BODY WISE

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a damage to the tiny filters inside the kidney (glomeruli). It is often caused by the immune system (antibodies) attacking healthy body tissues. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (longterm).

Symptoms of glomerulonephritis are; puffiness/swelling of the face and ankles, urinating less often, blood or protein in urine, extra fluids in the lungs causing cough, high blood pressure, frequent nighttime urination, abdominal pain and nose bleeds.

It is treated with blood pressure medications, corticosteroids, plasmapheresis (removal of blood plasma and replaced with IV fluids or donated plasma without antibodies), reducing amount of salt, protein and potassium in diet, calcium supplements and diuretics to reduce swelling.

Complications may lead to kidney failure which may require dialysis and eventually, kidney transplant.

healthline.com