Interstitial Nephritis Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Interstitial Nephritis Overview Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a condition in which there is inflammation and damage to the kidney tubules and interstitium (inner part of the kidney). This may be a reaction to a drug or infection or kidney transplant rejection. Causes and Risk Factors Common causes of AIN include certain medications such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, infections and in some cases, autoimmune conditions or reactions to kidney transplants. If the condition is related to a drug, discontinuation of the medication is essential. Symptoms In some cases, acute interstitial nephritis may be asymptomatic. Patients may have a normal urine output, but renal function tests will show a concerning increasing trend., indicating kidney dysfunction. Haematuria (blood in the urine) and proteinuria (protein in the urine) may also be present, depending on the severity. Specialist to approach To properly manage this condition, a kidney specialist (nephrologist) should be consulted. Diagnosis Diagnosis often involves urine tests, blood tests to evaluate renal function, and imaging tests such as ultrasound KUB (Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder). In some cases, the diagnosis is confirmed through a USG-guided Kidney Biopsy to examine tissue samples from the kidney. Treatments If the condition is drug-induced, discontinuing the offending medication is crucial. Treatment may include a short course of steroids to reduce inflammation and improve kidney function. If infection is the cause, appropriate antibiotic therapy will be necessary.