Nephritis facts for kids
Nephritis is a medical word for when your kidneys get inflamed or swollen. Think of it like a part of your body getting red and puffy. Your kidneys are super important organs that clean your blood, and when they have nephritis, they can't do their job as well. This swelling can happen in different parts of the kidney, like the tiny filters called glomeruli, the small tubes called tubules, or the tissue around them.
What Causes Nephritis?
Nephritis can happen for a few reasons. Sometimes, it's caused by infections from germs, or by harmful substances called toxins. But often, it's due to something called an autoimmune disorder. This is when your body's own defense system (your immune system) accidentally attacks healthy parts of your body, like your kidneys, instead of fighting off germs.
How Does Nephritis Affect Your Kidneys?
When your kidneys are inflamed from nephritis, it can damage the tiny filters inside them, the glomeruli. This damage can make it harder for your kidneys to clean your blood properly.
- Less Urine: You might make less pee than usual. This is called oliguria.
- Waste Buildup: Harmful waste products can build up in your blood instead of being removed. This is known as uremia.
- Blood in Urine: Sometimes, red blood cells can leak out of the damaged filters and show up in your pee. This is called hematuria.
See also
In Spanish: Nefritis para niños
