Description
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, about the size of a fist. Each kidney is encased in a tough, fibrous renal capsule that supports the soft tissue inside; further support comes from the two layers of fat surrounding the kidney. The kidneys filter waste products out of the body, help to maintain a balanced level of electrolytes, and stabilize blood pressure.
Introduction
Inflammatory kidney disease, commonly referred to as nephritis, comprises a variety of disorders characterized by inflammation of the kidneys. Nephritis is an inflammation of the nephrons, which form part of the kidneys. If there is inflammation, these vital functions may be damaged, giving rise to a host of health complications, such as changes in urine and urination habits and swelling in the hands, feet, and elsewhere.
Types of Nephritis:
Acute glomerulonephritis: This nephritis can come on suddenly following serious infections such as strep throat, hepatitis, or HIV. It attacks the glomeruli, which are small filters inside the kidneys. This is the most common form of nephritis.
Lupus nephritis: Lupus is known as an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues. The signs and symptoms of lupus nephritis include foamy urine, high blood pressure, swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet.
IgA nephropathy: This is one of the more common forms of nephritis. It occurs when IgA antibody deposits in the kidneys begin to cause inflammation. The immune system creates antibodies to fight harmful substances and organisms that get inside the body. Those with IgA neuropathy have a flaw in their IgA antibodies.
Interstitial nephritis: This form of nephritis may appear quite rapidly, generally because of infection or autoimmune diseases or even as an adverse reaction to certain medications. It occurs in the area known as the interstitium in the kidney and is the fluid-filled space.
Causes of Nephritis
Bacterial, fungal or viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C may cause inflammation.
Another cause of interstitial nephritis is low potassium in your blood. Potassium helps control many functions in the body, such as heartbeat and metabolism
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Goodpasture’s syndrome, anti-tubular basement membrane disease and IgA nephropathy involve the immune system attacking the kidneys.
Taking some drugs for a long time can lead to side effects, including inflammation of the kidneys (Ghane S.F, Assadi F. 2015)
Some forms of nephritis have a hereditary component.
Diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can gradually damage the kidneys over a period of time.
Symptoms of Nephritis:
Blood in the urine (hematuria) may appear as pink, red, or brown urine.
Protein in the urine (proteinuria) can make the urine appear foamy.
Swelling (edema): Particularly of the face, ankles, and feet.
High blood pressure due to fluid retention.
Less urine production in severe cases.
Pain in the kidney area or abdomen.
Loss of appetite may accompany some of the other symptoms.
Diagnosis of Nephritis
Blood tests: To determine how well the kidneys are functioning, whether there is an infection present, and whether the body is fighting an autoimmune disorder.
Urinalysis: To detect blood, protein, and other abnormalities in the urine.
Kidney biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.
Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to visualize the kidneys and detect any abnormalities.
Treatment of Nephritis
Medications
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include:
Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup.
Antihypertensive medications: To control blood pressure.
Immunosuppressants: To suppress the immune system in autoimmune cases.
Antibiotics: To treat infections.
Steroids: To reduce inflammation.
Lifestyle modifications
Dietary changes: May be necessary to restrict protein, salt, and potassium intake.
Regular exercise: Can help improve overall health and kidney function.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain on the kidneys.
Smoking cessation: Smoking can worsen kidney damage.
Dialysis: In advanced cases, dialysis may be necessary to remove waste products in the blood if the kidneys are no longer functioning properly.
Kidney transplant: In some cases, a kidney transplant may be an option for long-term treatment.
Prevention of Nephritis
● Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar: For patients with diabetes or high blood pressure.
● Maintaining a healthy weight: Through proper diet and regular exercise.
● Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol
● Taking good care of medication: This includes adhering to the prescription and discussing with your doctor the possible side effects.
● Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps maintain proper kidney function.
● Regular checkups: This is very necessary if one has a family history of kidney diseases or other risk factors.
Conclusion
Nephritis is a serious disease that can significantly decrease quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are very important for the control of disease progression and the prevention of further damage to the kidneys. Together, healthcare professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies can continue to advance our knowledge of nephritis and develop new treatments that will improve the quality of life of patients.
Reference
Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Glomerular Diseases Work Group. KDIGO 2021 clinical practice guideline for the management of glomerular diseases. Kidney International. 2021;100(4S):S1–S276. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.05.021.
Ghane Shahrbaf F, Assadi F. Drug-induced renal disorders. J Renal Inj Prev. 2015 Sep 1;4(3):57-60. doi: 10.12861/jrip.2015.12. PMID: 26468475; PMCID: PMC4594214.
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