Kidneys are most essential to us since they work as a filter in getting rid of excess chemicals and fluids from the blood. Kidney problems are very common ailments. But they can be a serious cause for danger. One of the most common problems of kidney is the growth of kidney stones.
The other most common problem is nephritis. The disease leading to the inflammation of the kidney, any one or sometimes both, is termed as nephritis. The root of the word nephritis is the Greek word “nephro”(of the kidney), and “ itis”(inflammation).
Subtypes of Nephritis
Nephritis has different subtypes. The different subtypes of nephritis are as follows:
Glomerulonephritis
This is the inflammation of glomeruli.
Interstitial nephritis or tubulo-interstitial nephritis
This is the inflammation in the area between the renal tubules.
Pyelonephritis
This is urinary tract infection reaching the pyelum or the pelvis of the kidney.
Lupus nephritis
This is the inflammation of kidney, the cause of which is systemic lupus erythematosus.
Infections of Nephritis
Different types of infections can cause nephritis. Some of them are as follows:
Bacterial infection
Viral infection
Fungal infection
Parasitic infection
Chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis
Drug
Heavy metals effect
Obstructive uropathy, nephrolithiasis, or reflux disease
Immunologic disease
Chronic transplant nephropathy
Neoplasia
Atherosclerotic kidney disorder
Metabolic diseases
Genetic disorders
Frequency of Nephritis
The frequency of nephritis depends on a lot of factors. The are as follows:
Race
Generally this does not depend on race but it has been noticed that lead nephropathy is common in black people. This might be for their socio economic background.
Sex
Nephritis is more common in women than in men.
Age
This is more common in the elders, though this might remain as a chronic disease from childhood.
Cause of Nephritis
The causes of nephritis can differ from one individual to another. Collectively these symptoms are also called acute nephritic syndrome. Some of the causes of nephritis are as follows:
In Children
Infection with the streptococcus bacteria in children. This leads to the damage of the glomeruli, or the filter of the kidney.
Henoch-Schönlein purpura. This is an inflammation of the blood vessels.
Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. This is an abnormal immune reaction.
In Adults
Vasculitis, or the inflammation of the blood vessels
Pneumonia
Abscesses
infections like measles, glandular fever, mumps, hepatitis.
Symptoms of Nephritis
In about 50% of the cases of nephritis, there is no symptoms at all. But when symptoms are seen, they are as follows:
Swelling in the tissues
The flow of urine reduces
Urine contains blood
Blood [pressure increases
Headaches
Drowsiness
Problem in seeing
Fatigue
Feeling of nausea
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Joint pain in some cases
If nephritis persists for long time it becomes chronic nephritis. Chronic nephritis might lead to kidney failure too.
Complications of Nephritis
The complications arising from acute chronic nephritis are:
kidney failure
glomerulonephritis
heart failure due to congestion
High blood pressure
Nephritic syndrome
Treatment for Nephritis
The treatment of this disease generally depends on the cause and the type of symptoms a person shows. However, some general treatment procedures for curing nephritis are as follows:
Restriction of salts like sodium, potassium, protein, and fluids in the diet.
Bed Rest
Steroids, if needed
Immunosuppressant drugs
Antibiotics
Medicines to control blood pressure
Temporary renal dialysis in some cases
Precaution for Nephritis
Though it has not been proved yet what to do to prevent nephritis, some gebneral precautions can be taken to prevent it to some extent. They are as follows:
Keep a close check on the urine habits
Drink plenty of fluid
Go to the doctor if the slightest irritation occurs
Keep a check on the diet if there is previous history of nephritis
