Glomerulonephritis is a disease that occurs as a result of the body's immune response to bacterial or viral infection. It appears after infections, most often in the throat, but also after scarlet fever, skin infections and others. What are the symptoms of glomerulonephritis and how is it treated?

Glomerulonephritisis the result of the body's fight against infection caused by bacteria or viruses (most often by streptococci, but also pneumococci, staphylococci, meningococci, varicella or hepatitis viruses ). Bacterial antigens accumulate in the tiny vessels of the glomeruli. The appearance of a foreign protein triggers a series of immune reactions aimed at defending the body against an intruder and producing substances that could destroy it. This leads to inflammation.

Glomerulonephritis can be detected by urine test

Glomerulonephritis usually appears one or two weeks after the infection. Often it does not cause any symptoms, is asymptomatic and self-limiting. However, they can always be detected by testing your urine for protein and blood.

If your glomerulonephritis is more severe, you may notice that your urine is foaming or has an abnormal color (pink, reddish, or brown), and you may have pain in your kidneys.

The process of recovery from the primary disease is interrupted, well-being deteriorates, loss of appetite occurs, sometimes with stomach problems. There may also be swelling of the face and feet, trouble urinating, and symptoms of high blood pressure. Only occasionally the disease is accompanied by fever. Glomerulonephritis usually ends with a full recovery. However, if it becomes chronic, it can last for years and then becomes dangerous for the body. Infected glomeruli fibrosis over time and cease to function. The protracted infection slowly but permanently damages more and more glomeruli, eventually leading to chronic renal failure. And this is already a life-threatening disease.

Glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure

If, then, a general urine test after an infection (butperiodic check-ups, e.g. at work or any other) reveal any abnormalities, see a doctor. Necessary - if the above-mentioned clinical symptoms also occurred.

The doctor should then order blood chemistry tests to assess whether there is kidney failure (creatinine and urea levels), metabolic disorders (sodium, potassium, glucose) and will refer you to an ultrasound scan to rule out other kidney diseases and urinary tract.

One hundred percent reliable diagnosis of glomerulonephritis is possible only through laboratory tests preceded by biopsy, but these are only performed in particularly difficult cases. In general, a physician is able to prescribe effective treatment without this invasive examination.

Treatment of glomerulonephritis

Treatment of acute glomerulonephritis from pharyngitis, skin inflammation, or other bacterial infection by eliminating the infection causing it with antibiotics, and with medications to lower blood pressure and water tablets (diuretics) . You should also limit your s alt and protein intake, avoid exercise (better to stay in bed) and have regular urine and blood tests. Glomerulonephritis is generally not preventable, so it is important to quickly and effectively combat the infection that causes it. and early detection and treatment of kidney ailments, before complications develop and acute glomerulonephritis becomes a chronic condition. Only in extreme cases, when renal failure develops, dialysis may be needed, i.e. artificial extracorporeal removal of toxic metabolic products.

Important
  • Glomerulonephritis is a seasonal disease; the incidence increases in spring and autumn during periods of more frequent viral and bacterial infections.
  • Glomerulonephritis affects children most often, boys suffer from it twice as often as girls.

Category:

Urology and Nephrology