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Prevention of pyelonephritis
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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In case of frequent exacerbations of pyelonephritis (more than two within 6 months), prevention of pyelonephritis consists of prescribing monthly prophylactic courses (1-2 weeks) of antibacterial agents, however, reliable data indicating the advisability of such courses have not been obtained at present. In elderly patients and patients with a long-term urinary catheter, the risk of complications from therapy significantly exceeds the potential benefit.
After eliminating the symptoms of urinary tract infections (acute or exacerbation of chronic), long-term prevention of pyelonephritis is carried out, or more precisely, preventive treatment. Two- or three-month intake of nitrofurans, nalidixic or pipemidic acid preparations, phytotherapy are recommended, especially in patients prone to relapses. In the interval between courses of taking antibacterial agents, herbal treatment is preferable (bearberry, lingonberry leaf, wild strawberry leaves, birch leaves, cranberries, lingonberries, etc.) and complex collections. The use of standardized herbal preparations, existing in convenient, ready-to-use dosage forms (kanefron N, phytolysin, etc.), is very relevant. The use of herbal collections during the period of high activity of the inflammatory process does not significantly affect bacteriuria, but improves urodynamics. During the period of the process subsiding, phytotherapy has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and can be used both in combination with the above-mentioned chemotherapy drugs, and separately as a maintenance therapy for many months. Sometimes, in the presence of contraindications to active antibacterial therapy, phytopreparations become the first-line therapy.
[ Diet for chronic pyelonephritis
The diet for chronic pyelonephritis is close to physiological, salt restriction is recommended only in the presence of arterial hypertension and edema. There should be an adequate regimen of fluid intake - 1.5-2 liters daily. Patients with chronic pyelonephritis outside of exacerbation with sufficient renal function and without pronounced arterial hypertension (up to 170/100 mm Hg) may be recommended sanatorium-resort treatment (usually drinking resorts): Truskavets, Zheleznovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Kislovodsk, Sairme, Karlovy Vary.