Nephritis

Nephritis refers to inflammation of the kidneys and is a serious condition that can lead to kidney damage and failure if not addressed promptly. It comprises a group of diseases, often immune-mediated, that affect the glomerulus, the part of the kidney that filters blood.

Niere Kidney - Nephritis Nierenentzündung bei Reh, bedenkliches Merkmal, Wildkrankheit

Introduction

Nephritis is an inflammatory condition affecting one or both kidneys. It is usually classified into two major types: glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis. Nephritis can lead to significant kidney damage and failure if not appropriately treated, making it a critical health concern.

Types of Nephritis

• There are two major types of nephritis, based on the part of the kidney affected:
• Glomerulonephritis: This condition affects the glomeruli, small units within the kidney where blood is filtered to produce urine. This filtration process removes waste and excess substances from the body.
• Interstitial Nephritis: This type of nephritis involves inflammation of the interstitial tissue of the kidney, which surrounds the tubules. Interstitial nephritis is often drug-induced and can be temporary or long-term.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Nephritis is usually caused by an auto-immune reaction, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues, or by infections. Certain diseases, like lupus, IgA nephropathy, and vasculitis, can also cause nephritis.
• Risk factors for nephritis include a family history of kidney disease, having an autoimmune disease, and certain medications, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of nephritis can range from mild to severe and include edema (swelling), usually in the legs, ankles, or feet; hematuria (blood in the urine), which gives the urine a dark, rust color; high blood pressure; and decreased urine output.
• In more severe cases, symptoms can include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and kidney failure, which can lead to a range of complications, including anemia, irregular heart rhythms, and sudden cardiac death.

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis of nephritis typically involves a series of laboratory tests. A urinalysis is performed to detect blood, protein, and white blood cells in the urine, all of which can indicate kidney inflammation. A complete blood count (CBC) can reveal anemia, a common complication of kidney disease, and a comprehensive metabolic panel can evaluate kidney function.
• In certain cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan can help visualize the kidneys, and a kidney biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment

• The treatment of nephritis primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause and alleviating symptoms. If an autoimmune disorder is the cause, immunosuppressive drugs may be used to control the immune response. If nephritis is due to infection, antibiotics are typically administered.
• To control symptoms, treatments may include blood pressure medications, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, diuretics to remove excess fluid, and in severe cases, dialysis to perform the function of the kidneys.
• In certain cases, dietary modifications might also be recommended to ease the workload on the kidneys.

Epidemiology

The incidence of nephritis varies widely across the globe and among different populations, largely due to genetic and environmental factors. Glomerulonephritis accounts for approximately 10-15% of all cases of end-stage renal disease in the United States.

See Also

• Kidney disease
• Glomerulonephritis
• Interstitial nephritis
• Lupus nephritis
• IgA nephropathy

References

Nephritis Resources
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