A kidney related aliment that reduces the capability of the organs to a great extent, Glomerulonephritis mainly targets the young population. The kidney is a vital organ of the human body that plays a major part in removing waste materials and reabsorbing the required elements. Apart from that, the kidneys also help in stimulating generation of red blood cells, regulating the blood pressure etc. The kidneys have small filters that perform these jobs. However, if the filters get damaged due to some reason, the syndrome called glomerulonephritis can take place.
Causes of Glomerulonephritis
The human body has two kidneys, each of which has near about one million tiny filters. They are called the nephrons in medical terminology. The nephrons are constituted of small blood vessels called glomerulus that aid in filtering the blood. When the glomeruli get swollen the condition is called glomerulonephritis. This hinders the normal working capability of the kidneys.
The children and young men are more likely to become its victims. It may become chronic and acute in some patients. There are some types of infections which get severe due to the occurrence of this disease. The infections like viral glandular fever and bacterial streptococcal throat infection are two noteworthy examples. In these cases, the body develops some antibodies to fight off the infections, which hit the glomeruli.
Types of Glomerulonephritis
This kidney related disorder can be classified into two main categories, proliferative and non-proliferative. It is imperative to diagnose the variant correctly, so that accurate treatments can be given. However, the main types can be sub divided into some more types, which are discussed below.
The non-proliferative types of glomerulonephritis are Minimal change GN, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis or FSGS, Membranous glomerulonephritis. The first variant is the main reason behind 80% of the nephritic disorders in kids. It can be detected only in electron microscopy. It is usually treated with steroids.
The variant named FSGS causes the victims to suffer from continual worsening of kidney resulting in renal failure. The problem with this variant of Glomerulosclerosis is that its patients do not respond well to the steroids. The variant called Membranous glomerulonephritis is seen more in the adults. People, who contract this disease, suffer from gradually contracting kidneys.
In the proliferative types of glomerulonephritis, the cells in the glomerulus grow in numbers. The main types of this disease are IgA disease, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Post-infectious GN, Mesangiocapillary GN and Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
The IgA disease, which is alternatively called Berger's nephropathy, is the most prevalent genre of glomerulonephritis affecting the adult population all over the world. The young adult men contract this ailment after suffering from gastrointestinal or respiratory tract infection. Generally, ACE inhibitors are used in its treatment.
The Post-infectious GN usually takes place after Streptococcal infection. This is interpreted as a swelling of the kidneys.
Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis
Whether a person has developed chronic or acute type of Glomerulonephritis, he can show similar symptoms. Because of fluid retention his legs can become swollen. Such a person can also develop puffiness in his face. He passes urine less than usual and the quality of urine may not be normal. As the disease advances, the victims can suffer from lack of appetite, short breath as well as high blood pressure.
Diagnosis of Glomerulonephritis
The disease is often found while conducting a routine health check up. This happens because it starts forming much before the symptoms become visible. The diagnosis of the ailment usually consists of examination of the kidneys, blood and urine tests etc.
Glomerulonephritis Treatment
If the inflammation caused to the kidneys is not of a serious type, then the patient may not need any treatment at all. Regular monitoring of the condition is what such a patient requires. However, in more acute cases of the ailment, the patients are treated with a mix of corticosteroids, antibiotics and immunosuppressant medicines. The medication often depends on the root cause of the disease. The patients are advised to take a diet low in potassium, salt and protein. In some cases, medicines that restrict the immune system can also be used.
