Glomerulonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The kidneys filter out approximately 180 liters of blood every day. They remove waste, toxins, and various unwanted substances from the blood. Inside the kidneys, there are approximately two million tiny filters called glomeruli. These glomeruli form the filtering units. Sometimes, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks these units, leading to their inflammation. This condition is known as glomerulonephritis. According to the Indian Journal of Nephrology, Glomerulonephritis is the third leading cause of kidney failure in India. In some cases, it can strike suddenly, while in others it may develop silently over many years. Let’s understand the warning signs of glomerulonephritis and how it can be treated.

What Causes Glomerulonephritis?

Many cases of glomerulonephritis start with the body's own immune system. The antibodies produced start targeting healthy kidney cells rather than pathogens. This causes inflammation in the glomeruli. It can get triggered due to various reasons, such as:

Post-Infection Triggers: These can range from simple infections such as strep throat or skin infection to viral infections such as HIV and Hepatitis.
Autoimmune Disorders: Lupus or Goodpasture’s syndrome can trigger the immune system to target its own organs.
Chronic Health Issues: High blood pressure and diabetes can cause wear and tear of the glomeruli over time.
Genetic factors: These include hereditary conditions that are passed through family members.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis manifests with various symptoms. Some key warning signs you should look out for include:

Discoloured urine, often pink, reddish, or cola coloured.
Foamy textured urine caused by excess protein.
Visible swelling or puffiness, also known as edema.
Rising blood pressure
Persistent fatigue

You should also note the timings of these signs. In case of acute glomerulonephritis, these symptoms appear sooner and more suddenly. However, in chronic glomerulonephritis, these signs can persist as mild symptoms and appear fully later.

How is Glomerulonephritis Diagnosed?

In case you are experiencing any of the symptoms, the first step is to visit a nephrology hospital. Diagnosis relies on a combination of laboratory and imaging tests to assess kidney function and identify the underlying cause.

Urinalysis: This is the primary screening test used to detect hematuria (red blood cells), cellular casts, or proteinuria (excess protein) in the urine.
Blood Tests: Doctors measure serum creatinine and urea levels to calculate your eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate), which indicates how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
Imaging: A Kidney Ultrasound is used to assess the shape and size of the kidneys and rule out other causes like blockages.
Kidney Biopsy: This is often the gold standard for confirmation. A thin needle is used to extract a tiny tissue sample for microscopic examination to determine the specific type of inflammation and the best treatment plan.

How is Glomerulonephritis Treated?

The main goal of glomerulonephritis treatment is to stop the inflammation in healthy kidney tissues. It aims at preventing any further damage or scarring by the antibodies. Treatment is administered in different ways, such as:

Medication: Doctors generally prescribe ACE inhibitors. They help to lower blood pressure and reduce excessive protein loss. Additionally, steroids are given in case the cause is autoimmune. They help fight against inflammation of the cells.
Dietary Adjustments: Reduce intake of salt, protein, and potassium. They can cause stress on your kidneys.
Fluid Management: Diuretics, also known as water pills, can be prescribed. These help get rid of excess fluid and reduce swelling.

Protect Your Kidneys with Expert Care at Park Hospital!

Healthy kidneys are essential for your overall well being. If you see any symptoms, such as foamy urine or puffiness, get your tests done. They can help avoid long term health complications and avoid unnecessary strain on your kidneys. You are not alone in this health journey! Book an appointment with Park Hospital. Here you can get the right evaluation and a personalised recovery plan from a Nephrologist in Delhi. Contact us today and ensure your kidneys stay healthy and functional.

FAQs:

What is glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis is a condition in which the filtering units of the kidneys, known as glomeruli, become inflamed. This damage stops them from filtering the blood properly.

What are the common causes of glomerulonephritis?

Most common causes include infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic conditions.

What symptoms indicate glomerulonephritis?

Main symptoms include discoloration of urine, edema or swelling, and high blood pressure.

How is glomerulonephritis diagnosed and treated?

Glomerulonephritis is diagnosed mainly through urine and blood testing. For further confirmation, doctors use imaging and a biopsy test. Once confirmed, it is treated with blood pressure medication, steroids, and important dietary changes.