Know All About
GLOMERULO-NEPHRITIS
Definition:
Glomerulus is the functional unit of the kidney and is responsible for filtration of waste products from the blood stream. Inflammation of these Glomeruli is GLOMERULO-NEPHRITIS. (picture a must)
Sex or Age most Affected
Most common in children between 1 to 11 years
Signs & Symptons
Mild glomerulonephritis produces no symptoms. The treating physician has to possess a high degree of suspicion. Diagnosis is possible only with urine studies. Severe glomerulonephritis produces the following:
- Smoky or slightly red urine.
- General ill feeling.
- Drowsiness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Headaches and Fever (sometimes).
- Appetite loss.
- Decreased urination.
- Fluid accumulation in the body, especially early morning puffiness of face and ankles.
- Shortness of breath.
- High blood pressure.
- Protein in the urine.
Causes
- Acute glomerulonephritis follows a streptococcal infection. The most common infection sites are the throat and skin. Your child may have had either a sore throat or a boil. Kidney symptoms usually begin 2 or 3 weeks after the streptococcal infection.
- Chronic glomerulonephritis is rare in children.
Prevention
- Avoid exposure to people with strep infection.
- Consult your doctor for antibiotic treatment of any infection that may be streptococcal.
Diagnostic Measures
- Observation of symptoms.
- History and physical exam by a doctor.
- Laboratory studies, such as: blood counts; repeated urinalyses to determine the presence of protein or other abnormal elements; and streptococcal antibody titer (ASLO – a sophisticated blood study).
- Kidney-function tests.
Possible Complications
Kidney failure, which may require dialysis or other dramatic treatment.
Probable Outcomes
Symptoms subside in 2 weeks to several months. 90% of children recover without complications.
TREATMENT
General Measures
- Record temperature 3 times a day.
- Collect and record the amount of urine passed in each 24-hour period. Some of this collection may be analyzed.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe:
- Cortisone or cytotoxic drugs, if the illness is severe.
- Diuretics to increase urination.
- Antihypertensives, if high blood pressure accompanies the illness.
- Iron and vitamin supplements, if anemia develops.
Restrictions
Keep the child in bed, except to go to the bathroom, until all signs of illness have passed. This may be several weeks or months. Bed rest ensures an adequate blood flow to the kidney, which is best when lying down. Child may read or watch TV and can resume normal activities after recovery. Your doctor will determine when all signs and symptoms have disappeared.
Diet
As long as kidneys function properly, your child may eat a normal, well-balanced diet. Greatly decrease the salt in your diet.
Contact your Doctor
The following occur during treatment:
- Severe headache or convulsion.
- Failure to pass at least 700 ml of urine in a 24-hour period.
- Fever.
- Swelling of feet &/or face
- Increased fluid retention.
- Increased nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.