Glomerulonephritis

Acute glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory disease of both kidneys. Chronic glomerulonephritis may develop over a period of ten to twenty years and is mostly associated with other diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatitis, malaria, or diabetes.

Acute glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli, which are bundles of small vessels within the kidneys. The damaged vessels can?t effectively filter excess water and waste products from the bloodstream in order to make urine. The kidneys thus appear congested, fatty, and enlarged.

It is believed that the kidneys are damaged by the exposure to toxins that are excreted into the urine.

Mild glomerulonephritis can produce zero symptoms, and laboratory studies of the urine and blood are used for diagnosis. Patients with more severe cases of the illness may exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath  
• Disturbed vision
• High blood pressure  
• Nausea
• Swelling, this is especially evident in the hands, face, ankles, and feet.
• Protein and blood in the urine, resulting in a slightly red or cloudy appearance

A patient suffering from chronic glomerulonephritis may have their condition discovered during a routine physical exam that shows high blood pressure, or an eye exam revealing hemorrhagic or vascular changes. The kidneys might be reduced to as little as one-fifth their original size, made up mostly of fibrous tissues.