Immune system disorders can cause the body to attack its own tissues, including structures in the kidneys. Some forms of glomerulonephritis occur as part of autoimmune diseases. In other cases, kidney inflammation may develop after certain infections or in association with other medical conditions.
Medication reactions are another possible cause. Some medicines can trigger interstitial nephritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue surrounding the kidney tubules. Certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and other drugs have been associated with this condition. People should not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice, but they should tell their clinician about all medicines and supplements they use.
Infections and urinary problems may also affect the kidneys. A kidney infection can cause fever, pain in the side or back, nausea, and urinary symptoms. It requires timely medical assessment because untreated infections can become serious.
Possible signs of kidney disease include blood in the urine, foamy urine, swelling around the eyes or in the legs, changes in urination, fatigue, and elevated blood pressure. Some people, however, have few symptoms in the early stages. These signs are not specific to one condition, so they cannot establish a diagnosis by themselves.
