Contents
Causes of glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation that most often affects the glomeruli of the kidneys (glomeruli), as well as the renal tubules and intercellular tissue of the kidneys. Most often, glomerulonephritis occurs in children aged 5 to 12 years, but can occur at any age. In children, glomerulonephritis can lead to chronic renal failure and even disability. As a rule, glomerulonephritis is an independent disease, but can act as a comorbidity with systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, or infective endocarditis.
Usually glomerulonephritis occurs due to acute and chronic diseases caused by streptococci: tonsillitis, scarlet fever, pneumonia, purulent skin lesions (streptoderma). Glomerulonephritis can also develop after SARS, chickenpox, measles and rubella, and even after conventional vaccinations. The disease occurs, as a rule, 1-3 weeks after the infection.
Symptoms of glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis begins abruptly and with severe symptoms:
- headache, weakness, chills;
- elevated body temperature (rare);
- nausea, vomiting;
- pain in the lumbar region;
- severe swelling of the eyelids, face, legs;
- high blood pressure;
- change in the color of urine (urination is rare, with an admixture of blood).
– Urine in acute glomerulonephritis resembles meat slops – due to the admixture of blood and protein flakes. As for edema, they can appear in the morning under the eyes, swollen lower legs, and in severe cases, ascites may even occur – accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, says urologist Ivan Kuvin.
With improper treatment, the disease can become chronic, which is manifested by a change in the appearance of urine, edema and high blood pressure. And although the disease is not as bright as the acute form, it can lead to serious consequences and even loss of the affected organ.
Diagnostics
If the above symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a urologist or nephrologist. The doctor will listen to the patient’s complaints, take an interest in previous diseases, assess the condition of the skin – is there any swelling, measure the pressure. Tests are required: a general urinalysis and a general blood test, a biochemical blood test, as well as ultrasound and CT of the kidneys. Sometimes, in order to determine the type of disease and further treatment tactics, a puncture biopsy of the kidney is prescribed.
– Biopsy refers to surgical interventions and is performed only in a hospital setting. First, local anesthesia is done, then a hollow needle is inserted through which a tiny piece of kidney tissue is taken for examination. A biopsy is performed only in cases where other methods do not give an accurate and complete picture, says the specialist.
Treatment of glomerulonephritis
Treatment of glomerulonephritis is carried out in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. Bed rest is mandatory until the main symptoms of the disease disappear, and a special salt-free diet is introduced with maximum protein restriction in the first week and with salt restriction in the following weeks. Also prescribed antibiotics (penicillins, macrolides), diuretics (the dosage depends on the severity of edema), antihistamines and antihypertensive drugs (lowering blood pressure),
– In a severe course of the disease, for example, with the development of uremia (serious intoxication of the body with protein metabolism products), hemodialysis (artificial kidney) may be required, which helps to cleanse the blood of toxins – says doctor Ivan Kuvin. – In the chronic form of glomerulonephritis, physiotherapy has proven itself well – inductothermy (electromagnetic radiation); ultrasound and thermotherapy (dry heat). Physiotherapy helps to improve urine filtration, lowers blood pressure, removes swelling.
Also, in chronic glomerulonephritis, the doctor may recommend herbal medicine. Herbal infusions and teas have a good diuretic effect, relieve inflammation, and help eliminate toxins. It must be remembered that phytotherapy is always used in complex treatment and only as prescribed by a doctor, and not on advice from the Internet.
Prevention of glomerulonephritis
Treatment of glomerulonephritis, especially if it has become chronic, can take months or even years, so it is better to prevent the disease than to treat it later. The basic rules for the prevention of glomerulonephritis are very simple.
- Timely treatment of all infectious diseases, as well as rehabilitation of chronic foci (for example, chronic tonsillitis or pharyngitis, treatment of carious teeth).
- Restriction of salt in the diet.
- Healthy lifestyle: refusal of alcohol and cigarettes, proper nutrition, physical activity.
- Avoid prolonged hypothermia and overheating.
- Compliance with the drinking regime – at least 1,5 liters of clean drinking water per day,
- Control of blood sugar (especially in diabetics).