NEPHRITIS, inflammation of the substance of the kidney. Idio pathic nephritis is a very rare disease. When present more or less pain is felt in the region of the kidney, which is sometimes referred to the umbilicus. The pain also shoots along the ureters, and there is a sense of numbness down the thigh, and in the male there is often pain and retraction of the testicle. A frequent desire is felt to pass the water, which is sometimes pale, but more frequently of a deep red colour. There are nausea and vomiting, and the bowel() are constipated. There are also the general symptoms of inflammatory fever. Some times the inflammation proceeds to suppuration, and then pus is found in the urine.
In this disease the kidney after death presents a softened structure, and the veins are loaded with blood.
Not only is the substance of the kidney subject to inflammation, but the mucous membrane lining the tubuli and the pelvis may be the seat of dingo suppurative or ulcerative inflammation, and to this condition the name pyelais has been given.
InfLanunation of the kidneys is moat frequently produced by the presence of a calculus in the pelvis of the kidney, an occurrence which is ordinarily called " graveL" Gravel may however exist without producing nephritis or pyelitis, but is usually accompanied by severe pain in the region of the kidneys which is called nepArelyia. The
deposits thus impacted in the kidney are of various kinds, which form calculi in the bladder and deposits in the urine after it has been passed. [lIgtse. Monntn STATES OF.] Nephritis and pyclitis may be the result of stricture in the urethra which eats by preventing the free discharge of urine, and causes inflammation of the ureters, which extends at fast to the kidney.
In the treatment of these diseases it is most Important to ascertain and remove the cause. When there is pus in the urine, and the other symptoms of nephritis, the first inquiry should be the state of the urethra, and if stricture exists, it must be relieved. [Unrrinta, Dtseaaes op.] In idiopathic nephritis the treatment must be directed to the reduction of the inflammation, and cupping over the loins ; purgatives and opiates will be found most effectual, and time must be given for the ;image of the concretions from the kidneys into the bladder, from whence they are discharged by the urethra.