Chapter 3: Understanding Kidney Inflammation
The kidneys are two vital organs that filter waste from the blood, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, help control blood pressure, and contribute to red blood cell production. When the kidneys become inflamed, their ability to perform some of these functions may be affected.
The term kidney inflammation can describe several different conditions. One example is glomerulonephritis, in which the tiny filtering structures inside the kidneys become inflamed. Other conditions affect the kidney tissue or the structures involved in collecting and draining urine. These problems have different causes and require different approaches to treatment.
Immune system disorders can cause the body to attack its own tissues, including structures in the kidneys. Some forms of glomerulonephritis occur as part of autoimmune diseases. In other cases, kidney inflammation may develop after certain infections or in association with other medical conditions.
Medication reactions are another possible cause. Some medicines can trigger interstitial nephritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue surrounding the kidney tubules. Certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and other drugs have been associated with this condition. People should not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice, but they should tell their clinician about all medicines and supplements they use.
Infections and urinary problems may also affect the kidneys. A kidney infection can cause fever, pain in the side or back, nausea, and urinary symptoms. It requires timely medical assessment because untreated infections can become serious.
Possible signs of kidney disease include blood in the urine, foamy urine, swelling around the eyes or in the legs, changes in urination, fatigue, and elevated blood pressure. Some people, however, have few symptoms in the early stages. These signs are not specific to one condition, so they cannot establish a diagnosis by themselves.
Doctors may investigate kidney problems using blood tests to measure markers such as creatinine and estimate kidney function. Urine tests can detect blood, protein, or other abnormalities. Depending on the situation, clinicians may recommend imaging, additional blood tests, or a kidney biopsy.