Interstitial Nephritis

Interstitial Nephritis is a condition marked by swelling in the tubules, i.e. the kidneys filtering units. The condition drastically affects normal renal function, preventing the kidneys from purifying blood and producing urine.

What are the different types of Interstitial Nephritis?
Interstitial Nephritis is broadly classified into two types based on the onset of the condition:

• Acute Interstitial Nephritis - It has a sudden onset and lasts for a short period. Acute interstitial nephritis is usually the result of an allergic reaction that a person may develop in response to a medicine or drug.
• Chronic Interstitial Nephritis - It develops gradually and can last for months or even years at a stretch. It is generally a result of some pre-existing health problem.

What causes Interstitial Nephritis?
Acute interstitial nephritis may be caused by an allergic reaction to any of the following:

• An antibiotic like penicillin
• NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs
• PPIs or Proton Pump Inhibitors

Any of the following may cause chronic Interstitial Nephritis:

• An underlying autoimmune disease like lupus
• Decreased potassium levels in the body
• High calcium levels in the body
• Inflammatory diseases like sarcoidosis
• Chronic infections involving the kidneys

What are the symptoms of Interstitial Nephritis?
Some common symptoms that may suggest that a person has interstitial nephritis include:

• Traces of blood in the urine
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever
• Unusual rashes on the body
• Unexplained weight gain
• Swollen hands and feet
• Unusually high blood pressure