Glomerular Diseases

Introduction of Glomerular
Diseases
Diseases
that injure the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidney where
blood is cleaned, are called Glomerular diseases.
Glomerular disease reduces the kidneys ability to maintain a balance of specific
substances in the blood stream. The kidneys job is to filter the bad toxins in the
blood from the good proteins and red blood cells. Glomerular disease causes the
kidney to begin to retain the bad toxins and release the proteins and red blood
cells from the body. Laboratory analysis of the urine from people who have
glomerular disease often shows protein in the urine (proteinuria) and sometimes
blood in the urine (hematuria). Glomerular diseases include many conditions
with a variety of genetic and environmental causes. Most Glomerular diseases
have specific names but might also be referred to as either:
Glomerulonephritis:It describes the inflammation of the membrane tissue in
the glomerulus of the kidney that serves as a filter, separating wastes and extra
fluid from the blood.
Glomerulosclerosis:It describes the scarring or permanent damage to the tiny
blood vessels within the kidney.

Casuses of Glomerular Diseases

Glomerular disease can be caused by numerous conditions and diseases

includinginfection of the kidneysdue to an infection that occurs throughout
the body such as streptococcus bacteria that can cause the overproduction of
antibodies that circulate through the blood and invade the glomeruli causing
damage.
Other causes of glomerular disease include taking a drug that is toxic to the
kidneys, and chronic medical conditions including diabetes and lupus. While the
progression of certain types ofkidney diseasecan be slowed down, when
damage occurs to the glomeruli it is irreversible.

Symptoms of Glomerular Diseases

The symptoms of glomerular disease include the primary symptom of high levels
of protein present in the urine or "proteinuria". Other symptoms of glomerular
disease consist of blood in the urine or "hematuria" that may visible to the naked
eye ("gross hematuria") or may only be visible under a microscope during
laboratory testingof the urine ("microscopic hematuria"), "hypoproteinemia"
which is a low level of protein in the blood, "reduced glomerular filtration rate"
which is an insufficient amount of waste products being removed from the blood.,
and "edema" which is swelling that occurs in different parts of the body - typically
the hands, legs, and feet.
In many cases an individual may not be aware that they have this condition due to
the fact that many of these symptoms cannot be detected unless laboratory tests
are done however, in some cases there are visible signs that may be present which
include urine that appears to be foamy which can be caused by proteinuria, blood
may give the urine a pinkish colour and edema may occur which is swelling
typically of the hands, feet, or ankles and generally occurs near the end of the day
and may also be noticeable upon wakening in the morning with swelling around
the area of the eyes.

Diagnosis of Glomerular Diseases

Patients with glomerular disease have significant amounts of protein in the urine,
which may be referred to as "nephrotic range" if levels are very high. Red blood
cells in the urine are a frequent finding as well, particularly in some forms of
glomerular disease. Urinalysis provides information about kidney damage by
indicating levels of protein and red blood cells in the urine. Blood tests measure the
levels of waste products such ascreatinineand urea nitrogen to determine
whether the filtering capacity of the kidneys is impaired. If these lab tests indicate
kidney damage, the doctor may recommend ultrasound or an X ray to see whether
the shape or size of the kidneys is abnormal. These tests are called renal imaging.
But since glomerular disease causes problems at the cellular level, the doctor will
probably also recommend a kidneybiopsy- a procedure in which a needle is used
to extract small pieces of tissue for examination with different types of
microscopes, each of which shows a different aspect of the tissue. A biopsy may be
helpful in confirming glomerular disease and identifying the cause.

Treatment of Glomerular Diseases

There are many forms of treatment that can be given when an individual is in the
early stages ofchronic kidney diseaseor CKD and varies widely based upon the
specific disease that is causing the kidneys to fail.
It is essential if you are experiencing any of the symptoms or signs that may
indicate a problem with the urinary tract or kidneys that you schedule an
appointment as soon as possible with your primary care physician so that you can
be evaluated and potentially avoid CKD or its further progression that can lead to
kidney failure.