
fluid intake are usually sufficient for the treatment of uncomplicated kidney and urinary tract
infection. However, if symptoms are severe (uncontrolled nausea and vomiting
resulting in inability to take medications) or the infection is difficult to
control with the routine oral remedies for kidney infection, then
hospitalization may be required to receive intravenous antibiotics, intravenous
hydration, and aggressive management of symptoms. In cases of complicated kidney
infection hospitalization may also be necessary.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and/or urethra. Not
everyone with a UTI has symptoms. Common symptoms include a frequent urge to
urinate and a painful, burning when urinating.
One in every 20 people develop a kidney stone at some point in their life. A kidney stone is a hard mineral and crystalline material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones symptoms and signs are, blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen, flank (lower back), or groin. A number of different conditions can lead to kidney stones including: gout, hypercalciuria, people with inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and hypoparathyroidism. Some medications also increase the risk of kidney stones.
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
Prostatitis is a painful condition of the prostate gland. There are four types of prostatitis, acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Diagnosis is made with a digital rectal exam, urinalysis, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, or blood test. Treatment depends upon the type of prostatitis.
E. coli is the most common cause of bladder infections. Bladder infection symptoms and signs include frequent urination, burning urination, and foul smelling urine. Mild bladder infections may go away by increasing one's intake of fluid. More severe infections may be treated with a few days of antibiotics.
Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is most commonly caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Some of the other causes of ascites include portal hypertension, congestive heart failure, blood clots, and pancreatitis. The most common symptoms include increased abdominal girth and size, abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain. Treatment depends on the cause of ascites.
There are many types of E. Coli (Escherichia coli ). Pathogenic E. coli can cause urinary tract and bladder infections, or lead to sepsis. E coli O157:H7 (EHEC) causes bloody diarrhea and colitis. Complications of E. coli infection include hemorrhagic diarrhea, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. E coli O157:H7 commonly is due to eating raw or undercooked hamburger or raw milk or dairy products.
Hydronephrosis is a condition in which the kidney swells, due to a backup of urine. Hydronephrosis generally occurs with another disease.Symptoms of hydronephrosis include nausea, vomiting, urinary tract infection, fever, painful urination, increased urinary frequency and urgency, flank pain, and swelling of the abdomen. Treatment of hydronephrosis depends on the cause.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in children. Symptoms and signs include fever and abdominal pain. Associated symptoms and signs include flank pain, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Treatment for a UTI involves antibiotic therapy.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Having diabetes can mean early onset and increased severity of bladder symptoms (urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections) and changes in sexual function. Men may have erectile dysfunction; and women may have problems with sexual response and vaginal lubrication. Keep your diabetes under control, and you can lower your risk of sexual and urologic problems.
Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, problems sleeping, and wondering if it is safe to have sex while pregnant. Learn how to manage and move through these challenges during pregnancy.
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