Nephrosis vs. Nephritis — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
Nephrosis refers to kidney disease primarily affecting the kidney's filtering units (nephrons) leading to protein loss in urine, while nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys that can affect various parts, often causing swelling and impaired function.
Difference Between Nephrosis and Nephritis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nephrosis, also known as nephrotic syndrome, is characterized by damage to the kidney's nephrons, leading to significant protein loss in the urine, resulting in symptoms like edema (swelling), high cholesterol, and low levels of protein in the blood. Nephritis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the kidneys, which can affect different structures such as glomeruli, tubules, or interstitial tissue. This inflammation can lead to symptoms like hematuria (blood in the urine), proteinuria (protein in the urine), high blood pressure, and impaired kidney function.
While nephrosis focuses on the leakage of proteins due to damaged kidney filtering units, nephritis involves inflammatory processes that can impair various kidney functions.
Both conditions can lead to serious kidney damage if untreated but have different underlying mechanisms and treatment approaches.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Kidney disease affecting nephrons leading to protein loss
Inflammation of the kidneys affecting various structures
Key Symptoms
Proteinuria, edema, high cholesterol, low blood protein
Hematuria, proteinuria, high blood pressure, impaired kidney function
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Nature
Non-inflammatory
Inflammatory
Causes
Diabetes, minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy
Infections, autoimmune diseases, toxins
Affected Structures
Kidney filtering units (nephrons)
Glomeruli, tubules, interstitial tissue
Treatment
Corticosteroids, diuretics, ACE inhibitors
Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, immunosuppressants
Compare with Definitions
Nephrosis
Typically non-inflammatory in nature.
Unlike nephritis, nephrosis doesn't involve kidney inflammation.
Nephritis
Symptoms often include hematuria and high blood pressure.
Her nephritis led to persistent high blood pressure.
Nephrosis
A kidney condition characterized by significant protein loss in urine.
The patient was diagnosed with nephrosis after the urine test showed high levels of protein.
Nephritis
Involves inflammation affecting various kidney structures.
Nephritis can damage the glomeruli, affecting kidney function.
Nephrosis
Common causes include diabetes and certain kidney diseases.
His nephrosis was linked to long-term diabetes.
Nephritis
Causes include infections and autoimmune diseases.
The nephritis was triggered by a severe bacterial infection.
Nephrosis
Often leads to symptoms like swelling and high cholesterol.
Nephrosis caused her ankles to swell significantly.
Nephritis
Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants.
He was treated with immunosuppressants to control his nephritis.
Nephrosis
Treatment may involve corticosteroids and diuretics.
She was prescribed corticosteroids to manage her nephrosis.
Nephritis
An inflammatory condition of the kidneys.
Nephritis was indicated by the presence of blood and protein in his urine.
Nephrosis
Nephrosis is any of various forms of kidney disease (nephropathy). In an old and broad sense of the term, it is any nephropathy, but in current usage the term is usually restricted to a narrower sense of nephropathy without inflammation or neoplasia, in which sense it is distinguished from nephritis, which involves inflammation.
Nephritis
Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys and may involve the glomeruli, tubules, or interstitial tissue surrounding the glomeruli and tubules. It is one of several different types of nephropathy.
Nephrosis
A disease of the kidneys marked by degenerative lesions, especially of the winding uriniferous tubules.
Nephritis
Any of various acute or chronic inflammations of the kidneys, such as Bright's disease.
Nephrosis
(pathology) A non-inflammatory disease of the kidneys that is characterised by the leaking of blood protein into the urine, swelling or oedema, and degenerative lesions.
Nephritis
(pathology) Inflammation of the kidney.
Nephrosis
A syndrome characterized by edema and large amounts of protein in the urine and usually increased blood cholesterol; usually associated with glomerulonephritis or with a complication of various systemic diseases
Nephritis
An inflammation of the kidneys.
Nephrosis
A disease affecting the kidneys
Nephritis
An inflammation of the kidney
Common Curiosities
What is nephrosis?
Nephrosis is a kidney condition causing significant protein loss in the urine due to damage to the nephrons.
How do nephrosis and nephritis differ?
Nephrosis is non-inflammatory and focuses on protein loss due to nephron damage, while nephritis is inflammatory and affects various kidney structures.
How is nephritis treated?
Treatment may include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants.
What is nephritis?
Nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys, affecting various structures and leading to symptoms like blood in the urine and high blood pressure.
What causes nephrosis?
Common causes include diabetes, minimal change disease, and membranous nephropathy.
What are the main symptoms of nephrosis?
The main symptoms include proteinuria, edema, high cholesterol, and low blood protein levels.
What causes nephritis?
Nephritis can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, and toxins.
How is nephrosis treated?
Treatment may involve corticosteroids, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors.
Is nephritis an inflammatory condition?
Yes, nephritis involves inflammation of the kidneys.
What are the main symptoms of nephritis?
Symptoms include hematuria, proteinuria, high blood pressure, and impaired kidney function.
Is nephrosis an inflammatory condition?
No, nephrosis is typically non-inflammatory.
Can diabetes cause nephrosis?
Yes, diabetes is a common cause of nephrosis.
Can nephrosis lead to kidney failure?
Yes, if untreated, nephrosis can lead to severe kidney damage and potential kidney failure.
Can nephritis lead to kidney failure?
Yes, chronic or severe nephritis can result in significant kidney damage and potential kidney failure.
Can infections cause nephritis?
Yes, infections are a common cause of nephritis.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
