Cranberry consumption also lowers the
urine pH, which results in the urine itself not being as likely to be broken
down by bacteria such as E. coli. This property in itself is not antibacterial
in decreasing UTIs, but instead results in a lowered amount of the ammonia
smell that is caused when bacteria breaks down urine (Newton et al., 2001).
Research has also suggested that the consumption of sweetened dried cranberries
may also result in eliciting the same antiadhesion properties as it does in
drinking cranberry juice (Greenberg et al., 2005).
Pyelonephritis
Introduction
Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney. It can
affect the renal pelvis, interstitium, or both. Pyelonephritis is most commonly
caused by the Escherichia Coli (E. coli) bacterium. However, it can also be caused
by a fungus or a virus (McCance & Huether, 2002). Pyelonephritis can
present as an acute problem or chronic problem. Acute pyelonephritis most
commonly occurs more in women than men (Mitterberger, et. al., 2007). Risk
factors for pyelonephritis include diabetes mellitus and kidney stones (Pertel
& Haverstock, 2006).
Pathophysiology of
Pyelonephritis
During vesicoureteral reflux, urine is refluxing back to
the kidney from the bladder. When this occurs, bacteria can be brought into
contact with the kidney. The bacteria can cause infection in the renal cortex
or the interstitium (McCance & Huether, 2002). The infection in the kidney
causes renal inflammation, renal edema, and medullary infiltration. The urine
may appear purulent. In severe cases of pyelonephritis the presence of
localized abscesses forming in the medulla or cortex may be noted on computed
topography (CT). Acute pyelonephritis usually does not cause complete renal
failure (McCance & Huether).
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