GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

 Basic information

description

Glomerulonephritis is a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the glomeruli. These are the blood vessel structures in the kidneys that help filter out waste products and water and salt from the blood. Glomerulonephritis can be acute (occurs suddenly) or chronic (develops over time). The inflammation can lead to loss of kidney function. Different age groups can be affected, including children.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• There may be no symptoms. The disorder may be diagnosed during a routine urine study.
• Blood in urine (may be dark-colored like the color of tea or a cola drink).
• Reduced urine output.
• Swelling of face, hands, feet, or stomach. This is due to retained fluid (edema).
• Frothy or foamy urine.
• Chronic type: tiredness, dry skin, itching, headache, nausea or vomiting, poor appetite, high blood pressure, or muscle cramps.

causes

There are many possible causes for the inflammation, and often the cause is unknown. It may be due to immune reaction to infections such as Streptococcus (e.g., strep throat). Other causes are genetic disorders, immune diseases (e.g., lupus), diabetes, high blood pressure, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis), or infections (e.g., virus, bacteria, or protozoa).

risk increases with

• Family history of glomerulonephritis.
• Persons diagnosed with any of the possible causes.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. Get treatment for any possible cause to help reduce risks.

expected outcomes

• Mild cases often recover on their own. Others are helped with treatment. Symptoms usually improve in 2 weeks to several months.
• In cases caused by certain medical problems, the outcome will vary depending on the underlying cause.

possible complications

• Progressive kidney disease.
• Kidney failure. It may lead to dialysis (use of a machine to filter body waste) and a kidney transplant.
• Complications can occur depending on the cause.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and recent illnesses. Medical tests may include blood and urine studies, x-rays, ultrasound, or CT. A kidney biopsy may be done. This involves removal of a small amount of kidney tissue for viewing under a microscope.
• Treatment will depend on whether the disease is acute or chronic, any underlying cause, and severity of symptoms.
• Treatment steps may involve drugs, diet changes, and/or other therapies (e.g., dialysis or plasmapheresis).
• Temporary dialysis may be prescribed to remove excess fluid or to control high blood pressure.
• Plasmapheresis is a special blood filtering process.
• To learn more: National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., Suite 1100, New York, NY 10016; (800) 622-9010; website: www.kidney.org.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infection.
  • Drugs for high blood pressure.
  • Diuretics, to help remove excess fluid.
  • Steroids, to reduce inflammation.
  • Drugs, to suppress the immune system.
  • Drugs to treat an underlying disorder.

activity

Activity level is as tolerated. Your health care provider will advised you of any specific limits.

diet

Diet changes may be recommended to help reduce the work of the kidneys. These may include eating less salt, potassium, and protein.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has glomerulonephritis symptoms.
• Urine changes color or urine output is decreased.
• New symptoms occur during or after treatment.

Special Notes: