Nephritis


Introduction

Nephritis is a disease which occurs in the kidney and results in failure to filter out the waste from the blood. An excessive amount of water gets filtered out from the human body due to the proper function of the kidney. Due to the failure in kidney function, an excessive amount of blood gets stuck in the body, and it causes inflammation. This ultimately leads to Nephritis. Unfortunately, it finally leads to kidney failure.

What is Nephritis?

Nephritis is one of the most common diseases caused in the human body due to acute kidney injury. The inflammation caused in the kidney makes swell, often leading to failure in kidney function.

Figure 1: Kidney Anatomy

Failure of Kidney Function

The daily procedure of 120 to 150 quarts of blood can reduce up to 2 quarts of waste and an extra amount of water from the body. The infection that occurs in one part of the kidney can spread in the kidney and lead to an increasingly suppurative procedure. In addition, patients with problems like Nephritis commonly do not get alert even after experiencing pain. The primary alert started as patients found swelling in their ankles or eyelids.

Results of Nephritis

According to modern medical science, due to Nephritis, the kidney stops its malfunction to remove the waste from the blood, leading to inflammation. Later, this can lead to kidney disease and failure. The Glomerulus is the swelling in the kidney due to the excessive amount of water that cannot be filtered out from the kidneys.

Nephritis Causes

There are multiple reasons available behind Nephritis. It can be because of the infection or toxins in the kidney. However, it is normally rendered by autoimmune disorders that influence the failure of major organs like kidneys.

The followings are the different types of causes that can lead to Nephritis:

  • Pyelonephritis is a swelling due to the disorder caused by the urinary tract that arrives at the renal pelvis of the kidney.

  • Lupus Nephritis is the swelling that occurs in the kidney caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the body's cells and organs.

  • Strenuous exercise can lead to Nephritis as it results in some changes in the blood cells. In this scenario, hemoglobin or red blood cells comes out of the body through urine.

  • Hereditary Nephritis is also known as the Alport syndrome. The disease can lead to failure of kidneys and several other issues in the organs of the human body such as muscle weakness and weight loss.

Types of Nephritis

The following section denotes considerable types of Nephritis:

  • Lupus Nephritis: The weak immune system or the autoimmune disease that caused an attack on the healthy tissues in the human body. The moment when the immune system attacks the kidneys, Lupus Nephritis occurs as a consequence. People suffering from Lupus are the most common patient of this disease.

Figure 2: Glomerulonephritis

  • Acute Glomerulonephritis: A severe infection that appears suddenly can lead to a kidney disorder. Lupus and rarer disorders like vasculitides and granulomatosis with polyangiitis can be the reason for acute inflammation of the kidneys. Immediate medical attention must be given to the patient to restrict the probable damage to the kidney and lead to kidney failure.

Symptoms of Nephritis

Different symptoms of Nephritis can be found in the human body, and it can lead to experiencing pain and other health problems. As the kidney malfunction stops, ankle swelling can be found. The followings are the symptoms of Nephritis:

  • Foamy urine

  • High blood pressure

  • Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet

  • Pain in the abdomen

  • Fever

  • Vomiting

  • Joint problems

  • Rashes

The condition can become serious and lead to different dimensions as the pain becomes severe in the body. Faster identification of the disease increased the chances of survival.

Diagnosis from Nephritis

Protein found in the urine can be determined as an indication that the kidneys are not functioning properly. Moreover, a blood test that can measure the waste derivative in the blood called creatinine can also supply urgent notification on the fitness of the kidneys.

Nephritis Treatment

The most significant way is the biopsy test which can show the sample of the actual tissues of the kidneys. A kidney biopsy can be defined as the first treatment stage for patients suffering from Nephritis. Long-term observation and different types of medications, and light exercises have the probability of solving Nephritis. Medications to reduce blood pressure are another effective procedure of treatment to solve Nephritis.

Conclusion

Kidneys are the utmost vital parts of the human body. Any issue regarding the disbalance in the water level and excessive waste in the blood can lead to Nephritis. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment caused by the kidney's pain are vital to understanding that it can be an indication to prevent kidney failure. The consequences of Nephritis in the human body are kidney failure, heart attack, high blood pressure, and other diseases.

FAQs

Q1. How do keep kidneys safe to reduce the chances of failure?

Ans. There are different health tips like checking blood pressure, drinking an adequate amount of water, maintaining a low sodium level, and avoiding smoking and drinking can safeguard kidneys.

Q2. What defines Nephritis?

Ans. It represents renal failure. Frequent use of different types of antibiotics and drugs has the potential to lead to renal failure.

Q3. How to diagnose Nephritis?

Ans. A CT scan or renal ultrasound can be helpful in displaying a blockage or inflammation of the kidneys or urinary tract. Additionally, doctors often recommend kidney biopsy.

Updated on: 24-Jan-2023

113 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements