Overview

Glomerular diseases, also known as glomerulopathies or glomerular disorders, refer to a group of conditions that affect the glomeruli, which are the tiny filtering units in the kidneys responsible for removing waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the bloodstream. These diseases can involve inflammation, scarring, or damage to the glomeruli, leading to impaired kidney function and various symptoms. Immune system dysfunction, genetic factors, infections, systemic diseases, or other underlying conditions can cause glomerular diseases.

Glomeruli damage to the network of small blood vessels of the kidney responsible for the filtration process of liquid in the body can lead to improper shape or rupture of blood tissues. It results in the flow of vital nutrients and blood through urine. Hence, hematuria is also one of the symptoms of the disease. The symptoms of the disease can be lowered by proper diagnosis and treatment.

Glomerular Disease Diagnosis

Glomerular diseases are typically diagnosed through medical history evaluation, physical examination, blood and urine tests, imaging studies, and kidney biopsy. Treatment approaches depend on the specific glomerular disease and can involve medications to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and slow the progression of kidney damage. Advanced treatments like dialysis or kidney transplantation may sometimes be necessary.

- Urine Test- The urine test is one of the basic and prime tests done in case of kidney malfunction or injury. It helps to identify and get an idea of the filtration process and the health of the kidney's filtration barrier. It also helps to identify the symptoms of proteinuria and hematuria. Urine tests also detect high levels of albumin in the urine due to injury to glomeruli. A urine test, also known as urinalysis, helps identify the levels of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and White Blood Cells (WBCs).
- Blood Tests- Blood tests are another form of test used to identify different types of health issues. The test is also essential to identify other underlying medical issues that can damage the functioning of various body organs. Blood tests are also useful to keep a tap on creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. If these are high, then it's a clear indication of improper functioning of the kidney's filtration process. It also helps indicate glomerular injury leading to waste fluid retention in the body, salt, and water. The test can also detect Lupus, diabetes, or other underlying medical conditions contributing to glomerular disease.
- Ultrasound- An ultrasound is also one of the recommended tests in case of a kidney issue. The test helps to identify improper functioning of the kidney or any damage caused to the organ due to any health disorder. An ultrasound is also recommended in case of glomerular disease to identify the root cause of the medical disorder. The test helps to find out the damage caused to the blood vessels and tissues of the kidney. The test is also helpful in finding out decreased functioning of the kidney. An ultrasound of the kidney also helps to identify the size of the organ helpful to identify the duration of the illness.
- Kidney Biopsy- Kidney biopsy removes a small thread-like piece from the kidney to diagnose it under a microscope. The diagnosis helps to identify the damage caused to the kidney and the root cause of the issue. It also helps in identifying other underlying medical conditions. The biopsy is the final resort and is recommended by doctors when other tests, such as blood and urine, cannot detect kidney disease. The procedure is safe and does not lead to any significant complications. Pain at the biopsy site is one of the common health issues after the medical procedure. In severe symptoms, one might also observe medical issues such as bleeding or injury to the walls nearby to the surgical site.
- Additional Tests- Depending on the suspected cause or associated conditions, additional tests may be ordered, such as autoimmune antibody tests (e.g., antinuclear antibody, anti-dsDNA, anti-GBM antibodies), viral serology, complement levels, genetic testing, or specific tests for systemic diseases.

When to consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

The glomerular disease occurs due to injury to the blood vessels of the glomeruli responsible for urine filtration from the blood. Proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease can help to lower and manage the symptoms of the disease. Different tests and diagnostic steps also help decide the right treatment for the medical disorder.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/chronic-kidney-disease-and-diagnosis/
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/glomerular-disease-beyond-the-basics
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5993-glomerular-diseases#diagnosis-and-tests