Nephritis is an inflammatory illness that affects the nephrons, the functional units of the kidneys. This inflammation, also called glomerulonephritis, can have a detrimental effect on kidney function.
Kidneys are the bean-shaped organs which filter the blood that circulates in the body, removing excess water and waste.There are numerous forms of nephritis, each with its own unique set of reasons. While some types develop quickly, others originate as a result of a chronic illness and require continuing therapy.
Types of Nephritis
Nephritis comes in a variety of forms. It can range from a minor, non-destructive illness to a catastrophic condition that results in renal failure. Certain kinds of nephritis may initially appear moderate but might progress to produce high blood pressure or kidney failure. Nephritis is frequently classified as either acute or chronic.
The acute type occurs rapidly, frequently following a throat or skin infection. These infections may require antibiotic treatment. Chronic nephritis develops invisibly over time and can result in renal failure. Acute attacks can occasionally result in chronic nephritis years later.
Various forms of nephritis, includes the following
Acute glomerulonephritis: This type of nephritis develops rapidly following a serious illness such as strep throat, hepatitis, or HIV.
Lupus and other less common conditions, such as vasculitides and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), can also cause acute kidney inflammation. During a flare-up, a person with these illnesses will require quick medical intervention to avoid further kidney damage.
Lupus nephritis: Lupus is an autoimmune illness, meaning that the immune system destroys healthy tissues in the body by mistake.
Lupus nephritis affects more than half of all patients with a lupus diagnosis. This occurs as a result of the immune system launching an attack against the kidneys.
Alport syndrome, also known as hereditary nephritis, is a genetic disorder that can result in renal failure, as well as eyesight and hearing issues. Alport syndrome is a genetic disorder that is typically more severe in men.
Chronic glomerulonephritis: This type of nephritis progresses slowly and initially presents with minimal symptoms. As is the case with acute glomerulonephritis, this illness can result in significant kidney damage and failure. It may run in families or occur as a result of an acute illness.
IgA nephropathy is a rather common kind of nephropathy. It occurs as a result of IgA antibody deposits accumulating in the kidneys and causing inflammation.
Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to hazardous substances and organisms that enter the body. Individuals with IgA neuropathy have faulty IgA antibodies
Doctors seldom diagnose IgA nephropathy in children, as the early signs are often missed. Individuals with this illness can be treated with blood pressure medicines.
Interstitial nephritis: Often characterised by rapid progression, this type of nephritis is typically caused by infection or a specific medicine. It affects interstitium, a fluid-filled region in the kidney.
If the affected individual’s doctor discontinues the troublesome drug promptly, a full recovery is achievable within a few weeks. However, damage to the kidneys can occasionally accumulate to the point of failure.
There are several forms of nephritis.
-
Focal nephritis: Less than half of your nephrons are scarred, and your urine contains blood and a trace of protein. This kind of nephritis is rarely associated with more serious kidney disease. Symptoms may not appear until blood and protein are detected in your urine during routine tests. IgA nephritis (alternatively referred to as IgA nephropathy) is a form of localised nephritis. In Australia, this is the most frequent kind of nephritis. For additional information, check the fact sheet on IgA Nephritis.
-
Diffuse nephritis: The majority of your nephrons are afflicted, and your urine contains a high concentration of protein. Other symptoms may include swelling of the arms, legs, and face as a result of water retention and elevated blood pressure.
-
Nephrotic syndrome: When the nephrons are damaged, they leak a high amount of protein but very little blood into the urine. Losing this protein depletes your body of the protein it requires. You may experience swelling in your feet and ankles, as well as an increase in your blood cholesterol level. Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder that can be caused by several types of glomerulonephritis as well as by other conditions such as diabetes and lupus. Nephrotic syndrome is most frequently caused by Minimal Change Disease in children. This disease is so named because it causes only very little damage to the glomeruli. Minimal Change Disease has no recognised aetiology. Corticosteroids are typically used to treat it. Adults can occasionally acquire Minimal Change Disease as a side effect of certain medications or as a result of another disorder, such as cancer.
Causes of Nephritis
-
Nephritis can be caused by many different factors. In other instances, the cause may be obscure.
-
Nephritis and kidney disease frequently appear to run in families, implying a hereditary component. Nephritis can also be caused by certain illnesses, such as HIV and hepatitis B or C.
-
In some situations, drugs such as antibiotics might cause kidney damage. This type of injury can result in nephritis. This illness can also be caused by using an excessive amount of pain medicines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or diuretic pills.
Complications Of Nephritis
• Blood in the urine (haematuria) – this condition causes the urine to appear pink or cola-colored.
• Protein in the urine (albuminuria) – this condition might result in foamy pee.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) -can be harmful if left untreated, resulting in headaches, dizziness, strokes, and shortness of breath.
• Elevated cholesterol levels, which can result in heart disease and stroke
• Oedema – swelling of the face, feet, legs, and hands as a result of salt and water retention in the body
• Anaemia – an insufficient number of red blood cells in the blood, which can result in fatigue and shortness of breath
• Kidney failure necessitating dialysis or transplantation Complications will vary according to the origin and extent of your kidney impairment.
How is nephritis detected?
Occasionally, additional testing is required
• Kidney biopsy – A needle is inserted into the kidney through the skin and a small bit of kidney tissue is removed to be examined under a microscope.
• Ultrasound – An equipment is moved across the skin, transmitting and receiving signals in order to create images of your organs, including the kidneys and bladder.
• Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – High-frequency radio waves and a strong magnetic field are used to create detailed images of your kidneys and bladder.
Conclusion
The primary treatment for nephritis is to control high blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend medicine to help lower your blood pressure and protect the function of your kidneys. Supplements with fish oil may help reduce inflammation, and a diuretic (to flush out excess fluid and reduce swelling) may also be recommended. Consult your kidney specialist (nephrologist) to determine if they are appropriate treatment options for you. New medicines are being evaluated to determine if they can help reduce the progression of renal failure.