Acute interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder in which the kidneys become unable to filter waste materials and fluid properly. This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.
Acute interstitial nephritis can be caused by:
-
Infection (eg,
streptococcus
,
herpes
,
mumps
,
hepatitis C
,
syphilis
,
HIV
)
- Some medications which accounts for 85% of all cases (eg, certain antibiotics, anti-ulcer drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain diuretics)
-
Conditions that affect the immune system (eg,
lupus
)
A risk factor is something that increases your chance for getting a disease or condition. The following risk factors increase your chance of developing acute interstitial nephritis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
- Drug-induced condition in adults
- Infection-induced condition in children
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to acute interstitial nephritis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
- Decrease in urine output
- Blood in urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Aching joints
- Fever
- Rash
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you, which will depend on the cause of your acute interstitial nephritis. Treatment options include the following:
If medications are the cause of your interstitial nephritis, your doctor may have you stop taking medications or prescribe a different one. Antibiotics to treat an infection or corticosteroid medications may also be used to help treat interstitial nephritis.
Some people with interstitial nephritis need dialysis, in which a machine does the work of your kidneys to purge waste.
To help reduce your chances of developing acute interstitial nephritis, your doctor may suggest you avoid certain medications such as penicillin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Last reviewed January 2007 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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