The kidney is made up of several tiny units called nephrons. Each nephron is made up of two parts, a glomerulus and a tubule.
The glomerulus is a network of blood vessels that are responsible for allowing small molecules like wastes and water fluids to pass into the tubules while larger molecules like proteins and blood cells stay in the glomerulus itself. This mechanism is how the kidney purifies the blood. The waste molecules in the tubule go on to form urine.
When the glomerulus gets damaged, most likely because of the immune system attacking healthy body tissue, the condition is known as glomerulonephritis. In today’s blog, the best kidney specialist in Kolkata takes a look at this condition and tells you all you need to know about it.
How Is Glomerulonephritis Detected?
At the outset it should be noted that this condition is not detected easily. It usually comes to light when the urine is tested for other conditions. Mild cases of this disease can be treated effectively while the more severe cases can lead to long term kidney problems. Some of the common symptoms are as follows:
- Blood in your urine
- Urine can turn frothy if there is a large amount of protein in it
- Swelling of the legs
- Rashes
- Joint pain
- Breathing problems
- Tiredness
- High blood pressure
These are some of the common symptoms of the condition.
What Are The Likely Causes of Glomerulonephritis?
This condition is caused by a problem with the immune system of the body. Some of the most likely causes of glomerulonephritis are:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B and C
- Endocarditis
- Lupus erythematosus
- Vasculitis
In some cases, the condition may be inherited, in which case you will have to opt for screening so that you can rule out the possibility of future generations having the condition.
How Is Glomerulonephritis Treated?
This condition in the mild case can be left untreated. Treatment can also be as simple as eating less salt to reduce the strain on the kidneys. The doctors may also prescribe medication to lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys. If the immune system is to blame then you will need to take immunosuppressants. Reaching out to the best kidney specialist in Kolkata for treatment is the best course of action for you.
What Are Some Likely Complications of Glomerulonephritis?
Some of the complications that can arise from this condition are:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Organ damage
- Blood clots
- Chronic kidney disease
- Kidney failure
Conclusion
There can be some complications of this condition. Get in touch with one of the best kidney specialists in Kolkata and they will help you to treat the condition suitably.
In the upcoming blogs, we will talk more about this condition and how you can live a healthy life despite it.