Nephritis, often known as kidney inflammation, is most commonly caused by autoimmune illnesses affecting major organs, however, it can also be caused by infection. This kidney condition may cause the body to excrete extra proteins, resulting in fluid accumulation.

Signs and Symptoms of Nephritis
Nephritis does not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, a few warning signs of nephritis include:

• Swelling in the legs
• Blood in the urine
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Reduced urine frequency
• Weight gain from water retention
• Dark-coloured or foamy urine

Causes of Nephritis
In children, nephritis is caused due to streptococcus bacterial infections, whereas in adults, it is frequently caused by vasculitis, pneumonia, or hepatitis.

Understanding Nephritis in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, nephritis may be caused due to aggravation of all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) with predominant vitiation of Pitta. This imbalance in doshas can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor nutrition, dehydration, or stress, and can result in inflammation and renal dysfunction.

Treatment and Management
Treatment for nephritis typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and manage underlying conditions. Immunosuppressive drugs may be used for autoimmune-related nephritis. In severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary.
Palliative Care provided by SGP’s PSA can also be an integral part of managing nephritis, particularly for individuals with advanced disease or persistent symptoms. Palliative Care provided by SGP’s PSA aims to enhance quality of life by addressing pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and psycho-social well-being.

FAQs about Nephritis

1. How is nephritis diagnosed?

   Nephritis is typically diagnosed through blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes, kidney biopsies.

2. How many litres of water should one drink each day?

   Women should drink at least 2.7 litres of water per day, while males should drink at least 3.7 litres of water each day.

3. What impact does nephritis have on pregnancy?

   Nephritis can pose risks during pregnancy, as it may increase the likelihood of complications such as preeclampsia.

4. What lifestyle changes are necessary to effectively manage nephritis? 

   Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, managing blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight can help effectively manage nephritis.

5. Can nephritis cause other body organ damage?

   Nephritis may cause hemodynamic, humoral, and immunological changes in an individual’s body. These changes in the body may result in improper functioning of other distant organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, intestine, brain, immune system, and skin.