About Glomerulonephritis Treatment
This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
What is glomerulonephritis?
Glomerulonephritis is the damage to the glomeruli (tiny blood vessels form structures) in your kidneys. Nephritis and nephritic syndrome are terms that may also be used.
Types- Acute glomerulonephritis: This type develops suddenly and most times gets better on its own. However, treatment may be required if the symptoms do not go away.
- Chronic glomerulonephritis: This type may develop over several years without any noticeable symptoms. Often, it is diagnosed when urine or blood tests are carried out for another reason.
CausesThis illness is usually caused by immune system problems. However, in most cases the cause is unknown. The following are some conditions that may increase the risk or cause glomerulonephritis:
- History of cancer
- Infections such as viruses, abscesses or strep throat
- Lymphatic system or blood disorders
- Amyloidosis
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
- Wegener’s disease
- Polyarteritis nodosa
- Heavy use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin
- Goodpasture syndrome
- Henoch-Sconlein purpura
- Lupus nephritis
Signs and symptoms include:- Blood in the urine, stools or vomit
- Foamy or frothy urine
- Edema-swelling of the face eyes, feet, ankles abdomen or legs
- Coughing and shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue, muscle and joint aches
Diagnostic tests include:- Blood test: You blood may be drawn to test creatinine (a substance produced by your muscles and removed from your blood by the kidneys) level. If the creatinine level is high, it's an indication that your kidneys are not working normally. Special blood tests may be carried out to tests for specific infections.
- Urine test: Special strips are dipped into a sample of your urine. If the strip changes color, it shows that there is protein or blood in your urine. To accurately measure the amount of protein or blood cells, your urine may be sent to a laboratory.
- Kidney ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves are used to create an image of your kidneys which a specialist looks at and interprets. This is usually done before a kidney biopsy is done.
- Kidney biopsy: If the illness is suspected, a biopsy may be done. The sample is examined in a laboratory.
TreatmentTreatment will depend on the symptoms you have and the cause of your condition. In most cases, treatment is not always necessary but is usually effective when given.
- Dietary changes:You should reduce intake of fluids and foods containing a high amount of salt and potassium. This will help control your blood pressure and regulate n amount of fluid in your body.Quit smoking: Smoking may worsen glomerulonephritis and increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Immunosuppressants: Although it is an effective way of treating glomerulonephritis it may increase your risk of other infections.
- Other medication: Individual symptoms may sometimes be treated such as edema, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level.
- Plasma exchange:This is done when the glomerulonephritis is severe. It involves substituting some of the plasma in your blood.
- Kidney dialysis: This involves a machine that takes over the kidney’s job and removes waste products from your body.
- Kidney transplant: A healthy donor kidney surgically replaces your own kidney.
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