nephritis specialist tests overview

Overview

Nephritis is a condition where the kidneys become inflamed (swollen and irritated). The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter waste from your blood and help control blood pressure. When they are inflamed, they may not work as well as they should.

Nephritis is not extremely common, but it is a serious condition that affects people of all ages. Certain types, like post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, are more common in children, while other types are more common in adults.

Nephritis can affect anyone, but some types are more common in children, especially after an infection, while others are more common in adults with conditions like lupus or diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Swelling in the face, hands, feet, or belly (edema)
• Pee that is foamy, dark, or has blood in it
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Less pee than usual

Symptoms in children

• Swelling around the eyes in the morning
• Dark or cola-colored pee
• Feeling very tired or irritable
• Peeing less often than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Swelling in the legs or ankles that gets worse during the day
• Sudden high blood pressure
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Nausea or loss of appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Infections such as strep throat or a skin infection that trigger an immune response
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus or IgA nephropathy, where the body's immune system attacks the kidneys
• Long-term health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that damage kidney blood vessels
• Certain medicines or toxins that can inflame the kidneys

Risk factors

• Having an infection that affects the kidneys (like untreated strep throat)
• Family history of kidney disease or autoimmune disorders
• Having diabetes or high blood pressure
• Using certain pain relievers (like NSAIDs) for a long time

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden swelling, especially in your face or legs, and you are also peeing less than usual
• If you see blood in your pee or it looks dark like cola
• If you have a fever and back pain along with any kidney symptoms

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you notice mild swelling or foamy pee that lasts more than a few days
• If you have high blood pressure that is hard to control
• If you have a family history of kidney disease and want to check your kidney health

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and order tests to check how well your kidneys are working and find the cause of the inflammation.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (urinalysis) – to check for blood, protein, or other signs of inflammation in your pee
• Blood test – to measure waste products like creatinine and urea that build up when kidneys are not filtering well
• Imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan – to look at the structure and size of your kidneys
• Kidney biopsy – a small sample of kidney tissue is taken with a needle to look at under a microscope; this is the best way to confirm the type of nephritis

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are done as an outpatient and are not painful. The biopsy is done with numbing medicine and you may feel some pressure. Your doctor will explain each step and make sure you are comfortable.

Treatment

Treatment for nephritis depends on the cause and how serious it is. The main goals are to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and protect kidney function.

Self-care at home

• Take all medicines exactly as prescribed – do not skip doses
• Monitor your blood pressure at home if your doctor advises
• Keep track of your weight daily to watch for fluid buildup
• Avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen unless your doctor says it is safe

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation (such as steroids), or calm the immune system (such as immunosuppressants). In some cases, medicines to remove extra fluid (diuretics) are used. Your doctor will choose the right treatment for your specific type of nephritis.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for nephritis itself. In severe cases where the kidneys stop working, dialysis (a machine that filters your blood) or a kidney transplant may be needed, but this is uncommon with early treatment.

Living with this condition

Living with nephritis means paying attention to your kidney health. You may need regular check-ups, blood tests, and urine tests to monitor your condition.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay hydrated – drink water unless your doctor says otherwise
• Limit salt to help control blood pressure and swelling
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Get regular exercise as your energy allows – ask your doctor what is safe for you

Diet and exercise

Your doctor may recommend a diet low in salt, and sometimes low in protein and potassium if your kidneys are not working well. A dietitian can help you plan meals. Gentle exercise like walking is fine, but check with your doctor first.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic condition can be stressful and sometimes feel overwhelming. It is normal to feel anxious or down. Talk to your healthcare team – they can connect you with counseling or support groups.

Prevention

Not all types of nephritis can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by treating infections quickly, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and avoiding unnecessary use of pain relievers that can harm the kidneys.

Vaccines

Stay up to date with recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine, to help prevent infections that could trigger kidney inflammation.

Screening programmes

If you have a family history of kidney disease or risk factors like diabetes, your doctor may recommend periodic urine and blood tests to check your kidney health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic kidney disease (long-term damage that gets worse over time)
• High blood pressure that is hard to control
• Kidney failure – when the kidneys stop working well enough to survive without dialysis or a transplant
• Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) making it hard to breathe

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people with nephritis can keep their kidneys healthy and live full, active lives. Even if some damage occurs, treatments can slow the disease and help you feel better.

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