Kidney inflammation

Overview

Kidney inflammation is an umbrella term for many different kidney diseases. It causes a decreased output of urine. The urine is also bloody and/or cloudy. Swelling of the face and feet and an increase in blood pressure are typical. A doctor should be consulted if these symptoms appear.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Decreased urine output
• Swelling of the legs/feet and the face (oedema)
• Bloody and/or cloudy urine
• Increase in blood pressure (frequently announced by headaches)
  

Other symptoms

• General feeling of being unwell: fatigue, exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, high temperature
• Advanced stage: dull kidney pain (along the side)
• Pale skin for chronic inflammation
• Complications: acute and severe deterioration in kidney function (acute kidney failure), seizures

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Immunological and autoimmune processes in the kidneys, e.g. following infection elsewhere in the body (such as after tonsillitis) or in the context of rheumatic diseases
• Medication such as antibiotics, anti-rheumatic drugs, etc.
• Metabolic disorders, in particular diabetes
• Spreading of pyelitis to the kidneys

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Blood and urine tests
• Ultrasound
• Possibly biopsy (removal of tissue sample) and CT scan (computed tomography)

Possible therapies

• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
• Medication to lower blood pressure
• Immunosuppressants (e.g. cortisone)
• Diuretics
• Short- or long-term dialysis

What can I do myself?

• Bed rest
• Diet: low-salt and low-protein diet with fruit, fruit juices, porridge, vegetables, potatoes, bread
• Seek treatment for triggering diseases

When to see a doctor?

• Decreased urine output
• Reddish to bloody urine, cloudy urine
• Swelling of the legs/feet and face
• Noticeable increase in blood pressure
• Pain in the upper abdomen and/or the sides
• Additionally: general feeling of being unwell
  

Synonyms

kidney inflammation, nephritis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome