Nephritis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The kidneys are vital organs that fulfill such important functions as purifying the blood and helping to eliminate toxins, which is essential to maintain the health of the organism in perfect conditions. Among the different disorders that the kidneys can suffer, is the nephritis that refers to any renal inflammatory process; This can present you in a timely and temporary way or, conversely, in a prolonged and aggravating way as time goes by. For this reason and to avoid serious complications, it is essential to be treated by nephrologist in Delhi since a specific treatment will be required depending on the causative factor of renal inflammation.

Symptoms of Nephritis

First, it is important to clarify that inflammation of the kidney can compromise the health of different parts of this organ, and based on the location of the swelling one can distinguish between:

• Interstitial nephritis: the spaces between the renal tubules become inflamed.
• Membranous nephropathy: inflammation occurs in the small blood vessels of the kidneys, called glomeruli, which help filter waste and extra fluids from the blood.

The symptoms of nephritis can vary from one patient to another depending on the type or subtype of nephritis (explained in the following section) that occurs, but usually the inflammation of one or both kidneys can include the condition of:

• Pain in the kidneys or in the unilateral or bilateral lower back.
• Significant changes in the urine: very frequent and painful urination, darker (brown) and foamy urine or presence of blood in the urine (hematuria).
• Nausea and vomiting
• General malaise
• Generalized swelling, more frequent in feet, ankles, legs and hands.
• Headaches.
• Loss of appetite
• Itching or generalized itching.
• Weakness and drowsiness
• Elevation of blood pressure.
• Fever.

Causes of Nephritis

The causes of nephritis can be very diverse and, therefore, taking these into account, this kidney condition is classified into the subtypes that are detailed below.

Lupus Nephritis

It is described by the best nephrologist in Delhi as an inflammation of the kidney that is caused by the suffering of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune pathology in which the immune system instead of protecting the body from possible infections or external agents that can damage it, mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

Lupus erythematosus can affect different parts of the kidney and lead to suffering from interstitial nephritis, membranous nephropathy or nephrotic syndrome (symptoms such as low blood proteins, protein in the urine, high cholesterol and inflammation). In this case, it is suggested by kidney specialist in Delhi to treat the underlying disease to avoid complications such as acute or chronic renal failure.

Pyelonephritis

In this case, renal inflammation is caused by a type of infection that begins in the urinary tract and subsequently reaches the kidneys, impairing the proper functioning and performance of these.

Generally, the main trigger for this infection is the rise of microorganisms from the faecal flora through the ureters, which are the ducts that allow the kidneys and bladder to communicate. Among the microorganisms responsible for the infection, bacteria such as Escherichia coli , Klebsiella spp and Proteus spp are found , the first being the most frequent.

It will be essential to be treated as soon as possible so that the evolution of the disease is favorable, because although the prognosis is very good, when there are also significant pathologies, such as diabetes or renal failure, it is possible that more serious complications, such as sepsis, may occur, which is the inflammatory response that the body has to suffer from a serious infection, says the best kidney specialist in Delhi.

Athletic Nephritis

This type of renal inflammation appears as a consequence of performing strenuous physical exercise and it is possible that it causes a symptomatic picture in which proteinuria (higher levels of protein in the urine), presence of blood in the urine and cylindruria (presence is observed) of silicon in the urine).

Other possible causes of nephritis can be the consumption of certain medications, especially an abuse of some pain relievers or anti-inflammatories, excessive alcohol intake or suffering from other diseases, such as diabetes, AIDS, syphilis, stones or kidney stones, hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood), some types of cancer, etc.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Nephritis

Before manifesting the symptoms described above, it is essential to see a doctor for kidney in Delhi as soon as possible. The physician will study the patient’s medical history, perform a physical examination and to confirm the diagnosis of nephritis, nephrologist in Gurgaon may request the performance of some tests or exams, such as a urine test, a blood test or an MRI.

The treatment of nephritis will depend in each case on the cause that is causing it, so it will always be focused on reducing the symptoms presented and improving renal function, preventing inflammation from resulting in more severe conditions or conditions such as kidney failure.

In those cases in which the inflammation of the kidney is a consequence of a certain bacterial infectious process, the kidney specialist in Gurgaon may prescribe the administration of an antibiotic treatment for a few weeks to definitively end the microorganisms responsible for the infection. It will be necessary to strictly follow the medical indications as to the appropriate dose and duration of drug treatment.

When it is a lupus nephritis , that is, that renal inflammation is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, treatment may include taking drugs that inhibit the immune system or immunosuppressive medications and these are usually corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, aziotiprin or cyclophosphamide.

On the other hand, medications for high blood pressure, anti-inflammatory drugs or diuretics may also be necessary. The latter will help the kidneys excrete the excess water and salt they contain.

Only in those cases in which the renal damage has evolved to a severe inflammation, the top nephrologist in Delhi can recommend the initiation of a renal replacement therapy with dialysis .

Other Favorable Measures in Case of Nephritis

In addition to timely medical treatment, it is essential that patients with nephritis have healthy lifestyle habits and take into account measures such as the following to improve kidney functions and promote the health of their kidneys:

• Increase daily water consumption per day and control fluid intake. A weak mineralization water should be chosen to favor the elimination of toxins and harmful substances that can impair the proper functioning of the kidneys.
• Follow a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits, moderating dairy consumption and avoiding the intake of foods high in fats and sugars.
• Reduce the amount of salt in meals.
• Rest when the kidney pains are intense and strong.
• Maintain good genital hygiene, wiping from front to back when making the needs.
• Always urinate after sexual intercourse to avoid bacterial infections.
• Do not abuse over-the-counter pain reliever medications.