From Chills to Lower Back Pain? ... 'Sinuushinyeom' Easily Mistaken for Summer Cold

Cold. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Lee Dong-guk] A (female, 34) who went on a summer vacation to a nearby beach with friends had been feeling fatigued for several days. She thought she was overheated from enjoying water activities in the hot weather, but since yesterday, she experienced flu-like symptoms and back pain so severe that she could not go to work. Eventually, A visited a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with pyelonephritis and is currently undergoing inpatient treatment.

Pyelonephritis is a representative inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection within the kidneys. In our body, the kidneys produce urine and play a role in maintaining and regulating the body's fluid balance. Pyelonephritis is a disease that occurs when these kidneys become infected by bacteria.

Pyelonephritis can also occur when urinary tract infections or cystitis originating in the urethra or bladder are left untreated. It refers to infections occurring in the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys that produce urine and the ureters that transport urine to the bladder. In most cases, bacteria ascend from the bladder to the kidneys.

During summer, due to high temperatures and humidity, people sweat a lot, which not only facilitates bacterial growth but also often leads to dehydration. This naturally reduces urine output and prolongs the time urine stays in the bladder, making upper urinary tract infections like pyelonephritis more frequent compared to other seasons. Additionally, increased outdoor activities and exposure to places like swimming pools or beaches raise the risk of infection during summer.

According to the National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service's statistics on diseases of public interest, in 2021, a total of 217,977 patients were diagnosed with pyelonephritis. The number gradually increased from 27,978 in June, when the weather starts to warm, peaking at 29,375 in August, the hottest month. Conversely, the lowest number was recorded in February, the coldest month, with 24,508 cases. Women accounted for 71.8% of cases, significantly more than men at 28.2%. The incidence increased with age: 21.0% in those in their 80s, 19.8% in their 70s, and 17.1% in their 60s.

Pyelonephritis occurs much more frequently in women than in men. This is mainly due to the biological characteristic that women generally have shorter urethras than men. Moreover, women tend to avoid seeking medical attention or disclosing urinary tract issues, which often leads to worsening of the disease.

The main symptoms include fatigue, fever, chills, headache, pain in the lower back and sides, vomiting, and nausea, which are systemic in nature. Frequent urination or painful urination may also accompany these symptoms. If cystitis is present, symptoms such as urgency, residual urine sensation, nocturia, and hematuria may appear together.

Diagnosis is made through clinical symptoms, urinalysis, urine culture, and blood tests. Treatment involves medication based on test results, along with adequate hydration and rest. In severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic administration may be necessary. The length of hospital stay varies depending on the patient's condition but typically lasts 7 to 14 days.

Antibiotic treatment may continue after discharge if needed. If test values do not return to normal or if recurrence occurs, further examinations are required to identify and address the underlying cause. Although rare, surgical treatment may be necessary if urinary stones or urinary tract abnormalities are the cause. Patients with diabetes or chronic diseases should be especially cautious due to the higher risk of complications.

Kim Min-ji, Head of the Artificial Kidney Center at Daedong Hospital and a nephrology specialist, advised, “Because pyelonephritis symptoms resemble those of the flu, many people underestimate it and end up seeking medical care late, resulting in prolonged hospitalization. Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections, but if left untreated, they can lead to complications such as renal abscess or sepsis. Frequent pyelonephritis can damage the kidneys, so caution is necessary.”

To prevent pyelonephritis, it is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to flush bacteria out of the bladder and avoid holding urine for long periods or wearing tight underwear. After swimming in pools or seawater, or after outdoor activities that cause heavy sweating, it is important to shower promptly.

Regularly drinking sufficient water and avoiding clothing that does not allow ventilation, such as skinny pants or pantyhose, is advisable. Wearing cotton underwear and maintaining personal hygiene are crucial. Avoid long baths in bathtubs, and to prevent contamination of the urinary tract by fecal bacteria, wipe from front to back after bowel movements and urination.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.