Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease which can have different origins. It affects the glomeruli, structures essential for the proper functioning of the kidneys. It requires medical monitoring because it can lead to kidney failure.

Glomerulonephritis, sometimes called nephritis or nephrotic syndrome, is a disease of the glomeruli in the waist. Also called Malpighi glomerulus, a renal glomerulus is an essential structure for the proper functioning of the kidneys. Composed of a cluster of blood vessels, the glomerulus allows the filtration of blood. This mechanism not only eliminates waste present in the bloodstream but also maintains a good balance of minerals and water in the body.

Depending on the duration and evolution of the affection, we can distinguish:

• acute glomerulonephritis, which appear suddenly;
• chronic glomerulonephritis, which develop over several years.

We can also distinguish:

• primary glomerulonephritis, when the affection starts in the kidneys;
• secondary glomerulonephritis, when the affection is the consequence of another pathology.

The diagnosis of glomerulonephritis is complex because this condition can have many origins:

• a hereditary origin ;
• metabolic dysfunctions ;
• an autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus (lupus glomerulonephritis) or Goodpasture syndrome;
• an infection, such as strep throat (poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis) or tooth abscess;
• a malignant tumor.

In nearly 25% of cases, glomerulonephritis is said to be idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown.

Glomerulonephritis requires prompt medical treatment to limit the risk of complications. In the absence of medical treatment, this disease of the renal glomeruli causes:

• electrolyte imbalances, with high sodium levels in the body, which in particular increases the risk of cardiovascular disease;
• water retention in the body, which promotes the occurrence of edema;
• poor kidney function, which can lead to kidney failure.

When glomerulonephritis is due to an infection, it can spread to other areas of the body, especially the urinary tract.

The development of glomerulonephritis is variable. It can be sudden in acute glomerulonephritis or slow in chronic glomerulonephritis. The symptoms can also be different. A chronic glomerulonephritis can indeed be invisible, asymptomatic, for several years before revealing the first symptoms.

When it manifests itself, glomerulonephritis is usually accompanied by several phenomena:

• a decrease in the frequency of urination;
• a hematuria, characterized by the presence of blood in the urine;
• a proteinuria, characterized by the presence of protein in the urine, which often results in albuminuria, that is, the presence of albumin in the urine;
• a hypertension arterial, which is a common consequence of kidney failure;
• un edema, who is another consequence of poor kidney function;
• of the headaches, which may be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort;
• of the abdominal pain, in the most serious forms.

Treatment for glomerulonephritis depends on its origin and course.

As a first-line treatment, drug treatment is usually put in place to reduce symptoms and limit the risk of complications. A healthcare professional usually prescribes:

• antihypertensives to control blood pressure and limit high blood pressure, a common symptom of glomerulonephritis;
• diuretics to increase urine output and frequency of urination.

Other drugs may then be prescribed to treat the cause of glomerulonephritis. Depending on the diagnosis, the healthcare professional can, for example, prescribe:

• antibiotics, especially in cases of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, to stop an infection in the kidneys;
• corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, especially in cases of lupus glomerulonephritis, to decrease the immune response.

In addition to drug treatment, a specific diet can be implemented in case of glomerulonephritis. This diet is generally depleted in protein and sodium, and is accompanied by control of the volume of water ingested.

When the risk of kidney failure is high, dialysis may be used to ensure the filtration function of the kidneys. In the most severe forms, a kidney transplant may be considered.