Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis, also called nephritis, is an allergic disease of glomeruli in both kidneys. Acute glomerulonephritis is a group of acute diffuse glomerular inflammatory lesions from post-infectious immune reaction of various causes, most after group A hemolytic streptococcal infection, onset 1-4 weeks after infection, presenting as hematuria, varying edema and hypertension. It is self-limited, course usually 2-3 weeks.

Common Symptoms

Facial edema; lower-limb edema; persistent urine protein; hematuria; hematuria with proteinuria; anuria; intermittent hematuria; oliguria

Causes

Whether nephritis is hereditary depends on the type; hereditary nephritis is autosomal dominant and can pass to children, often with a strong family history and recurrent hematuria in young males. Onset is often subtle, with mild proteinuria and hematuria worsened by strenuous exercise or upper respiratory infection; proteinuria increases with age, hypertension appears late. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus is the main cause: after tonsillitis or scarlet fever, antigens form immune complexes depositing on the GBM. Viral infection (influenza, measles, chickenpox, mumps, adenovirus) rarely causes acute GN, but post-viral nephritis should be considered. Syphilis, brucellosis, typhoid, rickettsia, protozoal and fungal infection, and non-infectious causes (foreign protein, drugs, tumors, SLE) can also cause it.

Treatment

Mainly rest, low-protein low-salt moderate-fat diet, diuresis and blood-pressure control

Prevention

Daily prevention: 1. Balance work and rest; avoid fatigue that burdens the kidney. 2. Keep emotional balance; anxiety damages the liver and secretion. 3. Eat a reasonable renal diet. 4. Keep regular married life (no more than twice a month). 5. Do not self-medicate analgesics and antibiotics without guidance. Health education: treat skin lesions and recurrent tonsillitis early; exercise to build resistance; keep regular hours; stay optimistic.

Recommended Department

It is recommended to visit the nephrology department; before the visit you may first book an appointment and connect with experts through this platform.

Warm reminder: The above information is provided for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek care at a regular hospital in time.