If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is interstitial nephritis?

Interstitial nephritis (say: in-ter-stih-shul nef-rye-tus) is a kidney disorder. The kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the body. Interstitial nephritis reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter properly.

Interstitial nephritis is a serious condition, but it can be treated. However, in rare cases, it may cause kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, waste and extra fluid build-up in the body and can cause problems with the heart, brain, lungs and other organs.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of interstitial nephritis?

Your healthcare provider will probably ask whether you have noticed any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Increased or decreased urine output
• Blood in your urine or dark urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever or rash
• Changes in mental status, such as drowsiness or confusion
• Swelling of any area of your body
• Sudden weight gain (this can be caused by extra fluid in the body)

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes interstitial nephritis?

Interstitial nephritis can be caused by the following problems:

• Infections
• A reaction to a medicine, such as certain antibiotics
• Too much of certain medicines (pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID], or diuretics [water pills])

Interstitial nephritis may occur 2 or more weeks after you start a medicine. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions about a medicine you are taking.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How can my healthcare provider tell if I have interstitial nephritis?

If you have one or more symptoms, your healthcare provider may test your urine (called a urinalysis) and your blood.

TREATMENT

How is interstitial nephritis treated?

Interstitial nephritis is caused by an underlying problem. If that problem is an infection, your healthcare provider will treat the infection.

If a medicine is the cause of interstitial nephritis, they will probably have you stop taking the medicine or prescribe a different one. In some cases, corticosteroids (medicines that reduce inflammation) may help. Dialysis, a treatment that uses a special machine to filter the blood, is sometimes necessary.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

• What treatment is best for me?
• Should I stop taking my medicine?
• Will I need surgery?
• Should I see a urologist?
• Are there any medicines I should take?
• What is causing the interstitial nephritis?
• Will I need dialysis?
• If I need dialysis, will I have to do it for the rest of my life?
• Could this cause permanent damage to my kidneys?
• How often will I need to come in for follow-up visits?

Sources

Diagnosis and Management of Acute Interstitial Nephritis by CM Kodner, M.D. and A Kudrimoti, M.D. (06/15/03, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030615/2527.html)