What Is Nephritis?
Nephritis is a general term for conditions that cause inflammation in the kidneys. In many cases, the inflammation affects the tiny filters in the kidneys called glomeruli.
Main Types
- Acute nephritis: Starts suddenly, often after an infection, and may improve with quick treatment.
- Chronic nephritis: Develops slowly over months or years and can gradually damage kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters that clean your blood.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the spaces between kidney tubules, sometimes caused by medications or infections.
What Your Kidneys Do
- Filter waste products and extra fluid from your blood
- Help control blood pressure
- Balance minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium
- Produce hormones that support red blood cell production and bone health
When the kidneys are inflamed, they cannot perform these functions as well. Over time, this may lead to
chronic kidney disease or, in severe cases, kidney failure.
Common Symptoms of Nephritis
Some people with nephritis have very few symptoms at first. Others may notice changes in their urine, swelling, or high blood pressure.
Possible Warning Signs
- Swelling in the face, hands, feet, or ankles (edema)
- Foamy or bubbly urine (a sign of protein in the urine)
- Blood in the urine (red, brown, or cola-colored urine)
- Needing to urinate less often than usual
- High blood pressure or a recent increase in blood pressure
- Fatigue, weakness, or feeling generally unwell
- Shortness of breath, especially if fluid builds up in the lungs
Less Specific Symptoms
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Weight gain from fluid retention
- Headaches related to high blood pressure
- Itching or dry skin in later stages of kidney disease
Important: These symptoms can have many causes. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose nephritis or other kidney problems.
What Causes Nephritis?
Nephritis can be triggered by infections, immune system problems, medications, or other medical conditions. Sometimes, the exact cause is not completely known.
Possible Causes
- Infections (such as strep throat) that lead to an immune reaction affecting the kidneys
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus, where the immune system mistakenly attacks kidney tissue
- Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) that also affects the kidneys
- Certain medications, including some pain relievers and antibiotics, which may cause interstitial nephritis
- Metabolic or systemic conditions such as long-standing high blood pressure or diabetes
Risk Factors
- Family history of kidney disease
- Existing autoimmune or immune-related conditions
- Frequent use of certain pain medications without medical supervision
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes
- History of repeated infections
If you take medications regularly or have chronic health problems, talk with your doctor about how to protect your kidneys.
How Is Nephritis Diagnosed?
Nephritis cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Your healthcare provider will use a combination of questions, physical examination, and tests.
Step 1
Medical History & Physical Exam
- Ask about symptoms, infections, and medications
- Check blood pressure and look for swelling
- Review personal and family history of kidney or autoimmune disease
Step 2
Laboratory Tests
- Urine tests: look for blood, protein, or other abnormalities
- Blood tests: measure kidney function (creatinine, eGFR) and inflammation markers
- Additional tests to look for autoimmune or infectious causes
Step 3
Imaging & Kidney Biopsy
- Ultrasound: provides images of kidney size and structure
- Kidney biopsy: a small sample of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope
- Biopsy results help guide treatment decisions
How Is Nephritis Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of kidney inflammation, and how well your kidneys are working. Only a qualified healthcare professional can decide which treatment is appropriate.
Possible Treatment Approaches
- Treating infections with appropriate antibiotics (if an infection is present)
- Medications to control blood pressure and reduce protein loss in urine
- Drugs that calm the immune system (such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medicines) for autoimmune causes
- Stopping or changing medications that may be harming the kidneys
- Careful management of fluid balance and electrolytes
- In severe cases, dialysis to support kidney function
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Regular blood and urine tests to track kidney function
- Monitoring blood pressure and adjusting treatment as needed
- Close communication with your healthcare team (primary care, kidney specialist, and other specialists)
Do not self-medicate: Never start, stop, or change prescription medication without discussing it with your doctor,
especially if you have kidney problems.
Everyday Kidney Care Tips
Lifestyle changes cannot replace medical treatment for nephritis, but they can support overall kidney health and improve long-term outcomes. Always follow your doctor's specific recommendations.
Healthy Habits
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar within target ranges
- Drink fluids as recommended by your doctor (not too much or too little)
- Limit added salt to help control swelling and blood pressure
- Aim for a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- If you smoke, ask for help to quit
Medication & Check-ups
- Take prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Talk to your doctor before using over-the-counter pain relievers regularly
- Keep all scheduled appointments and lab tests
- Report new or worsening symptoms right away
When Should You See a Doctor?
Contact a healthcare professional if you notice any of the following:
- Swelling in your face, hands, feet, or around your eyes
- Blood in your urine or persistent foamy urine
- Sudden weight gain, especially from fluid
- New or worsening high blood pressure
- Unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or decreased urine output
Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately
if you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or if you stop urinating completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nephritis the same as kidney failure?
Not exactly. Nephritis refers to kidney inflammation. If the inflammation is severe or long-lasting,
it can lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, but early and appropriate treatment can often help protect kidney function.
Can nephritis be cured?
Some forms of nephritis (especially acute forms) may improve significantly or even resolve with proper treatment.
Others can be chronic and mainly require long-term management to slow progression and reduce complications.
Do I have to follow a special diet?
Many people with kidney problems need to limit salt and sometimes protein, potassium, or phosphorus.
The right diet depends on your test results and stage of kidney disease. Always ask your doctor or a kidney dietitian before making big changes.
Should I stop taking pain relievers?
Some pain medicines can affect kidney function, especially with long-term use or high doses.
Never stop prescribed medication on your own. Discuss all pain relievers, including over-the-counter medicines, with your healthcare provider.