Symptoms of Kidney Inflammation in Men and Women: Diagnosis and Treatment Methods

The kidneys do more than just filter waste from the blood, they also help maintain the balance of fluids and minerals in the body, working tirelessly every second to keep us healthy.

Therefore, any problem affecting the kidneys can disrupt not only their ability to purify the blood but also the body’s fluid and mineral balance. Like any other organ, the kidneys are prone to inflammation — but this type of inflammation differs from that seen in other body tissues.

So, what are the symptoms of kidney inflammation? And how can it be diagnosed, treated, and kidney function restored?

What Is Kidney Inflammation?

Nephritis is a disease that occurs when parts of the kidneys become inflamed or swollen, preventing them from working properly to filter waste products from the blood.

It may result from an infection, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, genetic disorders, or other underlying conditions.

Types of Kidney Inflammation

Kidney inflammation can appear suddenly and last for a short period — this is called acute nephritis.

When it develops gradually and persists for a long time, worsening over time, it is known as chronic nephritis.

Acute nephritis is more common than the chronic form.

Some common types include:

• Glomerulonephritis: Occurs when the glomeruli — the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys — become damaged, impairing waste and fluid filtration.
• Interstitial nephritis: Happens when the spaces between the kidney tubules become swollen. These tubules regulate how the kidneys reabsorb essential substances and eliminate waste.
• Pyelonephritis: A bacterial infection that starts in the bladder and travels up to the kidneys.
• Lupus nephritis: Caused by lupus, an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys, leading to symptoms such as foamy urine, high blood pressure, or swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Hereditary nephritis (Alport syndrome): A genetic condition that typically affects men more severely and can cause kidney failure as well as hearing and vision problems.
• IgA nephropathy: A common form of kidney inflammation caused by deposits of IgA antibodies in the kidneys, leading to inflammation that can often be managed with blood pressure medications.

Causes of Kidney Inflammation

There are many possible causes of nephritis, and sometimes the exact cause is unknown. Potential causes include:

• Allergic reaction to certain medications
• Autoimmune disorders such as lupus
• Bacterial infections that start in the bladder
• High levels of calcium or uric acid in the blood
• Kidney stones
• Long-term use of some medications, such as NSAIDs or antibiotics
• Low potassium levels in the blood
• Urinary tract surgeries

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of kidney disease include:

• Family history of kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Age over 60 years

Symptoms of Kidney Inflammation

Symptoms vary depending on the type and cause of inflammation. The symptoms of right and left kidney inflammation are generally the same. Common signs include:

• Changes in urine color
• Blood in the urine
• Foamy urine
• Swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or face
• Fever
• High blood pressure
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Weight gain due to fluid retention

Complications of Kidney Inflammation

If left untreated, kidney inflammation may lead to:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney failure
• High blood pressure
• Nephrotic syndrome (excess protein in urine)
• Metabolic acidosis (buildup of acid in the body)

Diagnosis of Kidney Inflammation

Sometimes, nephritis is discovered incidentally during a routine check-up or when testing for another condition, as it may not always cause noticeable symptoms.

If symptoms are present, the doctor will perform a physical examination, review the medical history, and request blood and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Common diagnostic tests include:

Blood Tests

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Measures how effectively the kidneys filter waste.
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): Indicates kidney function based on age, creatinine level, and sex.
• Blood creatinine test: Assesses how well the kidneys filter creatinine, a waste product in the blood.

Urine Tests

• Albumin-to-creatinine ratio: Detects elevated levels of the protein albumin in the urine, a sign of kidney damage.
• Urine output measurement: Determines the amount of urine produced daily, reflecting kidney performance.
• Protein-to-creatinine ratio: Detects high levels of total protein in the urine.

Other Tests

• CT scan: Produces detailed images of the kidneys and urinary tract.
• Kidney biopsy: Involves removing a small sample of kidney tissue for microscopic examination to confirm nephritis.
• Ultrasound: Helps identify kidney problems through real-time imaging.

Treatment of Kidney Inflammation

Treatment depends on the type and underlying cause of nephritis. Common approaches include:

1. Dietary Changes

Although diet alone cannot cure nephritis, reducing salt, fluid, and protein intake can help the kidneys function more efficiently. A doctor may refer the patient to a dietitian for a kidney-friendly meal plan.

2. Medications

Depending on the cause, a doctor may prescribe:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Blood pressure medications
• Immunosuppressants (for autoimmune-related nephritis)
• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections such as pyelonephritis)

If a certain medication is causing the problem, the doctor may adjust the dosage or switch to another drug.

3. Dialysis

If inflammation causes the kidneys to stop functioning properly, dialysis may be necessary. Some patients need it temporarily until kidney function recovers, while others — especially those with kidney failure — may require long-term dialysis or even a kidney transplant.

Tips to Prevent Kidney Disease

You can reduce the risk of kidney disease by following these tips:

• Regular kidney function testing to detect problems early
• Controlling blood pressure through medication, diet, and exercise
• Managing blood sugar levels by eating less sugar, staying active, and following medical advice
• Maintaining a healthy diet such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet
• Quitting smoking as soon as possible
• Avoiding overuse of painkillers, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen