Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a medical condition affecting the kidneys, specifically the glomeruli, which are tiny filtering units responsible for removing waste and excess fluids from the blood to form urine. It involves inflammation of these glomeruli, often due to an immune response, infection, or other underlying conditions. Below is a patient-friendly guide to understanding glomerulonephritis:

What is Glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (developing over time). It impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter blood properly, potentially leading to waste buildup, fluid retention, and other complications. It can occur on its own (primary GN) or as part of another condition like lupus or diabetes (secondary GN).

Causes

• Infections: Post-streptococcal GN (after a strep throat or skin infection), viral infections (e.g., hepatitis), or bacterial endocarditis.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Lupus, Goodpasture syndrome, or IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease).
• Other Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, or vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation).
• Unknown Causes: In some cases, the trigger isn’t clear.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on whether it’s acute or chronic and the severity:

• Blood in urine (hematuria), which may look pink, red, or cola-colored.
• Protein in urine (proteinuria), causing foamy urine.
• Swelling (edema) in the face, hands, feet, or ankles due to fluid retention.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Reduced urine output.
• Fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath (in severe cases due to waste buildup or kidney failure).

Diagnosis

Doctors use a combination of tests:

• Urine tests: To check for blood, protein, or other abnormalities.
• Blood tests: To assess kidney function (e.g., creatinine, BUN levels).
• Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scans to view the kidneys.
• Kidney biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is examined to pinpoint the cause and extent of damage.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and whether it’s acute or chronic:

• For Infections: Antibiotics or antivirals if triggered by an infection.
• Immune Suppression: Steroids (e.g., prednisone) or other immunosuppressants for autoimmune-related GN.
• Blood Pressure Control: ACE inhibitors or ARBs to manage hypertension and protect the kidneys.
• Diet Changes: Low salt, reduced protein, or fluid restrictions to ease kidney workload.
• Dialysis or Transplant: In severe cases where kidneys fail.

Living with Glomerulonephritis

• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of swelling, urine changes, or blood pressure.
• Follow Medical Advice: Take medications as prescribed and attend follow-ups.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintain a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol.
• Stay Informed: Ask your doctor about your specific type of GN and prognosis.

Prognosis

• Acute GN: May resolve fully with treatment, especially in children after infections.
• Chronic GN: Can progress to kidney damage or failure over years if not managed. Early detection and treatment improve outcomes.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed, consult a nephrologist (kidney specialist) for personalized advice. Would you like me to search for more detailed resources or explain any part further?

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