Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease in which the part of your kidneys that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged. This condition can develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

Causes

Glomerulonephritis can be caused by infections such as streptococcal infection, viral infections, or diseases such as lupus, Goodpasture's syndrome, and Wegener's disease. It can also be inherited, as in Alport syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms of glomerulonephritis can include blood in the urine, foamy urine, and swelling in your face, hands, feet, and abdomen.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of glomerulonephritis can involve a series of tests including urine tests, blood tests, kidney ultrasound, and kidney biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment for glomerulonephritis depends on the cause of the illness. Treatment may include medications to control high blood pressure, reduce proteinuria, and treat kidney failure, and immunosuppressive drugs. In severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.

Prognosis

The outlook for glomerulonephritis depends on the cause and the individual, but the disease can often be controlled. Prevention is always the best medicine.

See also

• Kidney disease
• Kidney failure
• Dialysis
• Kidney transplant

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