Interstitial nephritisis a condition that causes inflammation in the kidneys' tissues.
This article discusses the symptoms and causes of interstitial nephritis and the diagnostic and treatment process.
A decrease in urine volume can be the most common symptom of interstitial nephritis.
Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Images
Other symptoms include:
What Causes Interstitial Nephritis?
Specific medications, infections, and chronic diseases can cause interstitial nephritis.
Healthcare providers classify it into two categories:acute and chronic.
Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Acute interstitial nephritis is the most common punch in and often is short-lived.
Certain medications or drugs often cause acute interstitial nephritis.
Chronic Interstitial Nephritis
Chronic interstitial nephritis often lasts months or years.
Who Is at Risk for Interstitial Nephritis?
The exact mechanism that triggers interstitial nephritis is unknown.
How Is Kidney Inflammation Diagnosed?
A small piece of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope during the biopsy.
How Is Interstitial Nephritis Treated?
If it does not resolve, your healthcare provider might order a course of corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation.
It is essential to treat the underlying condition if you have chronic interstitial nephritis resulting from chronic conditions.
Some lifestyle changes include:
What Is the Outlook for Someone With Interstitial Nephritis?
When caught early, most people with interstitial nephritis will regainkidney function.
They can help you detect interstitial nephritis early and potentially avoid kidney damage.
Potential Complications
The biggest complication of interstitial nephritis is impaired kidney function due to scarring.
Early intervention can help prevent long-term kidney damage.
Notify a provider of any concerning symptoms.
National Kidney Federation.Interstitial nephritis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your kidneys & how they work.
American Kidney Fund.What is interstitial nephritis?
National Library of Medicine.Interstitial nephritis.
Nussbaum EZ, Perazella MA.
Diagnosing acute interstitial nephritis: considerations for clinicians.Clinical Kidney Journal.
Published online July 11, 2019:sfz080.
doi.org/10.1093/ckj/sfz080
Fogo AB, Lusco MA, Najafian B, Alpers CE.
Ajkd atlas of renal pathology: acute interstitial nephritis.American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
2016;67(6):e35-e36.
doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2016.04.002
National Library of Medicine.Allergic and drug-induced interstitial nephritis.
