Nephritis - inflammation of the kidneys

Inflammation of the kidneys- when people with lupus have inflamed kidneys it is called nephritis. This makes it harder for the kidneys to do their job; filter out toxins and waste from the blood. In the early stages of lupus, it may go undetected, however if you are diagnosed with lupus your doctor will closely monitor the function of your kidney to ensure that no long-term damage is done to your kidneys. Early signs of this include:

· Swelling in the legs and feet

· High blood pressure

· Blood in urine

· Dark urine

· Having the urge to urinate during the night

· Pain in one side of the body