Acute Glomerulonephritis Disease

Blood filtration is a critical process in the general maintenance of the mammalian body. Unfortunately, the kidneys are vulnerable to a condition called acute glomerulonephritis, which is an inflammation of certain kidney tissues.

• The Urinary System

The Kidneys

• The kidneys are the main blood filtration organs of the human body. Blood from the renal arteries enters the kidney and is passed through nephrons, which consist of several small capillaries (the glomerulus) and a renal tubule, which passes waste toward the ureter.

Causes

• Acute glomerulonephritis is often caused by immune responses. After an infection in other areas of the body, antibodies and trapped bacteria can become trapped in the membranes surrounding the glomerulus. Sometimes, the immune system will directly attack kidney tissue.

Symptoms

• In both cases stated above, inflammation results in lower filtration control and efficiency. Blood and certain proteins in the urine are major signs of symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis. A secondary problem is edema, or general tissue swelling.

Diagnosis

• If blood is found in the urine, a doctor can perform blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans or a tissue biopsy to identify glomerulonephritis.

Treatment

• Antibiotics may be necessary to control infection, while medications to control high blood pressure can help control chronic damage to the kidneys. If kidney failure occurs, dialysis is the necessary life-saving treatment.