Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease that involves inflammation of the glomeruli, which are the filtering units of the kidneys. The glomeruli are responsible for removing waste and excess fluids from the blood.

Causes

There are several causes of glomerulonephritis, including:

• Infections, such as streptococcal infections (e.g. strep throat) or viral infections (e.g. HIV)
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Allergic reactions to certain medications or substances
• Genetic disorders, such as Alport syndrome
• Vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels

Symptoms

The symptoms of glomerulonephritis may include:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
• Edema (swelling) in the face, hands, and feet
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting

Types

There are several types of glomerulonephritis, including:

• Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN), which is caused by a streptococcal infection
• IgA nephropathy, which is an autoimmune disorder that affects the kidneys
• Membranous nephropathy, which is characterized by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane
• Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which is a type of scarring in the glomeruli
• Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), which is a severe and rapidly progressing form of the disease

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of glomerulonephritis typically involves:

• Urinalysis to check for blood, protein, and other abnormalities in the urine
• Blood tests to check for kidney function and inflammation
• Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scans, to evaluate the kidneys
• Kidney biopsy to examine the glomeruli and diagnose the underlying cause of the disease

Treatment

The treatment of glomerulonephritis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the disease. Treatment options may include:

• Medications to control blood pressure, reduce proteinuria, and suppress the immune system
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Immunosuppressive medications to treat autoimmune disorders
• Dialysis or kidney transplantation in severe cases of kidney failure

Prognosis

The prognosis for glomerulonephritis varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the disease. With proper treatment, some people may experience a full recovery, while others may develop chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or transplantation.