Overview

Glomerular diseases refer to a group of conditions affecting the glomeruli, which are tiny filtering units in the kidneys. These diseases can cause inflammation, damage, and dysfunction of the glomeruli, leading to impaired kidney function and various symptoms, including proteinuria, hematuria, and decreased urine output.

Glomeruli are the small network of blood vessels responsible for liquid filtration and waste removal from the body. Obstruction in the filtration process of glomeruli affects the human body in multiple ways. The disease not just affects the kidney but also damages the functioning of other parts of the body. Pinkish or brownish urine or foamy urine are some of the early symptoms of the disease. It can cause inflammation or even hardening of the blood vessels in the kidney, depending upon the health condition of the patient.

Types of Glomerular Disease

Mentioned below are different types of glomerular disease that can affect the functioning of the kidney of the patient:

- - Glomerulosclerosis is a medical condition that causes scarring or damage to the tiny blood vessels of glomeruli. It disrupts the functioning of the filtration process of the kidney.
  - Membranous Nephropathy- It occurs when the glomeruli become thickened and inflamed due to the deposition of immune complexes, primarily antibodies, in the glomerular basement membrane.
  - IgA Nephropathy- Also known as Berger's disease, IgA nephropathy is characterised by the accumulation of the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the glomeruli, leading to inflammation and damage.
  - Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)- FSGS is characterised by scarring (sclerosis) of some glomeruli, leading to impaired filtration. It can be idiopathic (unknown cause) or secondary to other conditions.
  - Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN)- It is a rare glomerular disease characterised by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and an abnormal increase in cellularity within the glomeruli.
  - Minimal Change Disease (MCD)- This disease is characterised by normal-appearing glomeruli under a microscope, hence the name "minimal change."
  - Lupus Nephritis- It is a kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease. It can affect the glomeruli and lead to kidney damage.
  - Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN) - It refers to a group of glomerular diseases that progress rapidly, causing severe kidney dysfunction. It can have various underlying causes, including autoimmune disorders and infections.
  - Alport Syndrome- It is a genetic disorder that affects the glomerular basement membrane, leading to progressive kidney damage and often associated with hearing loss and eye abnormalities.
  - Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) Nephritis- HSP nephritis is associated with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, an immune-mediated disorder characterised by inflammation of blood vessels. It commonly affects children.
  - Diabetic Nephropathy- This kidney disease develops as a complication of diabetes. It is characterised by damage to the glomeruli due to chronically high blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of Glomerular Disease

Glomerular disease results from glomerular injury, making it difficult for the kidney to filter urine from the blood. As a result, the affected individual also faces multiple other health issues. Mentioned below are some of the symptoms of the disease that can help to identify the early stages of glomerular disease:

- - Proteinuria- Inflammation of glomeruli leading to an obstruction in the filtration process can cause proteinuria. It is a health condition observed when the body leaks excess protein through urine.
  - Hematuria- Hematuria is a medical condition with blood traces in the urine. Improper functioning of the kidney or issues in the filtration process of the kidney are prime reasons for hematuria.
  - Oedema- Edema is another symptom of the disease. It happens due to high levels of albumin and protein in the urine. It causes fluid build-up in the body due to improper filtration by the kidney. The condition leads to symptoms such as swollen face, hands, legs, feet, or ankles.
  - Decreased Urine Output- Some glomerular diseases can lead to a decreased production of urine or oliguria. In advanced stages, it may progress to anuria, which is the absence of urine production.
  - Skin Rash- Certain glomerular diseases, such as lupus nephritis, can cause a characteristic skin rash.
  - Joint Pain- The patient may experience joint pain or swelling, particularly in conditions such as lupus nephritis or Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

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 glomerular injury caused due to multiple kidney disorders. It happens when the filtration part of the kidney, also known as the glomeruli, is injured due to multiple reasons. Proper diagnosis and the right treatment are vital to lower the symptoms of the disease.

FAQ

Q. What are the symptoms of glomerular diseases? A. Frothy and dark-coloured urine, hypertension, and swollen face, feet and ankles are some symptoms of kidney disease.

Q. What are the treatment options for glomerular disease? A. Maintaining a healthy weight, low salt intake, managed blood pressure, and managed blood sugar levels are some of the glomerular disease treatment remedies.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/understanding-minimal-change-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5993-glomerular-diseases
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/glomerulosclerosis