What is the medical term for inflammation of the kidney?

The medical term for inflammation of the kidney is nephritis. This condition refers specifically to the inflammation of the nephrons, which are the functional units of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Nephritis can result from various causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory conditions.

Understanding nephritis is essential in the medical field as it can lead to significant kidney damage if not treated. It can manifest through symptoms such as swelling, reduced urine output, and back pain, among others. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing long-term complications.

In contrast, cirrhosis refers to the scarring of the liver due to various factors, such as chronic alcohol use or hepatitis, while hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver often caused by viral infections. Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lung tissue that can result from various irritants. Each of these terms indicates inflammation of different organs, illustrating the specific nature of nephritis in relation to the kidneys.