What are the symptoms of nephritis?

The symptoms of nephritis may include abnormal urine, localized pain, general fatigue, edema, and elevated blood pressure.

Nephritis often develops insidiously with a variety of symptoms. Many patients develop proteinuria, with increased and persistent foam in the urine, due to impaired kidney filtration function allowing proteins to leak into the urine. Hematuria is also common, with the urine appearing like wash water from meat or containing visible blood threads.

In terms of localized pain, patients often experience dull or aching pain in the lower back, usually on both sides simultaneously, which worsens with exertion and improves with rest.

General fatigue is a common complaint among patients with nephritis; they tire easily even with routine activities and often experience reduced energy. This is related to metabolic disturbances caused by kidney dysfunction, which affects normal bodily functions. Edema is another typical symptom, initially presenting as swelling in the eyelids and face, particularly noticeable upon waking. As the disease progresses, edema may spread to the lower extremities and eventually involve the entire body. This occurs due to decreased kidney function in excreting water, leading to sodium and water retention.

Some patients with nephritis may also develop elevated blood pressure. Imbalances in substances such as renin secreted by the kidneys can cause blood pressure fluctuations, placing additional strain on the heart and blood vessels. If these symptoms are noticed, prompt medical evaluation is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.