Nephritis

Nephritis refers to inflammation of the nephrons, which are the functional units of your kidneys. These tiny structures are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from your blood, keeping your blood composition balanced. When nephritis occurs, the filtration process is impaired.

There are two main ways to categorize nephritis:

• By cause:

• • Primary nephritis: This is when the inflammation directly affects the kidneys themselves. The most common form of primary nephritis is glomerulonephritis, which targets the glomeruli, the tiny clusters of capillaries within each nephron that act as filters [Mayo Clinic, Glomerulonephritis].
  • Secondary nephritis: This occurs when inflammation results from another underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease (lupus), infection (strep throat, kidney infection), or certain medications.
• By onset:

• • Acute nephritis: This develops rapidly, often within days or weeks, and can cause significant damage if left untreated.
  • Chronic nephritis: This inflammation develops slowly over time and may progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) if not managed effectively.

Here's a breakdown of some common symptoms of nephritis to be aware of:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria): Damaged glomeruli can allow blood cells to leak into the urine.
• Changes in urination: This can include reduced urine output, foamy urine due to excess protein, or frequent urination at night.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Impaired kidney function can lead to fluid buildup and increased blood pressure.
• Swelling (edema): Particularly around the ankles and face, due to fluid retention caused by impaired kidney function.
• Fatigue and malaise: Reduced kidney function can lead to a buildup of waste products and a general feeling of tiredness.

Early diagnosis and treatment of nephritis are crucial to prevent complications like chronic kidney disease.