What is Nephritic Syndrome?
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1Nephritic syndrome is the name given to a collection of different signs and symptoms that occur as a result of inflammation in the kidneys. This inflammation causes the kidneys to work less effectively. It also causes protein and red blood cells to leak from the bloodstream into the urine.
There are many conditions that may cause nephrotic syndrome, and it can occur in people of all ages. Common causes are infections, immune system disorders, and inflammation of the blood vessels. The main symptoms are passing less urine than normal, leading to a fluid buildup in the body, and having blood in the urine. People with nephrotic syndrome also often develop high blood pressure.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but usually involves managing the high blood pressure and reducing the inflammation in the kidneys. Although many people recover well from the nephritic syndrome, some people may go on to develop renal failure. The risk of renal failure depends on the severity of the syndrome and its underlying cause.
Nephritic syndrome is not a disease but a syndrome. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that often and predictably occur together, and which develop as a result of another condition. Syndromes are not necessarily specific to any disease or disorder. The nephritic syndrome has many potential triggers, therefore, successfully treating it involves identifying the underlying cause.[1]
The nephritic syndrome has both acute and chronic forms. Acute, or rapidly progressing, the nephritic syndrome usually comes on suddenly and, because of acute and painful symptoms, seldom goes undetected. The chronic nephritic syndrome typically progresses slowly and often goes undetected for some time.[2]
Chronic inflammation of the kidneys can cause scarring, which may negatively impact kidney function and lead to high blood pressure and, eventually, if left undiagnosed and untreated, to a need for dialysis (renal replacement therapy, when a dialysis machine replaces the kidneys’ function and filters waste products from the blood), and possibly kidney transplantation.[3]
What causes nephritic syndrome?
Nephritic syndrome is the result of inflammation affecting small groups of blood vessels, known as glomeruli, in the kidneys. As the glomeruli are the kidneys’ main filter units, this inflammation disrupts the kidneys’ ability to adequately filter blood. The inflammation can originate in the kidneys themselves or be the result of infection or injury elsewhere in the body.[2] It can occur in people of any age, including children.
The nephritic syndrome can develop as a result of any of the following:[1][4]
Primary glomerular diseases: Such as IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease) or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. IgA nephropathy is a very common cause of the nephrotic syndrome.[5]
Bacterial infections: Such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pneumococcal pneumonia, typhoid, infective endocarditis, or secondary syphilis. Nephritic syndrome following a streptococcal throat infection is fairly common, especially in children.
Viral infections: Such as hepatitis B, mumps, measles, chickenpox or glandular fever (mononucleosis).
Multisystem systemic/inflammatory diseases: Such as vasculitis, Goodpasture’s Syndrome, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, or lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
Abdominal abscess: A pocket of infected fluid and pus inside the abdominal cavity. This can be located on or near any organ.
Parasitic infections: Such as malaria.
As there are many underlying conditions for nephritic syndrome, there are different risk factors, such as recent infections, immune system disorders, and genetic disorders. See the sections below for more information on the relationship between nephritic syndrome and glomerulonephritis, and nephritic syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing nephritic syndrome, You can search for the nearest doctor Find my doctor.
Nephritic syndrome symptoms
Typical symptoms include passing less urine than normal, having blood in the urine, and swelling of the feet or face (edema). Other possible symptoms are flank pain, back pain, headache, shortness of breath, and symptoms related to the underlying cause, for example, a skin rash and joint pain.
The symptoms of nephritic syndrome differ, depending on whether the acute or chronic form of the syndrome is present.
Symptoms of the acute nephritic syndrome include:[1][2][4]
- Edema in the face and legs: Edema is the accumulation of fluids in the body, usually under the skin, leading to a puffy appearance.
- Low urine volume: Known as oliguria, this is defined as less than 500ml of urine being produced in a 24-hour period.
- Hematuria: Blood in the urine which often, but not necessarily, leads to red discoloration. There are two types of hematuria: microhematuria, which indicates unseen blood, and macrohematuria, in which the blood is visible to the eye.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension, which results from the disruption of kidney function, may also occur. High blood pressure is generally defined as a resting blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher in adults,[6]. In children, what constitutes hypertension depends on the age and size of the child.
- Fever, weakness and fatigue
- Appetite loss, vomiting and abdominal pain
- Malaise (a feeling of general unwellness) and nausea may also be present.
The chronic nephritic syndrome usually presents with fairly mild or even undetectable symptoms, which can include:[2]
- Edema
- Hypertension/high blood pressure
- Kidney failure in later stages
Symptoms of kidney failure can include:
- Itchy skin and/or rash
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
In both chronic and acute nephritic syndrome, the urine will usually contain high concentrations of red blood cells, as the blood cells leak out of the damaged glomeruli. If you are concerned that you or someone you love may have nephritic syndrome, contact your doctor Find My doctor’s location for a free symptom assessment.
Diagnosing nephritic syndrome
The diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is typically based on a physical examination of the person and analysis of their urine (urinalysis). People with the nephrotic syndrome tend to have high blood pressure, so a doctor will check this. A doctor will also look for signs of:
- Abnormalities, such as dark color or cloudiness in the urine
- Protein in the urine (proteinuria), which may indicate nephrotic syndrome
- Uremia, an excess of urea or creatinine in the blood, or azotemia, an excess of nitrogen-rich waste compounds in the blood
- Increased fluid volume in the body, which may lead to edema
- Reduced filtration in the kidneys, specifically the glomeruli
A kidney biopsy (tissue sample from the kidney) may be performed to investigate the cause of the nephrotic syndrome.
Urinalysis, blood tests and diagnostic procedures
Because the nephritic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms rather than a disease in itself, much of the testing that makes up the diagnosis is aimed at determining what the underlying cause is. Another important element in diagnosis is the differential diagnosis, as the illness may be nephrosis rather than nephritis.
In examining a person with potential nephritic syndrome, a doctor might carry out the following tests:[1]
Take patient history: A doctor will ask the affected person about the time at which their symptoms began and attempt to determine the point at which the kidneys began to excrete protein into the urine.
Check appearance and color of urine: Urine that is dark in color may be very concentrated and contain blood.
Blood pressure: Hypertension can be a sign of disrupted kidney function.
Edema assessment: Edema, or fluid gathering in the tissues, can be a sign that there is not enough protein in the blood and may suggest proteinuria.
Urine dipstick test: A simple form of urinalysis that is used as a quick test for blood and protein in the urine. They will use a dipstick test, in which a test strip of paper is immersed in a urine sample, to check for blood and protein in the urine
Urinalysis: A urine sample will be sent to a laboratory to do a precise check for protein levels and red blood cells.
Blood tests: To check levels of electrolytes, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, immunoglobulins, antibodies, and other substances.
Kidney biopsy: This relatively straightforward procedure may be performed as an outpatient procedure or after hospital admission, depending on the patient’s particular circumstances. It uses only local anesthetic and is done using ultrasound and specialized biopsy needles to remove a small sample of tissue.[7] Kidney biopsies are a very reliable way of distinguishing chronic glomerulonephritis from other, similar, disorders.[2]
Treatment of nephritic syndrome
Treatment depends on the underlying causes. Medications (such as ramipril, benazepril, candesartan, or valsartan) are typically used to treat high blood pressure. Medications will also be administered to reduce inflammation in the kidneys.
Generally, doctors will recommend:[1]
- Bed rest
- A diet that is restricted in salt, potassium and fluid
- Medication to control blood pressure, if necessary
- Medication to reduce inflammation
- Medication to remove fluids from the body
- Dialysis to replace kidney function in severe cases
The time it takes to recover from nephritic syndrome varies according to its severity and the underlying cause. Most patients begin to feel better fairly soon, especially if treatment is prompt.
Nephritic syndrome and other kidney disorders
Kidney disorders are complex and may not be entirely distinguishable from one another without extensive testing. The terminology can also be hard to grasp. Some associated conditions include:[2][8]
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Acute nephritis
- Acute glomerulonephritis
- Rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis
- Chronic glomerular disease
- Lupus nephritis
Nephrotic syndrome versus nephritic syndrome
Both nephritis and nephrosis are among the body’s responses to injury or illness affecting the kidneys. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by severe proteinuria, i.e. high amounts of protein, including albumin, in the urine, while nephritic syndrome’s major feature is inflammation. Depending on the specific underlying conditions of the two, nephrotic syndrome often is the more serious.[9] In both cases, medical care should be sought as a matter of urgency. Doctors will usually need to order tests to determine whether a patient has nephritic or nephrotic syndrome.[9][8][10]
Nephritic syndrome and acute glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis refers to a number of kidney problems that involve inflammation in the glomeruli, which are the kidney’s filtration units. Acute glomerulonephritis can cause nephritic syndrome. Glomerulonephritis can be acute (sudden onset, lasting for a short time) or chronic (long-lasting), and it can result from a variety of factors, such as:[11]
- Infections, especially those involving streptococcal bacteria
- Autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (see below)
- Hereditary factors
Edema, hematuria, and hypertension are known as the nephritic triad.
Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) generally, and rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis (RPG) occasionally result from infections.[12][13]
The symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis resemble those of acute nephritic syndrome, and include:[14][15]
- Edema, often showing first as facial puffiness in the morning
- Hematuria: blood in the urine, which can color it pink, red or brown
- Oliguria: producing less urine than usual
- Hypertension: high blood pressure
- Fatigue: feeling tired, weak and/or exhausted (almost) constantly
Edema can also cause shortness of breath and coughing. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing nephritic syndrome, You can search for the nearest doctor Find my doctor.
Post-infectious glomerulonephritis and acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis
Post-infectious glomerulonephritis is a common cause of acute glomerulonephritis, especially among children. It can be caused by a wide range of conditions and factors, including viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus infection, the flu or Hepatitis B, and bacterial infections such as staphylococcal, pneumococcal, and streptococcal infections. It commonly occurs after streptococcal infections.[16]
Some conditions that can increase a person’s risk of developing post-infectious glomerulonephritis are for example:[12][16]
- Sore throat, usually pharyngitis
- Skin infections
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Malignancies such as cancer or leukemia
- Heart-valve replacement surgery
- HIV infection
- Intravenous drug use
In acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis, the symptoms typically appear some weeks after the infection that triggered it has cleared up. This is typically within one to two weeks after pharyngitis or up to a month after a skin infection. If symptoms appear within a few days, however, it is possible that there are existing renal problems.[12]
Symptoms of acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis include the nephritic triad:[13][14][15]
- Hematuria, causing red, pink, brown or cola-colored urine
- Edema, causing facial puffiness and swelling in the legs and arms
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure
Oliguria, or reduced urine output, is less common, occurring in less than half of cases. Urinalysis can confirm hematuria even if no blood is visible in the urine; in this case, it is called microscopic hematuria.
Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) usually follows an infection, typically a streptococcal infection of the throat or skin, but also may result from mild infections that follow other illnesses or surgical procedures. APSGN is post-infectious glomerulonephritis.
Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is most commonly found among children between the ages of four and 12, although it is also becoming more common among people who are older than 50.[15] It is more common among men than women.
The prognosis for children with acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis is good, though it can be less positive for older people. Certain debilitating conditions may also cause the prognosis to be more serious. These include:[7]
- Malnutrition
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Chronic illnesses
- HIV infection
- Intravenous drug use
- Cancer
If symptoms are severe or one of the above risk factors is present, a nephrologist or pediatric nephrologist may need to be consulted additionally to a GP.
Because the condition is generally already healing by the time symptoms become apparent, this form of glomerulonephritis is usually treated by managing the symptoms and supporting recovery. This includes managing the edema and hypertension and supporting kidney function. Any medication that is administered will be aimed at reducing hypertension and helping kidney function to return to usual. (See the section on treatment of nephritic syndrome above for more information.)
Good to know: Rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is another form of post-infectious glomerulonephritis, but it may also occur for reasons not connected to an infection; post-infection RPGN is only one type of RPGN. Post-infection RPGN often occurs in the month following a bout of flu-like symptoms. The exact symptoms of rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis depend on what underlying condition causes it, but may include:[13][17]
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss and therefore unintended weight loss
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Painful skin lesions
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Edema
- Low urine production
Treatment for rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis must be sought as quickly as possible. The disorder can cause damage before it becomes symptomatic, so the long-term prognosis depends on a rapid response once symptoms are apparent.
Rarely, a case of rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis involving the lungs may occur. This is called a pulmonary-renal syndrome. People with this condition may also, in addition to having the above-mentioned renal symptoms, cough up blood. This combination of coughing up blood and renal symptoms is an emergency that may lead to kidney and lung failure. Urgent medical treatment should be sought without delay. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have a post-infection kidney problem, consult the Adoctor’s conditions and symptoms for a free symptom assessment.
Nephritic syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, often known simply as lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can affect any of the body’s systems.[18] Lupus mostly affects women. Lupus affecting the kidneys is known as lupus nephritis, a kind of inflammation of the kidneys. About half of all people with lupus are affected by lupus nephritis. In children with lupus, about eight out of ten will have lupus nephritis.[19]
In lupus nephritis, inflammation inside the kidney causes glomerulonephritis and therefore nephritic syndrome.[20] In the early stages of this disorder and sometimes even later, there may be no symptoms of anything being wrong with the kidneys, although lupus nephritis may be diagnosed using urine tests and kidney biopsy at any time.[18] Lab tests in people with lupus nephritis show proteinuria and hematuria, even if they are asymptomatic.
Symptoms of lupus nephritis include:[19][21][20]
- Edema: puffiness or swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, face and eyelids
- Foamy or red, brown, or pink urine
- Weight gain
- Joint pain or swelling in the joints
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blood clotting problems
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Foamy urine is a sign of proteinuria or protein in the urine. Pink, red or brown urine is a sign of hematuria, i.e. blood in the urine. Muscle pain and a butterfly rash on the face may also occur, but these are general symptoms of lupus and are not specific to lupus nephritis. For more information, see this resource on lupus.
Good to know: Lupus itself often affects the kidneys, but does not cause kidney infections in the same way that something like a urinary tract infection may. While lupus nephritis is not itself a kidney infection, meaning it is not caused by bacteria, viruses, or other infectious causes, medications used to treat lupus can suppress the immune system, potentially leading to an increased risk of infections of the kidneys.[20]
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have lupus or a kidney problem, consult the Adoctor’s conditions and symptoms for a free symptom assessment.
Diagnosing lupus nephritis
Diagnosis of lupus nephritis involves urine and blood tests and often a kidney biopsy. Urine tests are used to measure the levels of protein, red blood cells, and creatinine in the urine. High levels of creatinine indicate that the kidneys are not filtering wastes out of the blood very well. The same is true of high levels of protein in the urine. High levels of protein in the urine also may indicate that nephrotic syndrome is present.[19] A blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, the test may also be done using a blood sample taken from a vein. This test will also be an indication of how compromised the filtering capabilities of the kidneys are.[22] A kidney biopsy, which is an outpatient procedure, will confirm the presence of lupus nephritis and determine how badly the kidneys are affected. In a kidney biopsy, a needle is used to take a small sample of kidney tissue, which will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Treatment of lupus nephritis
Lupus nephritis is usually treated using medication to reduce inflammation, decrease the severity of the body’s auto-immune response and prevent the body from attacking the kidneys. Commonly-used medications include:[23][24]
- Corticosteroids
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Cyclophosphamide
- Mycophenolic acid
- Azathioprine
Managing hypertension that accompanies nephritic syndrome in glomerulonephritis also requires medication, which can include:[19][25]
- ACE inhibitors
- Other Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium-channel blockers
The goal of treatment for lupus nephritis is to support kidney function and keep it as normal as possible while preventing it from becoming worse.[21]
Treatment for lupus nephritis works well, so the prognosis is generally good. However, lupus nephritis can cause kidney function to decline as time goes by, and between 10-30 percent of people with lupus nephritis may develop kidney failure.[19] Very severe lupus nephritis may cause diffuse proliferative nephritis, which causes scarring to accumulate in the kidneys. This scarring causes kidney function to decline or, in the worst case, even fail.
Nephritic syndrome FAQs
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University of Tennessee Medical Centre. “Acute nephritic syndrome.” 22 September 2015. Accessed 23 February 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
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MSD Manuals Consumer Version. “Glomerulonephritis (Nephritic Syndrome).” Accessed 23 February 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
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Clinical Advisor “Nephritis.” Accessed 23 February, 2018. ↩
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Patient “Acute nephritis.” 21 June 2016. Accessed 23 February 2018. ↩ ↩
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Nature Genetics. “IgA nephropathy, the most common cause of glomerulonephritis, is linked to 6q22-23” November 2000. Accessed 26 February 2018. ↩
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NHS Choices. “High blood pressure (hypertension).” 15 June 2016. Accessed 26 February 2018. ↩
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Renal Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. “Having a kidney biopsy.” December 2017. Accessed 23 February 2018. ↩ ↩
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Srinath Kumar. “Nephrotic Syndrome vs Nephritic Syndrome.”. Accessed 23 February 2018. ↩ ↩
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Pathology Student “Nephrotic vs nephritic syndrome.” June 2009. Accessed 26 February 2018. ↩ ↩
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American College of Physicians IM Essentials. “Nephrotic and Nephritic Syndromes.”. Accessed 23 February 2018.
K^11]: Kidney International. “Nephrotic syndrome in pregnancy poses risks with both maternal and fetal complications.”. June 2017. Accessed 23 February 2018. ↩ -
Amboss. “Nephritic Syndrome.”. 20 June 2018. Accessed 8 July 2018. ↩
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Medscape. “Acute Glomerulonephritis.”. 6 November 2017. Accessed 8 July 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩
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MSD Manuals Consumer Version. “Glomerulonephritis (Nephritic Syndrome).”. Accessed 8 July 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩
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National Kidney Foundation. “ What is Glomerulonephritis?”. 2015. Accessed 8 July 2018. ↩ ↩
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Medscape. “Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis.”. 6 November 2017. Accessed 10 July 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩
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Paediatrics and International Child Health. “Post-infectious glomerulonephritis.”. 11 September 2017. Accessed 9 August 2018. ↩ ↩
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Medscape. “Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis Clinical Presentation”. 10 January 2018. Accessed 9 August 2018. ↩
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Amboss. “Systemic lupus erythematosus.”. 24 June 2018. Accessed 10 July 2018. ↩ ↩
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National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Lupus and Kidney Disease (Lupus Nephritis).”. January 2017. Accessed 10 July 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
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Resources.lupus.org. “How lupus affects the renal (kidney) system”. 2018. Accessed 12 July 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩
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**What is Nephritic Syndrome?**
**Q: What is Nephritic Syndrome?**
**A: Nephritic syndrome** refers to a group of kidney disorders characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. This inflammation impairs the glomeruli’s ability to function properly, leading to various symptoms and complications.
**Q: What are the Causes of Nephritic Syndrome?**
**A:** Nephritic syndrome can be caused by various factors, including:
* **Autoimmune diseases:** Conditions like lupus and anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease attack the glomeruli, causing inflammation.
* **Infections:** Bacterial or viral infections, such as strep throat or measles, can trigger inflammation in the glomeruli.
* **Drugs:** Certain medications, including antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause glomerular damage.
* **Genetic disorders:** Inherited conditions like Alport syndrome and familial nephropathy can increase the risk of developing nephritic syndrome.
* **Other underlying medical conditions:** Conditions like diabetes or heart failure can damage the glomeruli over time.
**Q: What are the Symptoms of Nephritic Syndrome?**
**A:** Symptoms of nephritic syndrome can include:
* **Foamy or bloody urine (hematuria):** Damaged glomeruli allow red blood cells and proteins to leak into the urine.
* **Swelling (edema):** Fluid retention due to impaired kidney function can cause swelling in the face, hands, feet, and abdomen.
* **High blood pressure (hypertension):** Inflamed glomeruli can increase blood vessel resistance, leading to high blood pressure.
* **Frequent urination (polyuria):** As the kidneys try to compensate for reduced glomerular function, they produce more urine.
* **Loss of appetite:** Inflammation can affect appetite and digestion.
* **Fatigue and weakness:** Impaired kidney function and fluid retention can lead to fatigue.
**Q: How is Nephritic Syndrome Diagnosed?**
**A:** Diagnosis of nephritic syndrome typically involves:
* Physical examination
* Urinalysis to check for protein and blood in the urine
* Blood tests to assess kidney function and identify underlying causes
* Kidney biopsy (in some cases) to confirm glomerular inflammation
**Q: What are the Treatment Options for Nephritic Syndrome?**
**A:** Treatment for nephritic syndrome depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It may include:
* **Medications:** Anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids), immunosuppressive drugs, or diuretics to reduce inflammation and fluid retention.
* **Dialysis:** If kidney function is severely impaired, dialysis may be necessary to filter waste from the blood.
* **Kidney transplant:** In cases of end-stage kidney disease, a kidney transplant may be considered.
* **Lifestyle modifications:** Dietary changes, salt restriction, and regular exercise can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
**Q: What are the Complications of Nephritic Syndrome?**
**A:** Untreated or poorly managed nephritic syndrome can lead to serious complications, such as:
* **End-stage kidney disease (ESKD):** Permanent loss of kidney function requiring dialysis or transplant.
* **Edema:** Severe fluid retention can cause difficulty breathing, organ damage, and infection.
* **Electrolyte imbalances:** Impaired kidney function can disrupt electrolyte levels in the body.
* **Hypertension:** Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels.
* **Increased risk of infections:** Inflammation and impaired kidney function can weaken the immune system.
**Conclusion**
Nephritic syndrome is a collection of kidney disorders characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli. The causes, symptoms, and treatment options vary widely. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle modifications are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications. If you experience any symptoms of nephritic syndrome, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention.
Nephritic syndrome is a condition in which the kidneys are inflamed and do not function properly. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Symptoms of nephritic syndrome include swelling in the face, hands, and feet; high blood pressure; and decreased urine output. Treatment for nephritic syndrome depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, and dialysis.
Nephritic syndrome is a condition in which the kidneys are inflamed and do not function properly. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Symptoms of nephritic syndrome include swelling in the face, hands, and feet; high blood pressure; and decreased urine output. Treatment for nephritic syndrome depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, and dialysis.