Nephritis Definition
Nephritis pertains to kidney inflammation, often as a result of toxins, infections, and auto-immune diseases. The term nephritis is derived from the Greek words "nephro", which means "of the kidney", and "itis", meaning "inflammation".
Nephritis Diagnosis
Nephritis can be diagnosed on the basis of laboratory tests showing blood cells, protein, and kidney cells in the urine, along with an elevated concentration of metabolic waste products in the blood. Swabs of the throat may also be screened for streptococcal infection. In addition, a small biopsy of sample tissue from the kidney may also help in diagnosis.
Nephritis Symptoms and Signs
Nephritis is a serious condition characterized primarily by an inflammation of one or both of the kidneys, along with any or a combination of the following symptoms: reduced urine; cloudy urine; blood in urine; edema; fluid retention; swelling; and loin pain. Approximately fifty percent of nephritis cases are asymptomatic, but symptoms may manifest as the disease progresses.
Nephritis Causes
Nephritis occurs as a consequence of certain infections, toxins, and a number of auto-immune diseases. In children, the leading causes of nephritis are: infection from the streptococcus bacteria; Henoch-Sch÷nlein purpura; and haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. In adults, the most common underlying conditions that lead to nephritis are: vasculitis; abscesses, pneumonia, infections such as measles, hepatitis, mumps or glandular fever, and a number of other immune disorders that cause types of glomerulonephritis.
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