The difference between acute nephritis and chronic nephritis
Disease description:
I often experience lower back pain, and my friend mentioned it might be nephritis. However, I've heard that nephritis can be categorized into chronic nephritis and acute nephritis. I would like to know what the differences are between these two types?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Guang
Acute nephritis and chronic nephritis are two distinct kidney diseases that differ in several aspects. The following are the main differences between the two:
1. Etiology: Acute nephritis is often caused by infections, with immune responses playing an important role. Other causes include drug allergies and heavy metal poisoning. The causes of chronic nephritis are more complex and commonly associated with long-term effects of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and genetic factors.
2. Disease course: Acute nephritis has a short disease course and is a self-limiting disease with a good prognosis, whereas chronic nephritis has a longer course and tends to persist for a long time without healing.
3. Affected population: Acute nephritis commonly affects children, with a higher incidence in males; chronic nephritis typically occurs in young and middle-aged adults.
4. Clinical manifestations: Acute nephritis usually presents with sudden onset, and patients may experience symptoms such as hematuria, proteinuria, edema, and hypertension, with rapid disease progression. Chronic nephritis develops more slowly and may present with no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, persistent proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, and edema may appear, potentially leading to renal insufficiency eventually.
