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Acute poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis
Acute glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that results from inflammation of the glomerulus, a small condensed group of blood vessels, which serves to filter the blood. Acute glomerulonephritis results in compromised kidney function and, at times, overt kidney failure. There are several causes for glomerulonephritis, but only the post-streptococcal form will be mentioned here.
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis results as a complication of either an untreated bacterial throat infection (strep throat) or scarlet fever. Due to the prevalent use of antibiotics in our health care system and special quick test methods for strep throat, this complication is seen only rarely. Like rheumatic fever, this problem occurs as a result of the body's abnormal immunologic reaction to the bacteria.
Symptoms of Acute Glomerulonephritis
Common symptoms include a decline in urine output, passage of smoky colored urine, body swelling, facial swelling, and an increase in blood pressure. Evaluation will include blood tests (kidney profile and status of electrolytes). Urinalysis and 24 hour urine collection for creatinine will allow the doctor to judge the extent of kidney damage and assess what portion of normal kidney function is still intact. In cases of questionable diagnosis, a kidney biopsy may be performed.
Treatment of this difficult medical problem is best left to the Internist or Nephrologist.
See kidney disease diet for information on the kind of diet suited to patients with kidney impairment.
Hope this article will provide you information about acute glomerulonephritis.
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