INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEY FILTERS
Nephritic Syndrome
An inflammatory condition of the kidney filters causing blood in the urine, high blood pressure, swelling and reduced kidney function. Needs urgent workup and specialist co-management.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Nephritic Syndrome
Nephritic syndrome is a kidney condition that results from inflammation of the glomeruli — the filtering units of the kidney. It is characterised by blood in the urine (often visible as cola-coloured or smoky urine), reduced urine output, swelling, high blood pressure and reduced kidney function. Causes include post-infectious glomerulonephritis (often following throat or skin infections), IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, vasculitis and other immune-mediated conditions. Typical features include tea- or cola-coloured urine, swelling around the eyes and legs, high blood pressure, reduced urine output, mild protein loss in the urine, tiredness and sometimes fever depending on the underlying cause. Nephritic syndrome can be acute and reversible or chronic and progressive depending on the cause. Urgent evaluation is needed, including blood and urine tests, immunological studies, and often kidney biopsy. Treatment is directed at the underlying cause along with management of blood pressure, fluid balance and protection of kidney function. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides urgent evaluation and co-management with nephrology at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (after throat or skin infections)
- IgA nephropathy
- Lupus nephritis
- Vasculitis affecting the kidneys
- Anti-GBM disease and other immune-mediated conditions
- Hereditary forms of glomerulonephritis
- Hepatitis B and C-related kidney disease in some patients
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Urine tests, blood tests, immunological studies and kidney biopsy in most cases
Mild · Moderate · Severe with rapid kidney function loss
Cause-specific therapy and management of blood pressure and fluid balance
Nephrology co-management is essential
Depends on the underlying cause and timeliness of treatment
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with specialist nephrology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Urgent Workup with Cause-Specific Therapy
The most effective approach is urgent workup with blood, urine and immunological tests followed by kidney biopsy in most cases, cause-specific therapy under nephrology co-management, and structured management of blood pressure, fluid balance and complications.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines for swelling and arranges urgent blood, urine and immunological tests with referral for kidney biopsy.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with nephrology based on the identified cause and severity.
- 3
Medical Management
Cause-specific therapy, blood pressure control, fluid management and management of any complications.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up with regular blood and urine tests to monitor kidney function and detect any relapse or progression.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Identifying and Treating Underlying Cause
Specific therapy is directed at the underlying cause — immune-modifying therapy for lupus nephritis or vasculitis, treatment of underlying infections, and so on.
Blood Pressure Control
Tight blood pressure control with kidney-protective medical therapy is essential to protect kidney function.
Fluid and Salt Management
Salt restriction and diuretic therapy when needed help manage swelling and high blood pressure.
Immune-Modifying Therapy in Selected Cases (Referral for nephrology)
Immune-modifying medical therapy is used under specialist care for autoimmune and rapidly progressive forms.
Specialist Follow-Up
Long-term follow-up with nephrology ensures optimal care and early detection of any relapse or progression.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure about your condition?
Compassionate, confidential consultations — Book your appointment today.