Health and Fitness

Overview Acute pyelonephritis, or upper urinary tract infection, is an infection of the kidney characterised by pain when passing urine, fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, and vomiting. White blood cells are almost always present in the urine. White blood cell casts are occasionally seen on urine microscopy. What's the difference between pyelonephritis and kidney infection? A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). A kidney infection may begin in the tube that carries urine from the body (urethra) or in the bladder. The infection can travel to one or both kidneys. A kidney infection is also called pyelonephritis. What are the symptoms? Symptoms usually appear within two days of infection. Common symptoms include: 1. a fever greater than 102°F (38.9°C) 2. pain in the abdomen, back, side, or groin 3. painful or burning urination 4. cloudy urine 5. pus or blood in the urine 6. urgent or frequent urination 7. fishy-smelling urine Other symptoms can include: 1. shak...

What is Kidney Failure? Before kidney failure occurs, patients have "chronic kidney disease" (CKD). Kidney (renal) failure is when kidneys don't work as well as they should, to the point where kidney replacement is required. Kidney replacement can be accomplished by different kinds of dialysis or by kidney transplant. The term "kidney failure" covers a lot of problems. These problems can result in kidney failure: 1. Your kidney doesn't get enough blood to filter 2. Your kidney is hurt by a disease like 3. high blood sugar (diabetes) 4. high blood pressure 5. glomerulonephritis (damage to the kidney's tiny filters; one example: lupus) 6. polycystic kidney disease 7. and many others Your kidney is blocked by a kidney stone or scar tissue (blockage of ONE kidney usually does not cause kidney failure because the other kidney is not affected; but blockage of two kidneys can lead to an emergency). Symptoms The symptoms of CKD are often quite mild; people may h...

Overview Cystic kidney disease causes cysts (sacs of fluid) to form in or around the kidneys. There are many types of cystic kidney disease. Some are the result of abnormal genes; others develop in the womb or as a result of kidney failure. Both adults and infants can have cystic kidney disease. Treatment usually includes medication, dialysis or kidney transplant surgery. Symptoms Acquired cystic kidney disease differs from other forms of kidney diseases with cyst development in that it is fairly asymptomatic. The patient rarely feels much from the presence of the cysts in their kidneys. The kidney tends to remain the same size rather than expand due to the fluid filled sacs. Thus unlike polycystic kidney disease where the gradually expanding kidneys can be uncomfortable for the patient, an individual with the acquired cystic kidney disease can be oblivious to the structures developing inside them. The presence of the cysts may become apparent should a cyst burst. This can cause the pa...

Overview Most people are born with two kidneys. Factors can sometimes affect how the kidneys develop. An ectopic kidney is a kidney that does not grow in the proper location. Information here will help you talk with your urologist if you or your child has an ectopic kidney. Ectopic kidney (or “renal ectopia”) describes a kidney that isn’t located in its usual position. Ectopic kidneys are thought to occur in about 1 out of 900 births. But only about 1 out of 10 of these are ever diagnosed. They may be found while treating other conditions. Ectopic kidneys don’t move up to the usual position. They can be located anywhere along the path they usually take to get to their normal place in the upper abdomen. One may also cross over so that both kidneys are on the same side of the body. When a kidney crosses over, the two kidneys on the same side often grow together and become fused. Symptoms The most common symptoms linked to the ectopic kidney are: 1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) 2. Belly...

Overview Glomerular disease reduces the kidneys' ability to maintain a balance of certain substances in bloodstream. Normally, the kidneys filter toxins out of the bloodstream and excrete them in the urine but keep red blood cells and protein in the bloodstream. Glomerulonephritis occurs on its own or as part of another disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Severe or prolonged inflammation associated with glomerulonephritis can damage the kidneys. Treatment depends on the type of glomerulonephritis you have. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis may vary depending on whether you have the acute or chronic form and the cause. You may notice no symptoms of chronic disease. Your first indication that something is wrong might come from the results of a routine urine test (urinalysis). Glomerulonephritis signs and symptoms may include: 1. Pink or cola-colored urine from red blood cells in your urine (hematuria) 2. Foamy or bubbly urine due to excess protein in the urine (protei...

Overview Cradle cap causes crusty or oily scaly patches on a baby's scalp. The condition isn't painful or itchy. But it can cause thick white or yellow scales that aren't easy to remove. Cradle cap usually clears up on its own in weeks or a few months. Home care measures include washing your baby's scalp daily with a mild shampoo. This can help you loosen and remove the scales. Don't scratch cradle cap. If cradle cap persists or seems severe, your doctor may suggest a medicated shampoo, lotion or other treatment. Symptoms Common signs of cradle cap include: 1. Patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp 2. Oily or dry skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales 3. Skin flakes 4. Possibly mild redness Similar scales may also be present on the ears, eyelids, nose and groin. Cradle cap is common in newborns. It usually isn't itchy. Cradle cap is the common term for infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It's sometimes confused with another skin condition, atopic d...

Overview Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. Tinea versicolor (TIN-ee-uh vur-si-KUL-ur) occurs most frequently in teens and young adults. Sun exposure may make tinea versicolor more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness. Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor. But even after successful treatment, skin color may remain uneven for several weeks or months. Tinea versicolor often recurs, especially in warm, humid weather. Symptoms Tinea versicolor signs and symptoms include: 1. Patches of skin discoloration, usually on the back, chest, neck and upper arms, which may appear lighter or darker...