Re: Kidney Infection

Posted By HFHS M.D.-JJ on August 06, 1998 at 16:05:40:

In Reply to: Kidney Infection posted by Cathy on July 31, 1998 at 18:37:54:






Symptoms are lower back ache, dizziness, headache that won't go away, 101.2 temp.  Diagnosed with UTI leading to kidneys.  Not diabetic or anemic.  Doctor gave me a shot which he described as a "bomb" of antibiotics.  12 hrs later, severe pain in eyes, still have other symptoms. My eyes began to swell.    Went back to doctor and they said I have sinusitus on top of kidney infection.  I am having no trouble urinating, no pain or blood that I can see.  Doctor said urinalysis shows trace of blood.  No urge to go frequently or anything.  
I am concerned about the swelling in my eyes.  Doc says this is due to the sinusitus.  Swelling is getting worse.  I am now taking Cipro for the kidney infection and Guaifen PSE 600-120 for the sinusitus.  I am concerned that I am having an alergic (allergic) reaction, not sinusitus.  My eyes have never swelled before.  Should I go back to doctor?  Very worried.  Thank you.
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Dear Cathy,
The kidney infection you describe is called pyelonephritis.  This usually requires intravenous antibiotic therapy followed by antibiotic by mouth for 10-14 days.  The decision whether or not to use intravenous antibiotics and the length of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and type of organism (bacteria).  The list of side effects of individual antibiotics vary and Im not sure exactly what type of antibiotics (the bomb you describe) you initially received.  However, this may represent an allergy, since inflammation and swelling is a well described manifestation of some allergic reactions.  It may also be due to the sinusitis.  An ENT (ear, nose ,throat) specialist would be best qualified to comment on that.  However, I agree that this is not a normal course after antibiotic therapy for pyelonephritis, and therefore recommend you follow-up with your physician who can examine you and make the appropriate recommendations and/or referrals.  Wish you the best.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-JJ
*Keyword: pyelonephritis, drug allergy