Acute glomerulonephritis is a sudden inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys that remove waste and excess fluids from the blood. An overview of acute glomerulonephritis, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, is provided in this blog post.
Causes
Acute glomerulonephritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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It is possible for acute glomerulonephritis to be caused by bacterial infections, such as streptococcal infections (such as strep throat and skin infections), and viral infections, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Epstein-Barr virus.
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Acute glomerulonephritis can be caused by autoimmune disorders like lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) and Goodpasture syndrome.
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Berger's disease occurs when immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits build up in the glomeruli, causing inflammation.
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As a side effect of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics (penicillin and cephalosporins), and diuretics, acute glomerulonephritis can occur.
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Acute glomerulonephritis can also be caused by conditions such as vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), and certain kidney diseases.
Symptoms
Acute glomerulonephritis may cause the following symptoms:
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When there is blood in the urine (hematuria), the urine may appear pink, red, or cola-colored.
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Proteins may cause urine to appear foamy or bubbly.
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Some individuals may produce less urine than usual or have difficulty urinating.
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Fluid retention can cause swelling in the face, hands, feet, and abdomen.
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Acute glomerulonephritis can cause sudden increases in blood pressure (hypertension).
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There may be feelings of fatigue, weakness, or malaise.
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Individuals may experience abdominal pain, particularly in the kidney area.
Diagnosis
It is important to note that acute glomerulonephritis is diagnosed by a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Healthcare providers may perform the following diagnostic assessments:
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A urine analysis looks for blood, protein, and other abnormalities in a urine sample.
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In order to assess kidney function and identify underlying causes, blood tests are performed to measure kidney function markers, electrolytes, and other blood parameters.
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A CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI can be performed to assess the size and structure of the kidneys and detect any abnormalities.
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A kidney biopsy can be performed in some cases to obtain a sample of kidney tissue for microscopic examination and further evaluation.
Treatment
There are several treatment options for acute glomerulonephritis, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms.
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Treatment may include medications to control blood pressure (ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers), reduce inflammation (corticosteroids), or suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants).
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Limiting salt and protein intake may reduce fluid retention and kidney strain.
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To prevent further complications, fluid intake may need to be restricted in cases of severe fluid retention.
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To remove wastes and excess fluids from the blood, dialysis may be required in cases of severe kidney impairment or kidney failure.
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Managing acute glomerulonephritis requires treating underlying infections, autoimmune disorders, or other contributing factors.
Prevention
Acute glomerulonephritis can be prevented by:
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Infections should be treated promptly to prevent complications such as post-infectious glomerulonephritis.
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NSAIDs and certain antibiotics should be used cautiously and under medical supervision to reduce the risk of drug-induced glomerulonephritis.
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Managing underlying conditions: Managing autoimmune disorders, kidney diseases, and hypertension can help reduce the risk of acute glomerulonephritis.
