Lupus is an autoimmune disease. In Lupus, body’s defence system which generally protects body from diseases turns against the body. Lupus can affect different parts of the body. When Lupus attacks kidneys, it is called lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis causes inflammation of the small blood vessels called glomeruli that filter wastes and sometimes the kidneys, by attacking them like they would attack a disease. Lupus can cause permanent kidney damage called Chronic Kidney Disease.
Symptoms of lupus nephritis
Lupus nephritis causes different signs and symptoms. Signs of lupus nephritis include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria): Glomeruli leaks blood into urine.
- Protein in the urine (proteinuria):Glomeruli leaks protein into your urine.
- Edema: Extra fluid in kidneys which kidneys cannot remove easily causes swelling in body parts like your legs, ankles, or around your eyes.
- Weight gain:Because of extra fluids in body.
- High blood pressure
Treatment
Lupus is treated with medications which blocks body's immune system. These include drugs like steroids (corticosteroid) and antimalarial drugs. Usually treatments for lupus nephritis consist of;
- Corticosteroids (often called “steroids”)
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs
- Diuretics
- Diet change
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs: These drugs are used to calm body’s defence systemand stop it from attacking your glomeruli.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs: These are blood pressure medications. They are used to reduce protein loss and control blood pressure.
Diuretics: These medications aid your body get of excess fluid and swelling.
Diet changes: Changes in diet which includes reduction in salt (sodium) and protein in your food choices to lighten the load of wastes on the kidneys.
