Nephritis can be described as a serious inflammation, which affects either one or both of your kidneys. This condition is also referred to as kidney nephritis, tubointerstitial nephritis or interstitial nephritis. There are different types of nephritis that have been known to affect humans. Given below are some of the most common nephritis types:
Though any of these types of nephritis can affect a person, some of the most common types include acute nephritis and chronic nephritis. The causes for each of these conditions may also vary. There are several factors that could cause you to suffer from this condition. At times, this problem could be the result of an infection, such as a bacterial infection; in many instances, nephritis can also occur because excess exposure to toxins of any sort. However, one of the most common factors that lead to this disease is the presence of an autoimmune disease, which affects the major organs in the body.
Not a lot of people are aware of how serious nephritis can be or how common it is. Data shows that this condition is the ninth highest cause of death in humans, across the world. It is absolutely essential to seek medical help and assistance in all cases of nephritis. If left untreated, this condition worsens rapidly. Therefore, as soon as any of the symptoms of nephritis are evident, it is important for you to visit a doctor. You may need to undergo a blood test, a urine test or x-rays for an accurate diagnosis.
There are many individuals who do not have any of the symptoms that are normally associated with nephritis; they only realize that they are suffering from this condition, when they undergo a routine checkup.
In case you are suffering from nephritis disease, you kidneys could get affected to such an extent that they may not be able to function in the right manner. Functions like getting rid of the water from the body may also be affected adversely. Therefore, one of the first symptoms for nephritis is edema or swelling due to water retention. While the swelling could be seen in many parts, it is more common in the hands, legs, feet and ankles. Contrary to what many people believe, pain is rarely one of the symptoms for nephritis. However, there are other signs and symptoms that may be evident because of this disease. Given below are some of the other common symptoms for nephritis:
In case of acute nephritis, which is more common in children than in adults, the inflammation is rather sudden. Therefore, symptoms like edema and the retention or urine may not necessarily be present. However, in such cases, even though urine is being passed in normal quantities, the amount of waste that is eliminated from the body may be a lot less, in comparison.
In fact, it has been seen that nephritis patients are more likely to pass higher amounts of urine during the night. Sometimes, you may pass urine so often, because of nephritis that your thirst may also increase. As the condition progresses, the symptoms noticed may also become severe, as they include increase in blood pressure, severe headaches, itchiness, nausea and vomiting. At times, the patient may also see traces of blood while vomiting.
There are many patients who seek medical attention only when these symptoms crop up.
There are many different factors that have been known to trigger off kidney nephritis disease. Given below are some of the most common causes for nephritis:
Fortunately, it is possible to cure nephritis, using a variety of treatment options. In most cases, the condition is treated aggressively, using steroids and antibiotics. However, not everyone reacts to nephritis treatment in the exact same manner. Some of the factors that determine the success of nephritis treatment include your age, overall health, the severity of the condition and the extent of damage caused to your kidneys. In case you happen to respond to the treatment positively, then the symptoms will disappear completely. However, in case the damage to the kidneys is quite severe, then the recovery may only be partial. It is also possible to treat nephritis from home, using a combination of simple and natural remedies or incorporating a few healthy lifestyle changes.
It is important that a person suffering from nephritis should not exert himself while engaging in any physical activity. However, there are many exercises that are quite mild and gentle and while they allow you to enjoy all the benefits that have been associated with exercising, they do not put too much strain on your body. Start by walking at least three kilometers once a day and increase the amount you walk gradually. Try to get as much fresh air as possible, as it has an excellent effect on your overall health. You could walk in a park or an open area that is not polluted. In case youd like to engage in other aerobic exercises, it is best to get an approval from a doctor first. Also make sure that you get the amount of rest required by your body, on a daily basis.
If you have the habits of drinking alcohol or smoking, you need to give up on these practices immediately. Both drinking and smoking can have an adverse effect on all the organs of your body, including the kidneys.
There are many other dietary changes that should be incorporated, in order to speed up the healing process. Unfortunately, in case the nephritis caused by conditions such as lupus or HIV, then it may not really be curable.
Your regular daily diet plays a very important role in your overall health and wellbeing. There are several foods that can help you recover from nephritis at a faster pace and at the same time, there are a few foods that aggravate the condition. Given below are some dietary tips for nephritis:
While it is possible to control nephritis with the help of a diet and some home remedies, it is important to ensure that the condition is closely monitored by a doctor at all times. Before trying any of the remedies and dietary suggestions that are recommended for nephritis, it is absolutely essential to have a word with your doctor and get and approval. This is all the more important in case you are elderly or are suffering from any preexisting medical condition.