Acute Nephritis: Symptoms, Causes & Types
Acute nephritis occurs when the kidneys suddenly become inflamed, impairing their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. This sudden inflammation can impact your overall health and kidney function.
If not managed properly, this has the potential to cause serious complications, including chronic kidney disease. Knowing its causes, symptoms, and possible treatments is essential to managing this condition.
Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can considerably impact the outcome, helping prevent complications and preserve kidney function.
Types of Acute Nephritis
Acute nephritis encompasses several types, each with distinct characteristics and implications on kidney function. Awareness empowers individuals to recognize symptoms promptly, facilitating immediate medical intervention and preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection usually caused by bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), a common bacterium naturally found in the gastrointestinal tract, which moves from the lower urinary tract to the kidneys, leading to inflammation and triggered immune responses.
This condition affects the kidney tissue and renal pelvis and is often triggered by factors such as urinary tract issues, weakened immunity, catheter usage, and, in some cases, pregnancy. If this condition is left untreated, it could cause kidney scarring and chronic kidney disease.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis encompasses a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the glomeruli. These tiny filtering units within the kidneys are integral in purifying the blood. As inflammation occurs, it results in blood and protein leakage into the urine, a distinct symptom of impaired kidney function.
The causes vary and include autoimmune disorders, such as lupus nephritis, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys, and post-infectious conditions following streptococcal infections, which can trigger inflammation in the glomeruli.
Interstitial Nephritis
Interstitial nephritis is characterized by inflammation within the interstitium, the spaces separating the kidney tubules. It disrupts the kidney’s ability to regulate salt and water balance effectively, resulting in imbalanced urine concentration and the accumulation of toxins in the body.
The condition can manifest acutely, triggered by medication hypersensitivity, commonly to antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, as well as autoimmune disorders or infections. On the other hand, chronic cases may develop due to long-term exposure to toxins or from untreated acute episodes. This may result in irreversible kidney damage.
Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN)
RPGN is a critical form of acute nephritis, characterized by a swift decline in kidney function within days to weeks. It constitutes a medical emergency to prevent severe renal damage.
The hallmark of RPGN on a cellular level is the presence of crescents forming adhesions in the Bowman’s capsule, which are evident in kidney biopsies. This crescent formation disrupts the typical architecture of the glomeruli, severely impairing the kidneys’ ability to filter blood.
Athletic Nephritis
Athletic nephritis, also known as exercise-induced proteinuria, represents the body’s response to the stress of vigorous physical activity, particularly in endurance sports or intense training sessions.
During such activities, the increased blood flow to the muscles and elevated blood pressure can strain the kidneys, temporarily disrupting their filtering capabilities. This disruption may result in the passage of small amounts of protein into the urine, however, this is typically reversed with adequate rest and hydration post-exercise.
Symptoms of Acute Nephritis
It is crucial to closely monitor your body’s reactions as the symptoms of acute nephritis can manifest in various combinations and degrees of severity. Awareness of these symptoms can aid in early detection and diagnosis, reducing the risk of significant kidney damage.
Problems with Urination
Changes in your urination patterns, such as frequency or pain during urination, can stem from acute nephritis. Since your kidneys produce urine, inflammation or damage can alter aspects of this process, leading to discomfort.
At the same time, pain or burning during urination might indicate the presence of an infection or inflammation within the urinary tract.
Blood or Pus in the Urine
If you have acute nephritis, you might notice blood (hematuria) or pus (pyuria) in your urine due to the inflammation in your kidneys disrupting the normal blood filtration process.
It allows red blood cells to leak into your urine (hematuria), altering its color to pink, red, or a cola-like hue. Pyuria indicates the presence of white blood cells in the urine as a result of kidney or urinary tract infections.
Swelling
With acute nephritis affecting kidney function, your kidneys will have difficulty removing extra fluids from your body. This can then build up and cause swelling, also known as edema, particularly in your face, around the eyes, and the lower extremities, such as legs, ankles, and feet.
The presence of edema in these areas directly reflects the kidneys’ reduced capacity to filter and remove excess fluid, a condition often exacerbated by the loss of proteins in the urine that helps retain fluid within the bloodstream.
Elevated Blood Pressure
The kidneys are vital in regulating blood pressure by maintaining a balance of fluids and essential electrolytes in your body. When the kidneys are inflamed, they struggle to excrete excess salt and water. This accumulation of salt and water leads to increased blood volume and pressure.
This elevation in blood pressure is not only a symptom of nephritis but also a factor that can further exacerbate kidney damage, creating a cycle that potentially accelerates the progression of kidney disease.
Fatigue
Symptoms like fatigue can occur when your kidneys are not filtering out toxins effectively, a likely scenario in acute nephritis. When waste accumulates in the bloodstream, it can impair energy levels and lead to a feeling of constant tiredness or fatigue.
This reduction in vitality is further compounded by potential anemia, a common complication of kidney disease, where there’s a decrease in red blood cells to carry oxygen, amplifying feelings of fatigue and weakness.
Protein in Urine
Protein in the urine, known as proteinuria, is another symptom of Acute Nephritis. Normally, kidneys retain the protein in your bloodstream during filtration. However, when the kidneys’ filtering units are inflamed or damaged, proteins like albumin can pass into the urine.
One visible sign of proteinuria is the appearance of frothy urine. This symptom often reflects ongoing kidney damage that, if left untreated, can progress into more severe renal conditions.
Flank Pain
Abdominal discomfort or pain can signify several kidney conditions, including acute nephritis. The build-up of toxins due to reduced kidney function can irritate the stomach lining, causing pain.
This inflammation can also cause discomfort in the sides or back where the kidneys are located. The pain or discomfort can vary from a mild ache to intense spasms depending on the severity or complications like urinary tract obstructions.
Fever and Feeling Unwell
When acute nephritis is triggered by an infection, fever and general malaise are common indicators of the body’s systemic response to the invading pathogens.
A rise in body temperature is a natural defense mechanism that creates an environment that is less favorable for bacteria or viruses. At the same time, malaise describes a feeling of overall discomfort or unease, reflecting the general impact of the infection on the body’s well-being.
Difficulty Breathing
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath associated with nephritis often results from fluid accumulation in the lungs. This condition, known as pulmonary edema, occurs when the kidneys’ ability to manage fluid balance is compromised, leading to excess fluid retention throughout the body.
When this fluid builds up in the pulmonary spaces, it can significantly limit the lungs’ capacity to expand and oxygenate blood, manifesting as breathlessness or labored breathing.
Diagnosing Nephritis
Understanding acute nephritis involves familiarizing oneself with the diagnostic process and prioritizing comprehensive evaluations to develop an effective treatment plan. Awareness of diagnostic tests and procedures, along with recognizing the steps involved in diagnosis, empowers individuals to collaborate effectively with healthcare providers and manage their condition efficiently.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Compiling a comprehensive medical history is crucial step in diagnosing nephritis, where healthcare providers inquire about the patient’s symptoms, family history of kidney disease, recent infections, medication use, and other health conditions.
A comprehensive physical exam helps detect nephritis signs, including lower extremity or eye edema, high blood pressure, heart and lung sound abnormalities indicating fluid overload, and flank pain that signals potential kidney function complication, inflammation, or infection.
Urine Analysis
This simple test involves analyzing a sample of your urine. It helps assess the presence of red and white blood cells, high amounts of protein, and bacteria. These could suggest renal inflammation, infection, and damage typically seen in acute nephritis.
Furthermore, your urine sample can also be cultured to identify any specific bacteria causing a kidney infection. A comprehensive assessment may also involve a 24-hour urine collection to gauge kidney function and the severity of the condition accurately.
Blood Tests
With a blood sample, your doctor could evaluate kidney function, the level of waste products like creatinine and urea nitrogen, and the amount of protein in your blood.
High levels of these waste products or low protein levels suggest your kidneys aren’t properly filtering your blood, leading to a possible diagnosis of acute nephritis. Blood tests also offer a broader view of checking for recent infections that could lead to nephritis.
Imaging Tests
Your healthcare provider might also use imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans. These tests allow them to visualize your kidneys and urinary tract, looking for abnormalities such as swelling, blockages, or changes in the kidneys’ size and shape that might suggest acute nephritis.
Using imaging technologies enables precise localization of inflammation and the detection of underlying causes of nephritis, such as stones or tumors.
Kidney Tissue Sample
Sometimes, you may need a kidney biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In this procedure, a small sample of your kidney tissue is extracted – typically with a needle – and examined under a microscope.
This test can reveal abnormal structure formations, inflammation, or damage at the cellular level – critical indicators of acute nephritis.
Treatment Strategies
Understanding the potential treatment strategies you may encounter in managing acute nephritis is essential to ensure your best possible recovery and quality of life. These strategies aim to address the underlying cause of acute nephritis, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further kidney damage.
Medications
Depending on the cause behind your acute nephritis, different types of medication may be prescribed. If an infection triggers your condition, you’ll likely receive antibiotics to eliminate it. If the cause is an immune response, you will be given drugs to suppress your immune system or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Additionally, antihypertensive drugs are often recommended to regulate high blood pressure. Diuretics are also prescribed to alleviate swelling, aiding the body in expelling excess fluid and addressing the fluid retention associated with kidney inflammation.
Fluid and Electrolyte Management
Fluid and electrolyte management, including careful monitoring of intake and output IV therapy, is vital in acute nephritis treatment. It aims to correct imbalances and support kidney function, carefully avoiding fluid overload and maintaining electrolyte levels.
Dietary salt and fluid intake adjustments are essential and supplemented alongside necessary medication. This approach helps control potential complications like hypertension and edema, promoting optimal recovery and stable kidney function in acute nephritis care.
Dialysis
Dialysis may become necessary if your kidney function deteriorates significantly due to acute nephritis. In this process, a machine does the work of your kidneys by filtering waste products, extra salt, and water from your blood.
This method takes over the role of the kidneys when they can no longer perform their filtering function effectively. Implementing dialysis temporarily supports the body until kidney function improves or stabilizes, in which the healthcare team will advise you regarding the frequency of the dialysis sessions.
Kidney Transplant
In extreme acute nephritis cases leading to irreversible damage, such as in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or RPGN, a kidney transplant is considered. This procedure replaces the faulty kidney with a healthy donor organ.
This procedure is considered only when other treatments fail to restore kidney health. The transplanted kidney can then restore the filtration function, thereby improving quality of life. This underscores the importance of managing nephritis early to prevent the progression to this advanced treatment stage.
Preventing Acute Nephritis
Navigating the complexities of acute nephritis is vital for long-term kidney health. Adopting preventative measures can contribute to lowering your chances of developing this condition and minimizing potential health complications.
Promptly Treat Infections
Certain infections, like urinary tract infections or those caused by streptococcal bacteria, can sometimes lead to kidney inflammation if not treated appropriately.
Actively seeking medical attention at the onset of infection symptoms—such as fever, sore throat, painful urination, or flank pain—allows for immediate diagnosis and management, significantly reducing the likelihood of the infection affecting kidney health.
Avoid Overuse of Medications
Self-medication and overuse of specific medications, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can sometimes lead to kidney inflammation.
It’s a good practice to use these medications only when necessary, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest possible time. Being mindful of medication intake and consulting healthcare providers before starting any new drug can safeguard kidney function.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Maintaining a robust, healthy lifestyle is the first step towards prevention. Regular and consistent physical activity, adequate water intake, and a balanced diet can strengthen your immune system, help regulate your blood pressure, and maintain a healthy body weight.
Incorporating specific dietary modifications, including reducing salt intake, helping manage blood pressure, and minimizing swelling while restricting protein consumption, can alleviate the kidneys’ workload.
Avoid Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Certain environmental toxins and chemicals can cause interstitial nephritis. When inhaled or absorbed, these substances can damage kidney tissues, leading to inflammation.
Ensure you use personal protective equipment when handling chemicals at work or bearing household products.
Regular Check-ups
Regular health check-ups can help detect significant health issues in their early stages when they’re most manageable. If you have risk factors for kidney disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems — it’s a good idea to check your kidney function regularly.
Ensuring that such check-ups are a regular part of your healthcare routine can significantly enhance their chances of preventing acute nephritis and other kidney-related complications despite the risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms that indicate acute nephritis?
Symptoms of acute nephritis can vary but may include blood or pus in the urine, high amounts of protein in the urine, swelling, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, fatigue, problems with urination, difficulty breathing, fever, and general malaise.
These symptoms arise from the inflammation of the kidneys, hindering their capacity to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood effectively.
How is acute nephritis diagnosed?
Acute nephritis is diagnosed through a range of procedures. A urinalysis can assess the presence of red and white blood cells, high levels of protein, and bacteria in the urine. Blood tests may be conducted to analyze kidney function and the level of waste products in your blood.
Imaging tests, like ultrasounds or CT scans, could visually understand your kidneys and urinary tract. Additionally, a kidney biopsy may be conducted to obtain a direct insight into the extent of kidney inflammation and damage.
What are the possible treatments for acute nephritis?
The treatment for acute nephritis often depends upon the underlying cause. It could include medications, such as antibiotics for infections or drugs to reduce inflammation. Regular monitoring of your kidney function is also a crucial part of the treatment process.
In severe cases, if your kidney function deteriorates significantly, you may need dialysis or in severe cases, a kidney transplant.
How can I prevent acute nephritis?
Acute nephritis can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding overuse of certain medications like NSAIDs, promptly treating infections, having regular check-ups, especially if there are risk factors for kidney disease, and preventing exposure to harmful chemicals.
Implementing these preventative measures can contribute to overall kidney health and may reduce your chances of developing acute nephritis. However, always remember to seek professional advice from your healthcare provider.
