Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a condition where the glomeruli get inflamed. Glomeruli are tiny filters present in millions in each kidney. In such condition the kidneys do not function properly. The main function of kidneys is removal of waste products from the blood. Complications such as high blood pressure may develop in case the kidneys are inflamed resulting in kidney failure. There are different types of glomerulonephritis.Some of them may require minimal treatment. Some may be present from a long time but at a later stage may develop into a chronic condition. Tumour growth, infections or prolonged use of NSAIDs may also cause glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis generally affects men. It may also affect woman, children and young people.

Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis

There are different types of glomerulonephritis.If it is caused by infection; the early signs for this include a sore throat. Symptoms of kidney damage may appear suddenly or may take 3 weeks after infection. The following symptoms appear when the kidney gets infected:
– pale skin
– swollen ankles
– loss of appetite and vomiting
– a puffy face
-fever
-problem in breathing
-visual problems

Small amount of blood is found in the urine with the above symptoms. This happens in some cases. In severe cases people cannot urinate at all for two to three days and once they start urinating again, there is blood and sugar in the urine. Some people have pain in kidney.

Causes

The changes in the body immune system are the main cause for glomerulonephritis. Anyone who is suffering from a chronic autoimmune condition like lupus may develop glomerulonephritis. A condition where the body attacks its own cells accidentally is known as an autoimmune condition. Streptococci bacteria causes’ acute glomerulonephritis.This condition may follow a throat and skin infection. A serious complication of some other infections like, Hepatitis C, tuberculosis ,AIDS, HIV, Hepatitis B and syphilis may also lead to glomerulonephritis.Complications from some other diseases listed below may also cause glomerulonephritis.
– diabetes
– cancer and leukaemia
– Good pastures syndrome
– sickle cell disease
– liver disease

Prolonged use of drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, gold injections, lithium and penicillamine may also cause glomerulonephritis.

Treatment

– Treating the original infection: Infection can be treated with antibiotics and anti-viral drugs.
– Treating glomerulonephritis.This treatment includes treating the cause and the conditions. The GP in such cases may advice you to drink less fluid and avoid certain drinks. The blood chemistry is regularly checked. The treatment may include corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.
– Treating high blood pressure: The blood pressure is monitored by the doctor and medicines such as ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors might be prescribed.
-Treating chronic kidney disease or kidney failure: Kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed in case of chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Complications of glomerulonephritis

Some possible complications that may arise are:
– High blood pressure: If blood pressure is not treated it may lead to heart failure and pulmonary oedema.
– Disease in other internal organs: In some cases the immune system that may affect other parts of the body including the kidneys.
– Kidney disease or kidney failure.