Living with nephritis

Overview

Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. When they become inflamed, they may not filter as well as they should.

Nephritis is not extremely common, but it is seen in thousands of people each year.

Anyone can develop nephritis. Certain types are more common in young adults, and some are more common in women. It can also affect children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blood in your urine (pink, red, or cola-colored)
• Foamy or frothy urine
• Swelling in your face, hands, feet, or belly
• Needing to urinate less often
• Feeling very tired
• High blood pressure

Symptoms in children

• Swelling around the eyes or in the face
• Less urine than usual
• Fever
• Poor appetite or feeling irritable
• Blood in the urine

Symptoms in older adults

• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Confusion or being less alert than usual
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling very weak or tired
• High blood pressure

Causes

Main causes

• A bacterial infection (such as a strep infection) that triggers kidney inflammation
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus or IgA nephropathy — conditions where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues
• Certain medicines, toxins, or reactions to other treatments
• Inflammation of the small blood vessels in the kidneys (vasculitis)

Risk factors

• Having an autoimmune condition
• A recent infection, especially strep throat or a skin infection
• Family history of kidney disease
• Diabetes or high blood pressure

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You notice blood in your urine
• Your face, hands, or legs feel swollen and the swelling is growing
• You are urinating much less than usual
• You have severe fatigue or confusion

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your urine is foamy or frothy for more than a few days
• You feel swollen in the morning or at night
• You have high blood pressure readings at home
• You have a family history of kidney disease and want a check-up

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your health, do a physical exam, and order tests to check how well your kidneys are working.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test to look for blood, protein, and infection
• Blood test to measure waste products like creatinine
• Ultrasound of the kidneys
• Kidney biopsy (a small sample of kidney tissue taken with a needle) to find the cause

What to expect at your appointment

If you need a kidney biopsy, you will usually be awake but given medicine to keep you comfortable. It takes about 15 minutes. The area may be sore for a day or two.

Treatment

Treatment for nephritis depends on the cause. The goal is to reduce inflammation, protect your kidneys, and manage blood pressure.

Self-care at home

• Follow your doctor's advice about fluids and how much to drink
• Reduce salt in your diet
• Take all medicines exactly as prescribed
• Check your blood pressure at home if your doctor suggests it
• Avoid painkillers that can harm kidneys — ask your pharmacist which are safe

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines such as steroids, medicines that calm the immune system, or blood pressure medicines to protect the kidneys. The exact plan depends on what is causing your nephritis. Never start or change any treatment without talking to your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. If your kidneys fail completely, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant — these are treatments that replace the work of your kidneys.

Living with this condition

Living with nephritis means regular check-ups, daily medicine, and paying attention to your body. Most people adapt well and keep doing the things they love.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep all follow-up appointments
• Take your medicines as directed, even if you feel well
• Get enough rest and manage stress
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Stay active but talk to your doctor about what level is right for you

Diet and exercise

Your doctor may suggest a low-salt diet to control blood pressure. Some people need to limit protein, potassium, or phosphorus — the exact diet depends on your lab results. Gentle activity like walking is usually fine, but check with your care team first.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A kidney condition can bring worry, frustration, or sadness. These feelings are normal. Talk to your doctor or ask about counseling if it feels like too much to carry.

Prevention

Nephritis cannot always be prevented, but you can lower your risk by treating infections early, managing blood pressure and diabetes, and keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Vaccines

Your doctor may recommend a flu vaccine and a pneumonia vaccine to prevent infections that could put stress on your kidneys.

Screening programmes

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, ask your doctor about regular urine and blood pressure checks.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney failure, where the kidneys stop working well enough to keep you healthy
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Fluid building up in the lungs, legs, or belly
• Heart problems

Long-term outlook

With early and consistent care, many people with nephritis recover or stay stable for many years. Even if some kidney damage remains, treatments today help people live full lives. Your outlook depends on the cause and how soon you get care — so stay connected to your healthcare team.

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