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Nephritis is an inflammation of the nephrons, which are part of the kidneys. Also known as glomerulonephritis, it can affect kidney function, leading to changes in urine and urination habits and swelling in the hands, feet, and elsewhere.

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter the blood circulating the body to remove excess water and waste products from it.

There are many types of nephritis with a range of causes. While some types occur suddenly, others develop as part of a chronic condition and require ongoing management.

Types of Nephritis

There are several different types of nephritis, including:

Acute glomerulonephritis:

This form of nephritis can develop suddenly after a severe infection, such as strep throat, hepatitis or HIV.

Lupus and rarer disorders, such as vasculitides and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), can also lead to acute inflammation of the kidneys. A person with these conditions will require prompt medical attention during a flare-up to reduce kidney damage.

Lupus nephritis:

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body.

Over half of all individuals with a lupus diagnosis eventually develop lupus nephritis. This occurs when the immune system attacks the kidneys.

The symptoms of lupus nephritis include:

• Foamy urine
• High blood pressure
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet

People may also notice symptoms in other parts of the body. These symptoms may include joint problems, fever, and rashes.

The severity of lupus can vary between patients. Although the disease sometimes goes into remission, the condition can become serious. It is vital for anyone experiencing symptoms of lupus nephritis to seek prompt medical attention to limit further kidney damage.

Alport syndrome, or hereditary nephritis:

This disease can lead to kidney failure, as well as vision and hearing problems. Alport syndrome is passed on in the genes, and it is usually more severe in men.

Chronic glomerulonephritis:

This form of nephritis develops slowly and causes few symptoms in its early stages. As with acute glomerulonephritis, this condition can cause severe kidney damage and kidney failure. It may run in families or develop after a sudden disease.

IgA nephropathy:

This is one of the more common forms of nephritis. It develops when IgA antibody deposits build up in the kidneys and cause inflammation.

The immune system develops antibodies to combat harmful substances and organisms that enter the body. People with IgA neuropathy have defective IgA antibodies.

Doctors do not often find IgA nephropathy in young people, as the early symptoms are easy to miss. People can treat this condition with blood pressure medications.

Interstitial nephritis: 

Often developing very rapidly, this form of nephritis usually occurs due to infection or a particular medication. It affects the part of the kidney called the interstitium, which is a fluid-filled space.

If a doctor takes the affected individual off the problematic medication quickly, a full recovery is possible in a few weeks. However, damage can sometimes accumulate to the point of kidney failure.