The kidneys are intricate organs comprised of countless nephrons responsible for extracting excess fluid and waste from the bloodstream. These nephrons encompass tiny filters referred to as glomeruli, which are tasked with eliminating toxins and fluid from the blood. Subsequently, these substances are processed into urine.

Glomerulonephritis (pronounced gluh-mare-you-low-nih-fry-tis), also known as glomerular disease, represents a cluster of kidney ailments in which the glomeruli, essential components of kidney function, become damaged and inflamed. Glomerulonephritis disrupts the kidneys’ optimal performance, often leading to protein loss from the blood, along with the leakage of red and white blood cells into the urine. In some cases, individuals with glomerulonephritis may experience a decline in waste filtration and fluid retention. Over time, this condition can culminate in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating renal replacement therapies like dialysis.

Causes of Glomerulonephritis:

Glomerulonephritis may manifest as either an acute or chronic condition. Acute glomerulonephritis can arise due to infections such as strep throat, chickenpox, or malaria. In this scenario, antibodies produced to combat infections inadvertently target the glomeruli, initiating the condition.

In cases of chronic glomerulonephritis, the specific cause is sometimes elusive. It can be linked to genetic disorders or autoimmune diseases like lupus, where the immune system mistakenly attacks various bodily systems, including the kidneys. Other disorders that may contribute to glomerulonephritis encompass:

• Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: This condition involves the formation of scar tissue in the kidney’s filtering units or glomeruli, impairing normal kidney function.
• Diabetes: A prevalent disease that affects insulin production or utilization, commonly resulting in kidney failure.
• Goodpasture’s syndrome: An autoimmune ailment affecting the kidneys and lungs, frequently leading to kidney failure and lung issues.
• IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease): This kidney disease is characterized by glomerular inflammation, causing blood to appear in the urine.
• Membranoproliferative GN I (MPGN I): This kidney disorder entails inflammation and structural changes in kidney cells.
• Membranoproliferative GN II (MPGN II or dense deposit): It involves the buildup of deposits in the kidneys, scarring them and hindering proper function.
• Post-streptococcal GN: This kidney disorder manifests after an individual contracts specific streptococcus bacteria, which can cause strep throat or skin infections.

Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis:

Chronic glomerulonephritis often presents mild, initially inconspicuous symptoms. However, as the disease progresses and kidney function deteriorates, symptoms may intensify. These symptoms may encompass:

• Swelling in the feet and legs
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Reduced urine production
• Urine appearing foamy, cloudy, or bloody
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• High blood pressure
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Seizures

Diagnosis of Glomerulonephritis:

Various methods are employed for diagnosing glomerulonephritis, including:

• Routine check-ups or examinations
• Symptom-specific testing
• Blood or urine tests
• Kidney imaging scans
• Kidney biopsy

Treatment of Glomerulonephritis:

Treatment for glomerulonephritis depends on its severity. In mild cases, treatment may not be required, with doctors opting to monitor the condition. Severe acute glomerulonephritis, linked to infections, may necessitate dietary adjustments and a combination of medications, including antibiotics to address the infection, blood pressure medications, and immunosuppressant drugs.

Chronic glomerulonephritis, especially when caused by autoimmune diseases, may entail intravenous or oral immunosuppressant drugs. Medications may also be administered to eliminate antibodies in the blood that could be targeting the kidneys. High blood pressure medications might be prescribed to slow the progression of glomerulonephritis. Dietary recommendations may include reducing sodium, potassium, and protein intake.

Recovery from glomerulonephritis depends on several factors, such as the underlying cause, the individual’s age, and any coexisting health conditions. For those whose kidneys have failed due to glomerulonephritis, kidney transplantation might be a viable option, although there is a risk of the condition recurring in the transplanted kidney. Dialysis stands as an alternative for individuals with compromised kidney function.