Etiology of glomerulonephritis, its symptoms and treatment
Glomerulonephritis is a bilateral pathology of the kidneys, the main development of which is the defeat of the glomeruli of the kidneys. The composition of the renal glomerulus or other glomeruli includes a large number of capillary loops that form a filter. This filter facilitates the passage of fluid from the blood into the renal tubule system.
The etiology of glomerulonephritis may be different, but due to damage to the glomeruli, a filtration failure occurs. At the same time, blood cells, proteins and important components for the body get into the urine, as well as the kidneys lose the ability to remove toxic products and water from the body.
In its development, the disease is classified as a group of infectious-allergic pathologies, which indicates the association in it of the development of an infectious allergic reaction and simultaneous organ damage. In some cases, autoimmune forms of glomerulonephritis develop, when the destruction of the kidney tissue by its own antibodies.
As a rule, glomerulonephritis lasts for fifteen years. At the same time there are no edema, a slight increase in blood pressure is noted. The kidney function is also preserved throughout the life of the disease, but the disease continues to progress slowly and provokes chronic insufficiency.
Glomerulonephritis can occur with different periods - usually exacerbations are replaced by remissions and vice versa. With the development of remissions, the patient has no complaints, and only urinalysis and constant hypertension testify to the presence of the disease. Exacerbation can occur as a result of hypothermia, the penetration of infection into the body or after drinking alcoholic beverages. With an exacerbation, the symptoms coincide with manifestations in the acute form of glomerulonephritis, and the skin becomes very dry.
Causes of the pathology of
The main reasons for the development of glomerulonephritis are:
- Infectious diseases - such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, as well as infection with viral, parasitic and bacterial infections. The lesion is immune in nature and does not correlate with the direct influence of infectious agents. In this regard, glomerulonephritis can occur only a few weeks after curing the infection.
- Toxic causes - the effect on the body of alcohol, organic solvents, mercury, narcotic substances and certain medicines.
- Systemic pathologies of various origins - systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, amyloidosis, nodular periarthritis and others.
- Genetic pathology of kidney damage.
Symptomatology of the disease
Given the various forms of lesions of the renal glomeruli, glomerulonephritis is characterized by the predominance of one or other of the following manifestations:
- Presence in the urine of the blood.
- Formation of edema on the face - mostly swollen eyelids. And also swelling of the legs and feet.
- Strong increase in blood pressure.
- Lean secretions of urine and constant thirst.
- Increase in body temperature.
- Loss of appetite, development of nausea with vomiting, headaches and severe weakness.
- Weight loss.
- The presence of dyspnea.
Often the acute form of glomerulonephritis develops six to twelve days after a streptococcal infection - tonsillitis, tonsillitis, or scarlet fever. Also, the appearance of pathology contributes to skin infections, such as impetigo or pyoderma.
Glomerulonephritis can also develop with viral, bacterial and parasitic lesions.
Diagnosis of the disease
For the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis requires the submission of biochemical analyzes of urine and blood, glomerular filtration is also detected, a blood test is performed for the presence of anti-streptococcal antibodies in it. Compulsory computer tomography and ultrasound examination of the abdominal part is mandatory. Often, an accurate diagnosis requires the organization of a kidney biopsy.
Treatment of
With the development of a pronounced clinical picture of glomerulonephritis, the patient must be treated in a hospital setting, he is prescribed strict bed rest and a special diet. Treatment with medicines includes symptomatic, antibacterial and immunosuppressive therapy. In some situations, the organization of hemodialysis may be necessary.
Prevention of exacerbation of the disease
For proper diagnosis and correct treatment, it is necessary to pay special attention to the urine tests of the patient during his well-being.
The organization of radical therapy for the chronic form of glomerulonephritis is not required, as autoimmune processes are at rest. Patients are advised to lie more for a longer time, to prevent hypothermia, to avoid physical exertion, to work only in a dry and warm room while sitting, to observe the rules for salt-free nutrition, while the food should be enriched with microelements and vitamins. Foci of a chronic infection should be sanitized.
A good effect for the state of health brings sanatorium treatment in a hot dry climate. With the development of an exacerbation, hospitalization is carried out. Exacerbation is considered worsening of urinalysis.