Lupus Nephritis – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, May 17, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Lupus nephritis is an inflammatory kidney disease that occurs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an autoimmune disease and can harm various parts of the kidney. There are six stages of lupus nephritis. These include the following:

Class I: Minimal mesangial lupus nephritis
Class II: Mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis
Class III: Focal lupus nephritis (active and chronic, proliferative and sclerosing)
Class IV: Diffuse lupus nephritis (active and chronic, proliferative and sclerosing, segmental and global)
Class V: Membranous lupus nephritis
Class VI: Advanced sclerosis lupus nephritis

Known side effects of lupus nephritis

The known side effects of lupus nephritis include blood in the urine, foamy appearance to urine, swelling of any part of the body, and high blood pressure. This can result in disorders, such as interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and membranous glomerulonephritis. Over time, kidney failure can occur.

Body systems harmed by lupus nephritis

The body systems damaged by lupus nephritis are the immune system and the excretory system.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent lupus nephritis

There is no information on what foods or nutrients prevent lupus nephritis. Still, there are dietary recommendations for lupus patients. People with lupus are advised to replace red meat with fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines; consume more foods rich in calcium, such as yogurt, tofu, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli; limit saturated and trans fat; avoid eating alfalfa and garlic; refrain from eating nightshade vegetables, such as white potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, and eggplants; limit alcohol consumption; and limit salt intake.

Treatments, management plans for lupus nephritis

There is no cure for lupus nephritis. The aim of the available treatment options for lupus nephritis is to prevent the disease from getting worse. Reducing kidney damage as early as possible can prevent the need for a kidney transplant. Treatment can also provide relief from lupus symptoms. Common treatment options for lupus nephritis include minimizing intake of protein and salt, taking blood pressure medication, using steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation, and taking medicines to suppress the immune system. Special consideration is given to children or women who are pregnant. Addition treatment may be needed for extensive kidney damage.

Where to learn more

Summary

Lupus nephritis is an inflammatory kidney disease that occurs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Lupus nephritis causes blood in the urine, foamy appearance to urine, swelling of any part of the body, and high blood pressure.

Lupus nephritis can lead to other complications, such as interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, membranous glomerulonephritis, and kidney failure.

Lupus nephritis can be treated by minimizing intake of protein and salt, taking blood pressure medication, using steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation, and taking medicines to suppress the immune system.

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