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The hidden crisis of the kidneys: Do you know what interstitial nephritis is?
Kidney health is often overlooked, but in fact many diseases in the kidneys may develop quietly without knowing it. Interstitial nephritis is a serious kidney disease that involves the kidney's interstitial tissue, which includes the cells surrounding the renal tubules and their outer matrix.
The clinical manifestations of interstitial nephritis can range from an acute process to a chronic condition, and subsequent renal failure may lead to a significant decrease in the patient's quality of life.
Definition and types of interstitial nephritis
Interstitial nephritis, also known as tubulointerstitial nephritis, is an inflammation of the interstitium of the kidneys. The condition may cause renal impairment and can be triggered by factors such as drug reactions, infections, or other systemic diseases.
Common symptoms and signs
The symptoms of interstitial nephritis are quite diverse, and many of the symptoms may be nonspecific. According to research, the most common symptom is fever, which occurs in 30-50% of cases, especially in drug-induced cases.
In addition, patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. More specific symptoms may include flank pain, pain when urinating, and visible blood in the urine.
Causes of interstitial nephritis
Although most cases are caused by drug reactions, approximately 71% to 92% of interstitial nephritis cases are directly related to drug use. Common causative drugs include beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, etc.
Diagnostic methods
Interstitial nephritis can be diagnosed through urine and blood tests, but the final diagnosis usually requires a kidney biopsy. Localization examination will show interstitial edema and inflammatory infiltration of various types of white blood cells, but the renal tubules and glomeruli are generally not affected.
In cases of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, about 23% of patients will show increased eosinophils in blood tests.
Treatment Plan
The first priority of treatment is to identify and eliminate the cause of nephritis, such as stopping the use of harmful medications. Although steroids are widely discussed, there is still no clear evidence that they are effective in helping patients.
Prognosis and long-term effects
At present, most patients with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis are expected to recover their kidney function after stopping the use of harmful substances, but chronic interstitial nephritis is usually incurable, and some cases may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.
As many people have experienced, kidney health is constantly changing, and everyone must be vigilant and cautious in their daily diet and medication use.
In today’s stressful society, kidney health may be overlooked, but have you ever wondered whether these potential kidney diseases are waiting for you to discover?
