Posted On Dec 27, 2019
Manipal Hospitals
The human body had two bean shaped kidneys that are located just below the rib cage on both side of the spine. The kidneys are vital organs that perform many functions to keep the body clean and chemically balanced.
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidneys. Glomeruli are tiny fibres in the kidneys that helps remove excess electrolytes and waste products from the bloodstream and passed through into the urine. It can be acute or chronic. Severe glomerulonephritis can prolong the inflammation and cause damage to the kidneys.
Few types and causes of Glomerulonephritis are:
There are some autoimmune conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) or Vasculitis in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. Glomerulonephritis may develop if the kidneys’ filtering system is targeted. Visit Manipal and consult our best kidney doctor.
The most common type of antibody-mediated is IgA nephropathy. It can be associated with celiac disease, liver disease or HIV infection. Immunoglobulin A is another type of antibody-mediated that helps fight off infections. Due to certain infections, it can deposit in the kidney, leading to Hematuria. Antibody-mediated is less common, but associated with severe complications.
Streptococcal infections such as strep throat may cause hypertension, kidney failure and dark urine. Glomerulonephritis following a streptococcal infection is common among children.
Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a condition that can cause leakage of protein into the urine. It may develop with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) or without Systemic Lupus Erythematous.
There is no apparent reason for idiopathic glomerulonephritis’s occurrence. However, it may possibly occur when an undetected or undiagnosed infection leads to kidney failure or inflammation.
Sometimes, bacteria such as Sepsis can lodge in the heart, causing an infection in one or more of the heart valves. A person with a heart condition (damaged or artificial heart valves) are at greater risk of developing Glomerulonephritis.
Few conditions that can trigger acute glomerulonephritis are:
Amyloidosis (Proteins deposited in organs and tissues, which can cause harm to the body)
Wegener’s Granulomatosis (A rare condition that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels)
Polyarteritis Nodosa (A condition in which the cells attack the arteries)
Goodpasture’s Syndrome (An autoimmune condition in which the antibodies attack the kidneys and lungs)
Strep throat
Too much use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to relieve pain.
According to experts, it is still unknown that why chronic glomerulonephritis develops. It can be caused due to certain genetic diseases such as immunological conditions, cancer, hereditary nephritis or exposure to hydrogen solvents.
Few signs and symptoms of Acute Glomerulonephritis are:
Chronic Glomerulonephritis often occurs without any symptoms or mild symptoms similar to acute glomerulonephritis. Some of the symptoms are:
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
If left untreated, Glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure. Few symptoms associated with kidney failure are:
Dry an itchy skin
Muscle cramps at night
Insomnia
Lack of appetite
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Glomerulonephritis can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.