Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease in which the part of your kidneys that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged. Glomerulonephritis may be caused by problems with the body’s immune system. Often, the exact cause of glomerulonephritis is unknown. Damage to the glomeruli causes blood and protein to be lost in the urine. The condition may develop quickly, and kidney function is lost within weeks or months (called rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis). A quarter of people with chronic glomerulonephritis have no history of kidney disease.
The following may increase your risk of this condition: blood or lymphatic system disorders, exposure to hydrocarbon solvents, history of cancer, infections such as strep, viruses, heart infections, abscesses, amyloidosis, anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease, goodpasture syndrome, heavy use of pain relievers, especially NSAIDs, henoch-schonlein purpura, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, and membranoproliferative GN. Common symptoms of glomerulonephritis include: blood in the urine (dark, rust-colored, or brown urine), foamy urine (due to excess protein in the urine), and swelling (edema) of the face, eyes, ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen.[rx]
Types of Glomerulonephritis:
- Acute Glomerulonephritis: This type often follows an infection, such as strep throat. It can cause sudden kidney inflammation and symptoms like swelling and dark urine.
- Chronic Glomerulonephritis: This is a long-term condition that gradually damages the kidneys. It may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Causes of Glomerulonephritis:
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can trigger acute glomerulonephritis.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or IgA nephropathy can lead to chronic glomerulonephritis as the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys.
- Medications: Certain drugs, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause kidney inflammation.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the glomeruli over time, leading to glomerulonephritis.
- High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can harm the kidneys and contribute to glomerulonephritis.
Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis:
- Swelling (Edema): Often seen in the face, hands, and feet due to fluid retention.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Urine may appear pink or brown.
- Foamy Urine: Protein leakage in urine can create a foamy appearance.
- High Blood Pressure: A common symptom, especially in chronic glomerulonephritis.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common sign.
- Decreased Urine Output: The kidneys may produce less urine.
- Facial Puffiness: Swollen face, especially around the eyes, is common.
- Joint Pain: Joint swelling and pain can occur in some cases.
- Shortness of Breath: Fluid buildup in the lungs can cause breathing difficulties.
- Loss of Appetite: Reduced hunger or nausea may be experienced.
Diagnostic Tests for Glomerulonephritis:
- Urinalysis: A simple urine test to check for blood and protein.
- Blood Tests: Including creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to assess kidney function.
- Kidney Biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is taken for examination.
- Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scans to visualize the kidneys.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: To detect hypertension, a common symptom.
- Immunological Tests: To identify underlying autoimmune conditions.
- Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Calculated to determine kidney function.
- Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test: Detects autoimmune diseases.
- Complement Tests: Measure immune system activity.
- Protein Electrophoresis: Identifies abnormal proteins in the blood.
Treatment Options for Glomerulonephritis:
- Antibiotics: If an infection is the cause, antibiotics can help treat acute glomerulonephritis.
- Blood Pressure Control: Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs can manage hypertension.
- Immunosuppressive Drugs: For autoimmune-related glomerulonephritis, medications like corticosteroids may be prescribed.
- Diuretics: These help remove excess fluid from the body and reduce swelling.
- Diet Modification: A low-sodium diet can help manage fluid retention.
- Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can be beneficial.
- Dialysis: In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to filter waste products from the blood.
- Kidney Transplant: For end-stage kidney disease, a transplant may be the best option.
Medications for Glomerulonephritis:
- Prednisone: A corticosteroid to suppress the immune system’s response.
- Lisinopril: An ACE inhibitor used to control blood pressure.
- Losartan: An ARB medication that also helps manage hypertension.
- Furosemide: A diuretic to reduce fluid buildup.
- Epoetin Alfa: Stimulates red blood cell production.
- Cyclophosphamide: An immunosuppressive drug for severe cases.
- Mycophenolate Mofetil: Suppresses the immune system.
- Tacrolimus: An immunosuppressant often used post-kidney transplant.
Conclusion:
Glomerulonephritis is a complex kidney condition with various causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment options. Understanding it in simple terms is essential for better management and care. If you experience symptoms like swelling, blood in urine, or high blood pressure, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and kidney health.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.