Question Title: Nephritis

I have been diagnosed with early mild nephritis. This was detected
during routine exam by red cell casts in the urine. Other than an
urge to urinate and some mild testicular pain I am asymptomatic.
I am a white male aged 45 years with no other medical conditions.
I have several questions:
1. Is the outcome of all nephritis end stage renal disease with dialysis?
2. What is the time frame of early, middle, and late disease?
3. Is the condition reversible?
4. Would consulting a nephrologist help?
5. What is the etiology of nephritis?
6. What can be done to treat? Both tradidtional and alternative methods.
7. How long would it be before I became symtomatic?
8. How is a differrential diagnosis of the different types of nephritis made?
I appreciate very much these questions being answered. I have also enjoyed your forum.

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Dear Steve,
There are multiple causes for nephritis and for the acute as opposed to the chronic types, most of these do not result in end stage renal disease requiring dialysis. I have provided you with a list of the different types of nephritis and the background information associated with each.
The most common is acute interstitial nephritis. It may be due to systemic infections such as syphilis and sensitivity to drugs, including antibiotics(penicillin, sulfonamides) , nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, phenindione, phenytoin. Recovery may be complete.
Other causes that would include a related history that you have not included might cause Acute glomerulonephritis. The background history may include antecedent strep infection , sign of serosal inflammation, rashes, fever, or weight loss. The diseases associated with these symptoms include poststrep infection,:systemic vasculitis, lupus, or endocarditis. With the proper treatments, antibiotics, steroids, monitoring of the blood pressure these patients do well. Some of these diseases might develop into a chronic nephritis in which the prognosis is worse.
I think it would be wise to consult a nephrologist to identify the cause of your condition. The nephrologist would be able to recommend specific treatments,mainstream or alternative, depending on what type of disease process you have. He or she could also tell you if there were any specific symptoms to look out for.
A differential diagnosis is formulated by placing all of the potential causes of the nephritis,in your case, on a list and then by specific testing and taking of a history, the wrong diagnoses will be eliminated until the one left is the disease you have. Keep in mind the your disease process may have been temporary however I would strongly recommend you see a nephrologist to identify the cause of your case so that it can be diagnosed, treated, and prevented in the future.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).

Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-AK
*keyword:Nephritis

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