nephritis CT scan preparation

Overview

Nephritis is a condition where the kidneys become swollen and inflamed. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter waste from your blood. When they are inflamed, they don’t work as well. A CT scan is a special type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of your kidneys. If you have nephritis, your doctor may order a CT scan to check how your kidneys look and find the cause of the inflammation.

Yes, nephritis is fairly common. It can affect people of all ages, but some types are more common in certain groups.

Nephritis can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions like lupus. It can also occur after a severe infection.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Swelling in your face, hands, feet, or belly
• Urine that looks foamy, pink, or cola-colored
• Needing to urinate less often than usual
• High blood pressure
• Feeling very tired

Symptoms in children

• Puffy eyes in the morning
• Loss of appetite
• Fever or pain in the side or back

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Less urine output than normal

Causes

Main causes

• Infections, like strep throat that isn’t treated properly
• Autoimmune diseases, where your immune system attacks your kidneys by mistake
• Certain medications, such as some pain relievers or antibiotics
• Vasculitis – inflammation of the blood vessels

Risk factors

• Having diabetes or high blood pressure
• A family history of kidney disease
• Being overweight or having heart disease
• Frequent use of over-the-counter pain medications (NSAIDs)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have new or worsening symptoms like swelling or blood in your urine
• If you have a fever with back pain
• If you are urinating much less than usual

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild swelling that doesn’t go away after a few days
• If you have high blood pressure and want to check your kidneys
• If you have a family history of kidney disease and are over 40

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose nephritis with urine tests to check for blood or protein, blood tests to measure kidney function, and often imaging like a CT scan to see the shape and size of your kidneys.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (urinalysis) – checks for blood, protein, and infection
• Blood test – measures creatinine and eGFR to see how well your kidneys filter waste
• CT scan – a special type of X-ray that gives detailed pictures of your kidneys
• Kidney biopsy – a small sample of kidney tissue is taken and looked at under a microscope

What to expect at your appointment

If you have nephritis and need a CT scan, your doctor will first check your kidney function with a blood test. If your kidneys are weak, you may not be given contrast dye (a special liquid that helps make pictures clearer) because it can sometimes harm damaged kidneys. You may be asked to stop eating or drinking for a few hours before the scan. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially metformin (for diabetes) or NSAIDs. You will lie on a table while the scanner takes pictures. The scan is painless and usually takes about 30 minutes.

Treatment

Treatment for nephritis depends on the cause. The main goal is to reduce inflammation and protect your kidneys from further damage. Your doctor will likely recommend medicines and lifestyle changes.

Self-care at home

• Stay well hydrated – drink plenty of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise
• Reduce salt in your diet to help control blood pressure
• Avoid pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen unless your doctor says it’s safe
• Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity if you feel very tired

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines that lower inflammation, such as corticosteroids, or drugs that calm the immune system. They may also give you medicine to lower blood pressure or to reduce protein in your urine. Always take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Never stop or change them without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for nephritis itself. In severe cases where the kidneys stop working, you may need dialysis (a machine that cleans your blood) or a kidney transplant. But for most people, medicines and lifestyle changes are enough.

Living with this condition

Living with nephritis means learning to take care of your kidneys every day. You may need to check your blood pressure regularly and have regular urine and blood tests. Keep track of any new symptoms and share them with your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a heart-healthy diet low in salt and processed foods
• Stay physically active with activities like walking or swimming
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to protect your kidneys
• Get enough sleep and manage stress with relaxation techniques

Diet and exercise

Your doctor may recommend a diet that is low in sodium and possibly low in protein if your kidneys are weak. Work with a dietitian to make a meal plan that’s right for you. Gentle exercise most days can help control blood pressure and keep your weight healthy.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a chronic condition like nephritis can be stressful and worrying. It’s normal to feel anxious or down sometimes. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if these feelings last a long time or get in the way of daily life.

Prevention

Not all causes of nephritis can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by treating infections promptly, controlling high blood pressure and diabetes, and avoiding overuse of pain medicines.

Vaccines

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines, like the flu and pneumonia vaccines, can help prevent infections that might trigger nephritis.

Screening programmes

If you have risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend regular urine and blood tests to check your kidney function.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic kidney disease that slowly gets worse over time
• Kidney failure, when the kidneys can no longer filter waste on their own
• High blood pressure that is hard to control
• Fluid buildup in the lungs or other parts of the body

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people with nephritis recover fully or keep their disease under control for many years. Even if some kidney damage occurs, treatments can help slow down the damage and protect your quality of life. Your healthcare team will work with you to find the best plan.

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