Answer:

A kidney infection with pus, also known as pyonephrosis, is a serious kidney infection where pus and waste products accumulate in the renal pelvis due to blockage and infection. It's a severe complication of hydronephrosis (kidney swelling) that can cause kidney damage and loss of kidney function. Causes include urinary tract obstruction, kidney stones, ureteral stricture, tumors, congenital abnormalities blocking urine flow, chronic pyelonephritis (kidney infection), or other urinary tract infections.

Kidney swelling and pus accumulation can occur in one or both kidneys. Depending on the duration and progression, clinical manifestations can be acute or chronic. In your case, it's unclear whether the pus is in one or both kidneys, or how far the condition has progressed. However, if chronic, kidney function can decline, leading to end-stage renal disease if not treated promptly.

The disease often progresses silently and is discovered incidentally during ultrasounds, routine check-ups, or examinations for other conditions, as in your case. Some cases present symptoms like back or flank pain, fever, urinary disorders, changes in urine volume, or high blood pressure.

Doctor Cao Vinh Duy consults with a patient at the Urology Department. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Cao Vinh Duy consults with a patient at the Urology Department. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Treatment depends on the specific condition, but the general principle is to remove the blockage. Doctors may prescribe medication, treat electrolyte imbalances, perform percutaneous nephrostomy (drainage through the skin), or surgically address the cause of the obstruction. Kidney removal is considered only when the kidney has completely lost function and cannot be revived, or when kidney replacement therapy is an option. You should visit a hospital with a urology department for an examination and tests to determine the cause of the pus in your kidney and the extent of the damage.

To prevent kidney infections with pus, it's essential to prevent the causes of hydronephrosis, like kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Drink plenty of water daily, maintain a healthy diet, and practice proper hygiene to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra and causing infection. Treat any urinary tract problems promptly. Regular check-ups can help detect kidney and urinary tract issues early.

Doctor Cao Vinh Duy

Urology Department

Center for Urology - Nephrology - Andrology

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City