Understanding the Causes of Acute Nephritic Syndrome and How to Treat It

Acute nephritic syndrome is basically a collection of symptoms that arise and are associated with inflammatory conditions in the kidney organs. If late treated, nephritic syndrome can cause kidney failure. This collection of symptoms occurs along with disorders that can cause inflammation of the glomerulus (glomerulonephritis), which is the part of the kidneys that functions to filter and dispose of excess body electrolyte fluid, as well as residual metabolic waste. Without proper treatment, acute nephritic syndrome may end in kidney failure.

Various Causes of Acute Nephritic Syndrome

Symptoms of acute nephritic syndrome include frequent urination, burning or burning sensation during urination, pelvic pain, cloudy urine color, blood appearing in urine and pain around the waist to the stomach. In addition, other symptoms that can arise include vomiting, fever, high blood pressure and swelling of the face and feet. Acute nephritic syndrome is often caused by an immune response that is triggered by an infection or other disease and can be experienced in both children and adults. Acute nephritic syndrome has several types according to its type, some of which are:

• Uremic hemolytic syndrome, damage to red blood cells and decreased platelet counts due to the influence of toxins that come out during digestive tract infections.
• Henoch-Schonlein purpura, a disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels, and can affect the joints, digestion, to the glomerulus of the kidneys.
• Hepatitis B or C
• Lupus nephritis
• Inflammation of blood vessels that can cause organ damage over time (vasculitis).

Treatment of Acute Nephritic Syndrome

In treating acute nephritic syndrome also adjusted to the type of disease and the underlying condition. Before giving treatment, the doctor will conduct an examination first, starting from finding out the history of complaints and personal habits, physical examination, to laboratory tests such as blood and kidney function tests. This is needed to understand the cause and find out how far kidney damage is being experienced, so that the doctor can adjust the treatment as needed. Treatment of acute nephritic syndrome basically aims to reduce inflammation in the kidneys, as well as the symptoms they cause. The treatment process generally includes:

• Break

Your doctor may recommend that you rest completely (bed rest) until the condition improves and heals.

• Drugs

The doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat kidney infections. If your infection is very serious, you may need an antibiotic infusion and hospitalization. If your kidneys are very inflamed, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. You may also be given medication to control blood pressure.

• Supplements and Diet

If your kidneys are not functioning optimally, it can have an impact on the electrolyte balance in your body. Electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, play an important role in the body's metabolic processes. The doctor will do the electrolyte correction action to rebalance. If it is overvalued, you will be given medication to remove it, whereas if the amount of electrolytes decreases, electrolyte supplements will be given to meet the body's needs. In addition, you may also be asked to set a special diet that suits the electrolyte conditions in the body.

• Dialysis

If your kidney function is significantly impaired, you may need dialysis, which can help temporarily replace kidney function.

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of acute nephritic syndrome so that you can be given treatment that is appropriate for your condition.