Symptoms of Lupus Nephritis: Recognizing Early Warning Signs
Lupus nephritis is a kidney disorder that happens as a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is an autoimmune disease. If you have lupus nephritis, your immune system will attack your kidneys, which can lead to inflammation and potential damage. This condition will affect your kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and excess fluids from your blood, leading to various symptoms and complications. Lupus nephritis ranges from mild to severe, and its impact on kidney function varies among individuals. Regular monitoring and appropriate medical management are crucial to prevent further kidney damage.
If you want to know more about lupus nephritis’ symptoms and treatment, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best nephrologists and urologists in East New York.
Causes
Lupus nephritis is primarily caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease. In SLE, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, and when it involves the kidneys, it leads to lupus nephritis. The exact cause of SLE is not fully understood yet, but it can involves a complex combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.
Symptoms
The most common symptom for lupus nephritis can include:
- Swelling (edema) — Especially on your legs, ankles, or around your eyes which is due to fluid retention
- Changes in urination — This can include foamy urine, blood in your urine (hematuria), or an increased protein in
theyour urine (proteinuria) - High
blood pressure— Lupus nephritis can lead to an elevated blood pressure - Fatigue — Feeling excessively tired or weak
- Joint pain — Lupus can cause joint pain and stiffness
- Rashes — Skin rashes are a common symptom in systemic lupus erythematosus
- Frequent i
Infections — Individuals may experience an increased susceptibility to infections
It is important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity, and not everyone with lupus nephritis may experience all of them. Early detection and management are very important to prevent complications and to preserve your kidney function. If you suspect you have lupus nephritis, seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment action plan.
Knowing the early warning signs of lupus nephritis is also very important for several reasons:
- Early intervention — Detecting lupus nephritis in its early stages will allow prompt medical intervention. Early treatment can also help manage your symptoms effectively and can potentially slow down the progression of possible kidney damage.
- Preservation of kidney function — Early detection and management of lupus nephritis can help preserve your kidney function. Early intervention can also prevent or minimize irreversible damage to your kidneys.
- Prevention of complications — Lupus nephritis, when left untreated, can lead to several complications such as chronic kidney disease and in severe cases, kidney failure. Knowing how to identify the warning signs early can help prevent or lessen these complications.
- Improved quality of life — Managing lupus nephritis early on can contribute to a better quality of life for people affected by these condition.
- Individualized treatment plans — Early detection allows medical professionals to create treatment plans to your specific needs. This will also involve adjusting your medications, lifestyle changes, and close monitoring to improve outcomes.
Being aware of the early warning signs will empower people with lupus to be proactive about their health. It also encourages them to seek medical attention early, allowing a collaborative approach with healthcare providers.
If you have symptoms of having kidney issues, talk to your medical provider so you can devise a proper treatment plan for your condition. At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologist will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. We also offer services, such as renal and bladder ultrasound. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.