nephritis after diagnosis

Overview

Nephritis is inflammation (swelling) in your kidneys. Your kidneys are two fist-sized organs that filter waste and extra water from your blood. When they become inflamed, they can't filter as well as they should.

Nephritis is not as common as other kidney problems, but it affects people all over the world. Some forms are more common in certain regions and age groups.

It can affect anyone — children, adults, and older people. Some types are more common in men, while others, like lupus-related nephritis, are more common in women.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blood in your urine (pink, red, or cola-colored)
• Foamy urine (from protein in the urine)
• Swelling in your face, eyes, ankles, or feet
• High blood pressure
• Feeling very tired
• Needing to urinate less often or more often

Symptoms in children

• Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning
• Dark or cola-colored urine
• Abdominal pain or fever
• Less energy than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or feeling unusually tired
• Nausea or poor appetite
• Reduced urine output
• Worsening swelling in legs or feet
• Shortness of breath

Causes

Main causes

• Bacterial infections (for example, after a strep throat or skin infection)
• Immune system conditions (like lupus, where your body attacks its own tissues)
• Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
• Some medicines or toxins that irritate the kidneys

Risk factors

• A recent infection
• A family history of kidney disease
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Having an autoimmune condition

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number right away.
• If you see blood in your urine or have severe swelling, see a doctor the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you notice foamy urine, changes in urination, fatigue, or mild swelling, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and medical history, check your blood pressure, and examine your body for swelling. Then they will order tests to see how well your kidneys are filtering.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test — checks for blood, protein, and signs of infection
• Blood test — measures creatinine and estimates your glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), showing how well your kidneys are working
• Ultrasound — creates images of your kidneys to check size and structure
• Kidney biopsy — a small sample of kidney tissue is removed with a needle and looked at under a microscope

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are quick and painless. A biopsy is done with a numbing medicine, so you should not feel pain. You may be asked to lie still for a few hours afterwards. Your results will be explained in a follow-up appointment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how much the kidneys are affected. The main goals are to calm inflammation, control blood pressure, reduce protein in the urine, and protect your kidneys from further damage. Your care team will build a plan around your needs.

Self-care at home

• Take your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes.
• Check your blood pressure at home if recommended.
• Use less salt in cooking and at the table.
• Avoid taking extra pain relievers or medicines without checking with your pharmacist or doctor — some can harm the kidneys.
• Keep your follow-up appointments and get blood and urine tests when asked.

Medical treatments

Many people need medicines to lower blood pressure and reduce protein in the urine. If the inflammation is due to your immune system, your doctor may give you a short course of steroids or other medicines that calm the immune response. If a bacterial infection is the cause, you will receive an infection-fighting medicine. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits, and possible side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for nephritis. If your kidneys fail completely, you may eventually need dialysis — a machine that filters your blood — or a kidney transplant. These are advanced treatments for severe cases, and most people with nephritis do not need them.

Living with this condition

Your kidneys will need regular monitoring. Expect to have blood and urine tests on a schedule that your care team sets. Keep a list of your medicines and bring it to every appointment.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with gentle activities, like walking or swimming.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Get enough rest and try to manage stress.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card listing your condition and medicines.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with less salt to help control blood pressure and swelling. Depending on your results, your doctor or a registered dietitian may suggest limiting fluids, potassium, or phosphorus. Exercise is safe for most people — start slowly and build up.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A kidney diagnosis can feel heavy. It is normal to worry or feel down at times. Talk to your care team about how you are feeling, and consider connecting with a counsellor who understands chronic illness. You are not alone.

Prevention

Not every case of nephritis can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by treating infections early, staying on top of blood pressure and blood sugar, and avoiding medicines that can harm the kidneys.

Vaccines

Vaccines cannot stop all causes of nephritis, but protecting yourself from infections like the flu and pneumonia may help. Ask your doctor which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

If you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, ask about routine urine and blood tests to catch problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• With no treatment, kidney inflammation can cause permanent kidney damage.
• Your kidneys may lose the ability to filter waste, leading to kidney failure.
• High blood pressure can damage your heart and blood vessels.
• Fluid build-up can cause dangerous swelling and breathing problems.

Long-term outlook

Many people with nephritis improve with treatment and keep good kidney function for years. How well you do depends on the type of nephritis, how early it is found, and how you respond to treatment. Your care team will keep watching your kidney health and adjust your plan as needed.

Find support

International organisations

• National Kidney Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• Kidney Care UK ↗ · United Kingdom

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