NEPHRITIS PRESENTED By : - Mrs. Khushnasib ( Asso . Prof. )
DEFINITION Nephritis is an inflammation of the nephrons, which are part of the kidneys. Also known as glomerulonephritis, it can affect kidney function, leading to changes in urine and urination habits and swelling in the hands, feet, and elsewhere.
Types There are several different types of nephritis, including: Acute glomerulonephritis: This form of nephritis can develop suddenly after a severe infection, such as strep throat , hepatitis , or HIV . Lupus and rarer disorders, such as vasculitides and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), can also lead to acute inflammation of the kidneys. A person with these conditions will require prompt medical attention during a flare-up to reduce kidney damage. Lupus nephritis: Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body.
SYMPTOMS: - The symptoms of lupus nephritis include: foamy urine high blood pressure swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet People may also notice symptoms in other parts of the body. These symptoms may include joint problems, fever , and rashes.
Chronic glomerulonephritis: This form of nephritis develops slowly and causes few symptoms in its early stages. As with acute glomerulonephritis , this condition can cause severe kidney damage and kidney failure. It may run in families or develop after a sudden disease. IgA nephropathy: This is one of the more common forms of nephritis. It develops when IgA antibody deposits build up in the kidneys and cause inflammation .
The immune system develops antibodies to combat harmful substances and organisms that enter the body. People with IgA neuropathy have defective IgA antibodies. Doctors do not often find IgA nephropathy in young people, as the early symptoms are easy to miss. People can treat this condition with blood pressure medications. Interstitial nephritis: Often developing very rapidly, this form of nephritis usually occurs due to infection or a particular medication. It affects the part of the kidney called the interstitium , which is a fluid-filled space.
Causes There are many different causes of nephritis. In some cases, the cause may not be clear. Nephritis and kidney disease often seem to run in families, which suggests a possible genetic component. Some infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B or C, can also cause nephritis. In some cases, kidney damage can occur as a result of medications, such as antibiotics . This damage can lead to nephritis. Taking too many pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), or diuretic pills can also cause this condition.
Risk factors The most important risk factors for kidney disease are: a family history of kidney disease high blood pressure diabetes obesity heart disease an age of 60 years or more
Symptoms The symptoms of nephritis are rarely severe in the early stages. The following signs may indicate that a person has this condition: changes in urinating habits swelling anywhere in the body, especially the hands, feet, ankles, and face changes in urine color foamy urine blood in the urine
Diagnosis In some cases, a doctor may detect nephritis during a routine blood or urine test. Finding protein in the urine can indicate that the kidneys are not working correctly. A blood test that measures a waste product in the blood called creatinine can also provide information on the health of the kidneys. However, a biopsy is the best way to check for nephritis. For this procedure, a doctor will remove a piece of the kidney with a needle and send it to a laboratory for analysis.
Treatment A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat the kidney infection. If your infection is very serious, you may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics within the hospital inpatient setting. IV antibiotics tend to work faster than antibiotics in pill form. Infections such as pyelonephritis can cause severe pain. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain as you recover. If your kidneys are very inflamed, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids.
Supplements When your kidneys aren’t working as well, it can impact the balance of electrolytes in your body. Electrolytes, such as potassium , sodium , and magnesium , are responsible for creating chemical reactions in the body. If your electrolyte levels are too high, your doctor may prescribe IV fluids to encourage your kidneys to release the extra electrolytes. If your electrolytes are low, you may need to take supplements. These could include potassium or phosphorus pills. However, you shouldn’t take any supplements without your doctor’s approval and recommendation.
Dialysis If your kidney function is significantly impaired due to your infection, you may require dialysis . This is a process in which a special machine acts like an artificial kidney. Dialysis may be a temporary necessity. However, if your kidneys have experienced too much damage, you may need dialysis permanently.
Prevention Although it is not always possible to prevent nephritis, certain lifestyle practices can reduce the risk for many people. These practices include: maintaining a healthy weight quitting smoking keeping blood pressure and blood sugar within healthy limits exercising regularly Eating a nutritious, balanced diet can also help protect kidney health.