Conditions Treated
Nephritic Syndrome
What is interstitial nephritis?
Interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder. The kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the body. When you have interstitial nephritis, the spaces between tubules (small tubes) inside the kidney become inflamed. This reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter properly.
Interstitial nephritis is a serious condition, but it can be treated. In rare cases, it may cause kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, waste and extra fluid build up in the body. This can cause problems with the heart, brain, lungs, and other organs.
Symptoms of interstitial nephritis
The most common symptom of interstitial nephritis is a decrease in the amount of urine you produce. Other symptoms can include:
- Increased urine output.
- Blood in your urine or dark urine.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fever or rash.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Changes in mental status, such as drowsiness or confusion.
- Swelling of any area of your body.
- Sudden weight gain (this can be caused by extra fluid in the body).
- What causes interstitial nephritis?
Interstitial nephritis can be caused by the following problems:
Autoimmune disorders, such as Kawasaki disease or Sjogren syndrome.
- A reaction to a medicine, such as certain antibiotics.
- Too much of certain medicines. These include diuretics (water pills) or pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- Unbalanced levels of certain nutrients in your blood. This includes too little potassium or too much calcium.
- Interstitial nephritis may occur 2 or more weeks after you start a medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about a medicine you are taking.
How is interstitial nephritis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, including what medicines you take. He or she will listen to your heart and lungs for signs of excess fluid. This is a sign of kidney failure. They will check you for high blood pressure, which also is a sign of kidney problems.
If you have one or more symptom, your doctor may test your urine (called a urinalysis) and your blood. He or she could also order imaging tests of your kidneys, such as an ultrasound. If something is found, they may order a biopsy.
Living with interstitial nephritis
In most cases, interstitial nephritis is a short-term problem. Treatment of the underlying problem cures the condition. Rarely it can lead to long-term or permanent kidney damage, such as chronic kidney failure. This is more likely to happen in older adults.
At Advanced Nephrology and Hypertension, we work with our patients to ensure they get the best care available from the time they call to schedule an appointment through the consultation and when they go back home. When you visit ANAH, you become family and are treated as such.
