Nephritis/Glomerulonephritis : Kidney Disease : Treatment

Nephritis is inflammation of the kidney. Glomerulonephritis is the term used to describe a group of diseases that damage the part of the kidney that filters blood.


Diagnosis of nephritis is based on:

  1. the patient’s symptoms and medical history
  2. physical examination
  3. laboratory tests
  4. kidney function tests
  5. imaging studies such as ultrasound or x rays to determine blockage and inflammation

Urinalysis can reveal the presence of:

  1. albumin and other proteins
  2. red and white blood cells
  3. pus, blood, or bacteria in the urine



Acute pyelonephritis may require hospitalization for severe illness. Antibiotics will be prescribed, with the length of treatment based on the severity of the infection. In the case of chronic pyelonephritis, a six-month course of antibiotics may be necessary to rid the infection. Surgery is sometimes necessary.


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