an inflammation of the renal pelvis caused by the colon bacillus, staphylococcus, and other microbes penetrating into the pelvis by means of the bloodstream or lymphatic system or ascending from the urinary bladder and ureters.
Pyelitis sometimes occurs in influenza and tonsillitis and more commonly in cystitis, nephrolithiasis, and inflammations of the genitalia and intestine. The disease may develop from such obstructions of the urine flow as congenital or acquired stricture of the urinary tract or pregnancy. The symptoms of pyelitis are fever, pain in the lumbar region, and the presence of white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. Other symptoms are neutrophilic leukocytosis and an accelerated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). The parenchyma of the kidney often becomes infected, resulting in pyelonephritis. Treatment consists of a copious intake of fluids, the application of heat to the lumbar region, and the administering of antibiotics and sulfanilamides. Pyelitis may become chronic.