Overview

Glomerular disease refers to conditions that affect the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. The disease involves damage to the blood vessels of the glomeruli. This disease impairs the kidney's ability to filter the urine, causing symptoms such as discoloured urine, joint pain, swelling, and hypertension. Seeking medical assistance is crucial for relief and managing the symptoms effectively.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a specialised form of care focusing on a patient's illness. It involves focusing on the causes and symptoms of the disease and deciding the suitable treatment options that can help to heal the patient in the earliest possible time. The method also involves selecting the patient's after-surgery care, proper diet, and other essentials. Specialists assigned to palliative care of a patient in coordination with the patient's doctor and family for the fair exchange of information about the patient. Many people and families are still unaware of this form of care that can be helpful for a patient to get the proper treatment and end-of-life care for better healing.

Palliative care for glomerular disease patients focuses on improving their quality of life and relieving the symptoms and complications associated with the condition. It involves a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. Palliative care teams work closely with the patient's healthcare providers to manage pain, control symptoms like oedema and shortness of breath, optimise medication regimens and provide emotional support and counselling. Additionally, palliative care professionals assist in advance care planning, facilitate communication with family members, and help patients and their families navigate the challenges and decisions that may arise throughout the course of the disease.

How can palliative care help glomerular disease patients?

The palliative care team ensures that the patient suffering from glomerular disease or any other chronic kidney disease gets the proper treatment at the right time. The team knows the importance of adequate care and round-the-clock effort for a patient. Mentioned below are some of the essential pointers that the palliative care team works on for the betterment of the patient:

- Symptom Management- Palliative care teams work to alleviate symptoms such as pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and anxiety. They employ various approaches, including medication adjustments, non-pharmacological interventions, and psychological support, to improve the patient's comfort and well-being.
- Emotional and psychosocial support- Counselling, emotional support, and coping strategies to navigate the emotional impact and reduce stress.
- Quality of life improvement- Promoting independence, maintaining functional abilities, and engaging in fulfilling activities.
- Care coordination and communication- Collaborating with healthcare providers, specialists, and family members to ensure effective communication and coordination of care.
- Holistic approach- Optimising physical, emotional, and social well-being for patients and their families.
- Integration at any stage- Available regardless of prognosis or treatment plan, complementing disease-specific interventions.

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

A glomerular disease is a form of kidney disorder leading to improper functioning of the kidney's glomeruli. It obstructs urine filtration from blood, leading to fluid retention and multiple other health issues. Under such situations, a palliative care team helps cope with the disease calmly and provides the patient end of life care.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/chronic-kidney-disease-and-diagnosis/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5993-glomerular-diseases#symptoms-and-causes
- https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/palliative-care-helps-patients-kidney-disease