Glomerulonephritis – An Iceberg with Hidden Issues

Unlike its huge name, glomerulonephritis deals with those tiny units of filtration, which are part of kidneys called glomeruli. Now, these glomeruli when they fail to do their work properly, which could happen due to numerous reasons, give rise to various serious diseases.

Talking about those various reasons disturbing the functioning of kidneys are inflammation, irritation, infection, etc. And obviously when a part of an organ malfunctions, problems will appear and show up on the body. These problems come from swelling in different body parts, right from the face, feet, ankles, and legs and demand for immediate glomerulonephritis treatment.

Swelling indicates the presence of excessive fluid in the body. This can further worsen the situation by developing into even more severe kidney failure or kidney disease.

The good news here is that it is not very common and mostly when it occurs it gets cured on its own, also medical science can control the damage. All you need is a little awareness to reach out on time if it gets worse. 

Causes

Glomerulonephritis can show up suddenly or it can develop over a period.

A. Causes of Acute glomerulonephritis

1. Streptococcal Bacterial Infection

2. Immunological problems

B. Causes of Chronic glomerulonephritis

1. Idiopathic i.e. with unknown cause it can pass on to generations.

Signs & Symptoms

1. Bloody urine (red or brown color of urine)

2. Excessive protein in the urine can make it appear foamy.

3. Swelling especially in the morning

4. High blood pressure (hypertension)

Symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis appear suddenly, maybe after a skin infection or right after a sore throat. Chronic glomerulonephritis develops slowly and takes time to show up, many times patients don't even identify with the issue and it is raised only when the doctor suspects and tests to confirm. At this level kidney transplantation surgery becomes the only solution to treat the problem.

According to Dr. B K Upadhyay, Associate Director, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Medicine Asian Hospital Faridabad, “Glomerulonephritis is an iceberg with deeper impact and hence should be dealt with on time.” Dr. Upadhyay is the best nephrologist in the country and has been trained at AIIMS, New Delhi, and SGPGI, Lucknow.

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