nephritis screening test preparation

Overview

Nephritis is inflammation (swelling and irritation) in the kidney's filtering system. It can affect how well your kidneys clean your blood and remove waste.

Nephritis is not extremely common, but it is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages. It occurs more often in children and young adults.

Nephritis can affect anyone, but it is more common in children and young adults. It may also run in families or be linked to other health conditions like lupus or infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blood in urine (pink, red, or cola-colored)
• Foamy or bubbly urine (due to protein)
• Swelling in the face, hands, ankles, or feet (edema)
• High blood pressure
• Less urine than usual

Symptoms in children

• Swelling around the eyes in the morning
• Decreased energy or tiredness
• Poor appetite
• Dark or tea-colored urine

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly (due to kidney function decline)
• Swelling in the legs or belly
• High blood pressure that is hard to control

Causes

Main causes

• Infections, like strep throat or a skin infection
• Immune system problems, such as lupus or IgA vasculitis
• Certain medicines (always tell your doctor about anything you take)
• Long-term health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

Risk factors

• Having a family history of kidney disease
• A recent infection, especially of the throat or skin
• Having an autoimmune condition like lupus
• Taking certain medications without medical supervision

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice blood in your urine or your urine looks unusual
• If you have swelling that comes on quickly, especially in your face or legs
• If you have high blood pressure that is new or hard to manage

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have ongoing tiredness or swelling that does not go away
• If you have a condition that increases your risk, like lupus or diabetes

Diagnosis

Doctors use urine and blood tests, and sometimes imaging or a kidney biopsy, to diagnose nephritis.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (urinalysis) – to check for blood and protein
• Blood test – to measure kidney function (creatinine, BUN)
• Imaging – like an ultrasound to look at kidney size and structure
• Kidney biopsy – taking a small sample of kidney tissue to examine under a microscope (only if needed)

What to expect at your appointment

For nephritis screening, you may be asked to provide a urine sample first thing in the morning. For blood tests, you might need to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. Tell them about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you take, as some can affect results.

Treatment

Treatment for nephritis focuses on the cause. It may include medicines to control blood pressure, reduce inflammation, or calm the immune system. In some cases, special diets or procedures to filter the blood (dialysis) are needed.

Self-care at home

• Follow a low-salt diet to help control blood pressure and swelling
• Drink enough water, but follow your doctor's advice on fluid intake
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly if recommended
• Avoid non-prescribed pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen, as they can harm kidneys

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines to lower blood pressure or reduce inflammation. They might also use treatments that calm the immune system if the nephritis is caused by an autoimmune condition. In severe cases, dialysis (a machine that cleans the blood) or kidney transplant may be needed.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for nephritis itself, but if the condition leads to kidney failure, a kidney transplant may be considered after thorough evaluation.

Living with this condition

Living with nephritis means taking care of your kidneys. You will have regular check-ups, urine and blood tests, and follow your doctor’s advice on medicines and diet.

Lifestyle tips

• Check your blood pressure at home if advised
• Avoid alcohol and limit salt
• Stay active but avoid overexertion
• Get enough rest and manage stress

Diet and exercise

A kidney-friendly diet often means less salt, less processed food, and controlled protein. Your doctor or dietitian can give you a specific plan. Gentle exercise like walking or swimming is usually safe, but ask your healthcare team first.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic kidney condition can feel overwhelming. It is normal to feel anxious, sad, or frustrated. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor about these feelings. Support from family and friends also helps.

Prevention

Not all cases of nephritis can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by treating infections promptly, managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, and avoiding unnecessary medications.

Vaccines

Stay up to date on vaccines, especially the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine, to prevent infections that could trigger nephritis.

Screening programmes

If you have a family history of kidney disease or an autoimmune condition, your doctor may recommend regular urine tests to screen for nephritis early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic kidney disease (long-term kidney damage)
• Kidney failure (needing dialysis or transplant)
• High blood pressure that is hard to control
• Fluid buildup in the lungs or body

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and treatment, many people with nephritis recover fully or manage their condition well for years. Even if kidney damage occurs, treatments can slow its progress and help you maintain a good quality of life.

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