nephritis overview for patients
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Nephritis is a condition in which the kidneys become inflamed (swollen). The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter waste and extra fluid from your blood to make urine. When they are inflamed, they may not work as well as they should. This can cause blood or protein in the urine, swelling, high blood pressure, and tiredness. Nephritis can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-lasting).
Key facts
- Nephritis means inflammation in the kidneys.
- It can be sudden and short-term, or it can develop slowly over a long time.
- Early treatment can help protect kidney function and prevent lasting damage.
Nephritis is not the most common kidney condition, but it is an important cause of kidney damage. Some types are rare, while others are more common in children and young adults.
Nephritis can affect people of any age, including children, young adults, and older people. Some forms are more common in people with autoimmune conditions, and some can run in families.
Symptoms
- Trouble breathing or chest pain — call your local emergency number immediately.
- A seizure — call your local emergency number immediately.
- No urine for many hours or a sudden stop in urination — call your local emergency number immediately.
- Extreme confusion or inability to stay awake — call your local emergency number immediately.
- ⚠See a doctor the same day if you see visible blood in your urine.
- ⚠See a doctor the same day if you have sudden or worsening swelling in the face, legs, or abdomen.
- ⚠See a doctor the same day if you have a fever with back pain.
- ⚠See a doctor the same day if you are urinating much less than usual.
Common symptoms
- Blood in the urine, which may look pink, red, or cola-coloured
- Foamy urine, which can be a sign of protein in the urine
- Swelling in the face, hands, feet, or abdomen
- High blood pressure
- Passing less urine than usual
- Feeling very tired or weak
Symptoms in children
- Puffy face, especially in the morning
- Blood in the urine
- Fewer wet nappies or less frequent urination
- Fever and tummy pain
- Feeling irritable or unusually tired
Symptoms in older adults
- Confusion or feeling unusually tired
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Passing less urine or needing to urinate more often at night
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- High blood pressure
Causes
Main causes
- Infections such as a recent strep throat or other bacterial infection
- Autoimmune diseases, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys
- Certain medicines or toxins that can irritate the kidneys
- Sometimes, the cause is unknown
Risk factors
- A recent infection, especially a throat or skin infection
- An autoimmune condition such as lupus
- A family history of kidney disease
- Taking certain medicines without medical supervision
- Having high blood pressure or diabetes
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Contact a doctor the same day if you have visible blood in your urine.
- Contact a doctor the same day if you have new swelling in your face or legs.
- Contact a doctor the same day if you have a fever and pain in your back or sides.
- Contact a doctor the same day if you are passing much less urine than usual.
Book a routine appointment if:
- Make an appointment if you notice foamy urine, puffiness around the eyes, unusual tiredness, or new high blood pressure readings.
Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about your symptoms, check your blood pressure, and arrange tests to see how well your kidneys are filtering your blood and making urine.
Tests that may be done
- Urine test to check for blood or protein
- Blood test to check kidney function
- Blood pressure check
- Ultrasound scan to look at the size and shape of the kidneys
- Kidney biopsy, which involves taking a tiny sample of kidney tissue for examination
What to expect at your appointment
Some tests are quick and painless. A kidney biopsy is done with a needle after numbing the skin; you will be monitored for a few hours afterward. Results usually take a few days, and your doctor will explain what they mean.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what is causing the nephritis and how severe it is. The main goals are to reduce inflammation in the kidneys, manage blood pressure, and slow or stop any kidney damage.
Self-care at home
- Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed
- Keep regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team
- Monitor your blood pressure if your doctor advises it
- Avoid non-prescription pain medicines that can harm the kidneys unless your doctor says they are safe
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Medical treatments
Your treatment may include medicines to calm an overactive immune system or lower blood pressure. If the kidneys become severely damaged, you may need dialysis — a treatment that filters the blood. A kidney specialist will explain all options and help you choose the safest plan for your situation.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is rarely needed for nephritis itself. If kidney failure develops later, a kidney transplant may be considered, but this is always managed by a specialist transplant team.
Living with this condition
Living with nephritis means taking care of your kidneys every day. Keep a simple record of your medicines, appointments, and any new symptoms. Tell your care team about changes right away.
Lifestyle tips
- Stay active at a level that feels comfortable, such as walking
- Try to get enough sleep and manage stress
- If you smoke, ask for support to quit
- Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs
Diet and exercise
Your kidney team may recommend changes to your diet, such as eating less salt to help control blood pressure. Depending on your blood tests, you may also need to adjust protein, potassium, or fluids. Always get diet advice from your doctor or a renal dietitian. Light exercise, such as walking, can help you feel well, but check with your doctor first.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Dealing with a kidney condition can cause worry, stress, low mood, and fatigue. These feelings are normal, and you deserve support. Speak to your care team or a counsellor. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your local crisis helpline or emergency number immediately.
Prevention
Not all nephritis can be prevented, especially if it is linked to your immune system or genetics. But treating infections early, keeping blood pressure under control, and avoiding medicines that can harm the kidneys may reduce your risk.
Vaccines
Keeping your vaccinations up to date can help protect you from infections that might trigger kidney inflammation. Ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for you.
Screening programmes
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, regular urine and blood tests can help find problems early and protect your kidneys.
Complications
If left untreated
- Long-term kidney damage (chronic kidney disease)
- Kidney failure, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant
- Worsening high blood pressure
- Fluid building up in the body, including the lungs and legs
- Anaemia, a low red blood cell count that can make you feel tired and short of breath
Long-term outlook
The outlook for nephritis depends on the cause and how early it is treated. Many people improve with treatment and go on to live active lives. Even if some kidney damage remains, careful follow-up and healthy habits can keep the condition from getting worse.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.