Lupus is an autoimmune disease, but what are the lupus nephritis early symptoms? 

Sufferers experience pain and inflammation in the body. Autoimmune diseases cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy cells and organs. Lupus can affect the kidneys, lungs, eyes, brain and more. 

When Lupus affects the kidneys, it’s called Lupus Nephritis.

Kidney disease caused by Lupus can lead to kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you’ll need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.

There’s no cure for Lupus. There are standard ways that doctors treat the symptoms to lessen the effects. 

To manage the disease, doctors prescribe medication to take during flare-ups. This includes anti-inflammatories and steroids. 

A flare-up is when there is a lot of inflammation in your body due to your Lupus. This causes many uncomfortable symptoms. 

Lupus primarily affects women of childbearing age, but anyone can get it. Only people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can develop Lupus Nephritis. 

Early Symptoms of Lupus Nephritis

According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of Lupus Nephritis include fluid buildup in the body and increased urine output.

Half of the adults with Lupus and 80% of children with Lupus are likely to develop Lupus Nephritis.

Lupus Nephritis Hinders The Kidneys From:

• Controlling your blood pressure,
• Controlling your blood volume,
• Filtering the waste from your blood,
• Maintaining the proper levels of body fluids, salts, acids and minerals; and
• Regulating your hormone levels.

It can lead to serious health problems, including kidney failure and end-stage renal disease.

Lupus Nephritis Can Cause:

• Swelling in your body,  
• Swelling around your eyes,
• Fever with no known cause,
• High levels of creatine in the blood, and
• Hematuria (blood in the urine).

Your kidneys keep the blood cells in the body while filtering waste from the blood to create urine. If the kidney’s filters are damaged, these blood cells “leak” out into the urine. Blood in the urine can also signify tumours, kidney stones or an infection.

Other symptoms include:

• High blood pressure,
• Increased urination, especially at night,
• Joint pain or swelling,
• Muscle pain,
• Protein in the urine makes urine appear foamy,
• Red skin rash on the face, and
• Weight gain due to excess fluid in your body.

Why Are The Kidneys So Important? 

The kidneys are your body’s filtration system. Each kidney is around the size of your fist.

Their job is to get rid of waste in your body and produce hormones that keep your body functioning optimally. 

In the last few years, there has been a significant rise in kidney failure patients in South Africa. The two most common conditions that cause kidney damage are high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes. These are both prevalent due to poor eating habits.

Kidney disease is often diagnosed late. This is because the symptoms mimic other, more well-known conditions. 

When our kidneys are severely damaged, the symptoms can be vague: feeling very tired, unable to concentrate at work and swollen feet. 

When misdiagnosed, various strong medications can cause further damage to these vital organs, says an article on Kidney Disease in South Africa published in the Mail and Guardian.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern. Regular testing is crucial for people at risk of renal failure. 

You can protect your kidneys by controlling your lifestyle choices. Eating well and staying hydrated is essential to keep a handle on your blood pressure, sugar levels, and cholesterol levels. 

Every person who suffers from Lupus Nephritis is different. Speak to your doctor about a treatment plan that works for you. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Getting tested and treated early is critical. 

Tests for Lupus Nephritis include a urine test, blood test, and sometimes a kidney biopsy. The doctor specialising in kidney diseases is called a nephrologist. They will diagnose you and put you on a treatment plan. 

Medications used to control inflammation and reduce kidney damage include:

• immunosuppressive drugs,
• corticosteroids, 
• blood thinners.