Final answer:
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection with signs unique from cystitis, such as fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, flank pain, and frequent painful urination, especially when these are combined with systemic symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differentiating Pyelonephritis from Cystitis
The student is asking about five signs or symptoms that are unique to pyelonephritis that are not commonly seen with cystitis. Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that may develop from a lower urinary tract infection, typically affecting the upper urinary tract, while cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder. Here are five unique signs or symptoms of pyelonephritis that are generally not associated with cystitis:
- Fever: Pyelonephritis often causes a high fever which isn't typically a symptom of cystitis.
- Chills: Along with fever, chills are another systemic symptom distinctive of pyelonephritis.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms are more specific to pyelonephritis due to its potential impact on the entire body.
- Flank Pain: Pain in the lower back or side, under the ribs, is a classic finding in kidney infections such as pyelonephritis.
- Frequent, painful urination: While this symptom can occur with both conditions, when combined with systemic signs such as fever, it's more indicative of pyelonephritis.
Unlike cystitis, which primarily involves the bladder, pyelonephritis affects the kidneys and can lead to more severe systemic symptoms. Its symptoms can also include malaise and an elevated white blood cell count which can be indicators of a potentially more serious infection.