What is Interstitial nephritis

Interstitial nephritis is a renal disorder which is caused by inflammation of the tubules and the spaces between the glomerular and tubules.

Causes of Interstitial nephritis

In most of the cases interstitial nephritis is caused by an acute allergic reaction to a medication, some such antibiotics are Cimetidine, Methicillin, Penicillins, Cyclosporine, and Ibuprofen.

An infection is a main cause of an interstitial nephritis. Use of certain medicines that affects the immune system (such as lupus) is also a one of the cause of this disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Interstitial nephritis

Symptoms of Interstitial nephritis are given below -
1) Blood in the urine
2) Rash (sometimes)
3) Mental status changes, ranging from drowsiness to confusion to coma
4) Increased or decreased urine output
5) Nausea, vomiting
6) Weight gain (from fluid retention)
7) Swelling of the body, any area
8) Fever

Treatment of Interstitial nephritis

The main goal of treatment is to get relieve from the disease. Avoiding the suspect medications, this may cause the symptoms to go away quickly. To control swelling and hypertension Dietary restriction of sodium (salt) and fluid is required. Dietary restriction of protein may be needed to control azotemia. Dialysis may also be helpful in the treatment of interstitial nephritis. in some cases anti-inflammatory medications or Corticosteroids may be of beneficial.

Prevention

In most of the cases, the disorder may not be preventable. Avoiding or minimizing the use of associated medications may help to reduce risk.