Is allergic purpura nephritis contagious?

Written by Li Liu Sheng

Nephrology

Updated on September 23, 2024

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Kidney damage caused by allergic purpura is called allergic purpuric nephritis. The main mechanism of allergic purpuric nephritis is the deposition of immune complexes in the kidneys, causing hematuria, proteinuria, edema, and hypertension. Severe cases of purpuric nephritis may also lead to renal failure. Additionally, patients with allergic purpuric nephritis exhibit systemic symptoms such as skin purpura, abdominal pain, joint pain, and melena. Allergic purpuric nephritis usually occurs in children, and it is not contagious. Unlike viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and dysentery, it does not spread through respiratory, digestive, or blood pathways.

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Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

1min 2sec

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What causes allergic purpura?

Allergic purpura commonly occurs in adolescents and children, characterized by frequent relapses and being intractable. It is primarily seen in youth aged between 5 to 14 years. As they age and their immunity strengthens, the frequency of episodes gradually decreases. The most common causes of allergic purpura include infections such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, mycoplasma infections, and allergies to medications and foods, with food allergies mainly stemming from high-protein foods like fish and shrimp, which can easily trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, once skin purpura or proteinuria appears, it is crucial to rest in bed until the pain and proteinuria dissipate and the purpura eases. During treatment, it is also important to avoid cold exposure and overexertion.

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Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

49sec

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Can allergic purpura cause itching?

Allergic purpura is mainly seen in adolescents and children, with a higher incidence in spring and autumn. The most common cause is infection, followed by medications or food, which can also trigger an episode of allergic purpura. The most common symptoms include purpura on the skin and mucous membranes, abdominal pain, blood in stools, hematuria, or joint pain. The purpura primarily affects the limbs, rarely appears on the trunk, and is symmetrically distributed. At this time, the bleeding spots often have no symptoms, meaning there is no itching of the skin. However, when there is concomitant skin edema or hives, itching can occur.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

48sec

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Is allergic purpura nephritis contagious?

Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis and allergic purpura are not infectious diseases; there is no contagious element involved. Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis is actually kidney damage caused by allergic purpura, which is an allergic disease itself. Patients suffer from an abnormal immune response in the body’s immune system after coming into contact with allergenic drugs or foods, leading to necrotizing vasculitis. This disease is unrelated to pathogens. Generally, there is no direct damage to the kidneys caused by a specific pathogen in this disease, nor do patients carry pathogens that can cause Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis, such as bacteria or viruses, thus making the disease non-contagious.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

50sec

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Precursors of recurrent allergic purpura

The precursors of a relapse of allergic purpura typically occur in patients after exposure to cold, strenuous exercise, or allergens, manifesting as purpuric rash on the skin. Additionally, some patients may experience gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. More severe cases can present with symptoms of allergic purpura and purpura nephritis, primarily characterized by edema and significant proteinuria indicated in routine urine tests. If patients experience the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to be vigilant about the possibility of a relapse of allergic purpura and to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further progression of the disease.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

51sec

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What should I do if I have allergic purpura and my legs hurt?

Patients with allergic purpura who experience leg pain indicate the development of the arthritic type of allergic purpura. Firstly, strict bed rest should be enforced in daily life to reduce the burden on the joints. Secondly, active treatment of the primary cause of allergic purpura should be pursued, which can include taking medications like desloratadine dispersible tablets to reduce the rash. Subsequently, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, can be taken to alleviate leg pain. If the symptoms do not significantly improve with these measures, the use of a small dose of corticosteroids may be considered if necessary. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional doctor.)