Nephritis is th inflammation of the kidneys that usually occurs as a result of infection elsewhere in the body. Pyelonephritis is a type of kidney inflammation caused by direct bacterial infection of the kidney from the lower urinary tract.
Glomerulonephritis is another type that may be caused by infection elsewhere in the body, or as the result of certain inherited disorders or immune system diseases. All types of nephritis can cause the kidneys to fail so that they can no longer filter blood and regulate the body’s fluid balance. During kidney failure, the kidneys cannot absorb the correct amount of protein and other essential nutrients and instead release them into the urine.
Bloody or cloudy urine is the primary symptom of nephritis, although the blood is not always visible without a microscope. Other symptoms include nausea, fever, appetite loss, weakness, and side pain. Complications may include high blood pressure and fluid buildup that requires hospitalization.
Blood tests can reveal the presence of antibodies to certain bacteria (especially streptococcal bacteria). Occasionally a doctor may need to remove a kidney tissue sample for examination in the lab.
An active infection will require antibiotics; otherwise, treatment includes drugs to keep the body functioning until the inflammation fades away.