A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Glomerulonephritis
Medical Questions » Glomerulonephritis
| Name: Glomerulonephritis |
| Also known as: Nephritis |
| A degenerative disease of the glomeruli and nephrons in the kidneys that occurs in two forms — acute and chronic. Glomeruli are microscopic cups in the kidney where the waste products are filtered out of the blood to form urine, while the nephron is the tiny tube that carries the urine away from the glomerular cup. Thus the term glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the glomeruli and nephrons). |
Causes of Glomerulonephritis
Acute glomerulonephritis is often triggered by a bacterial infection but may start as a result of other diseases in the body or for no identifiable reason. It is more common in children than adults, in third-world countries and amongst Aborigines, but quite rare in affluent societies. Some patients do not recover from acute glomerulonephritis, and they develop worsening kidney function which results in chronic glomerulonephritis. |
Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis
Acute: the patient feels tired, has no appetite, develops headaches, has a low-grade fever and tissues may become swollen.
Chronic: usually no symptoms until the kidneys start to fail and excessive levels of waste products build up in the bloodstream. Symptoms may then include a low urine output, loin (kidney) pain, swelling of the ankles and around the eyes, and cloudy urine. |
Tests for Glomerulonephritis
The diagnosis is confirmed by examining the urine under a microscope, when blood cells and cell fragments are seen. Blood tests can determine how effectively the kidneys are functioning. There may be an increase in blood pressure. |
Treatment for Glomerulonephritis
Acute: antibiotics for any infection that is present, and keeping the patient at rest until the kidneys recover. In severe cases, a special low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet is required, and medication may be required to lower the blood pressure. In the rare cases that deteriorate further, an artificial kidney machine may be needed for a short time.
Chronic: there is no specific treatment other than continuation of the low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. A large intake of fluids is also desirable.
|
Complications of Glomerulonephritis of its treatment
Acute: about 5% of patients develop the nephrotic syndrome and permanent kidney damage. May progress to the chronic form.
Chronic: infection, injury or strenuous exercise may cause a sudden deterioration in kidney function. |
Likely Outcome of Glomerulonephritis
Acute: most patients recover completely in a month or so, but in severe cases it may take a year or more. Very rarely death may occur.
Chronic: most patients live relatively normal lives for 20 or 30 years before kidney failure occurs, at which point dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary. |
|
|
