A recurrent sore throat can be due to high pollution and changing weather – a temporary health issue that resolves with basic treatment. However, doctors warn that in certain cases these seemingly minor infections can lead to a serious kidney condition known as infection-related glomerulonephritis. This condition occurs when the body’s immune response to an infection unintentionally damages the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter blood and regulate body fluids.
“It is a type of kidney inflammation that occurs when the body’s immune system responds to an infection that unintentionally affects the kidneys. When bacteria such as streptococcus or staphylococcus cause the infection in the throat or skin, IRGN starts developing,” said Dr. Shivakumar D, Senior Consultant-Nephrology, Kauvery Hospital.
However, the bacteria do not directly infect the kidneys. Instead, the body’s immune system produces immune complexes to fight the infection. These complexes circulate in the bloodstream and may eventually get deposited in the kidney’s filtering units, known as glomeruli. “Instead of the bacteria directly attacking the kidneys, the body’s immune system starts producing immune complexes that circulate in the bloodstream and get settled in the kidney, which then leads to inflammation and impaired filtration,” Dr. Shivakumar added.
This process causes inflammation and disrupts the kidney’s ability to properly filter waste and excess fluids from the body. Infections of the throat or skin can therefore lead to a condition called Post‑streptococcal Glomerulonephritis, which often develops weeks after the initial infection has resolved.
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In countries like India, where throat infections and untreated skin infections are common, infection-related kidney inflammation remains a significant health concern. Doctors say poor hygiene, delayed medical treatment, or incomplete antibiotic courses can increase the risk of complications after bacterial infections.
“The condition usually shows up one to three weeks after the throat infection, often when the sore throat has long disappeared,” said Dr. Senthil Kumar S, Consultant – Nephrology, Rela Hospital. According to Dr. Senthil, a few common causes include streptococcal throat infection that is untreated or poorly treated, post-infective immune complex deposition in kidney filters, delayed immune response that occurs weeks after the initial infection, and increased susceptibility in individuals with high inflammatory immune responses.
Doctors pay attention to symptoms that may indicate kidney inflammation after an infection. A few common warning signs include:
Inflammation disrupts your kidney's ability to properly filter waste and excess fluids from the body
In some cases, doctors say temporary dietary changes such as reducing salt intake may also help manage fluid retention. While a sore throat may seem harmless, experts emphasize that ignoring infections can sometimes lead to unexpected complications. Recognising early warning signs and seeking timely medical care can make a crucial difference in protecting kidney health.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
