Overview

Glomerular disease is a kidney disorder caused due to improper functioning of the kidney. The disease involves damage to the glomeruli of the kidney responsible for the filtration process done by the organ.

Glomeruli filter blood in the kidneys, removing waste, excess fluid, and toxins. They maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, selectively reabsorb essential substances, and facilitate urine production. Improper functioning of glomeruli leads to glomerular diseases. These, too, are divided into different types depending on the patient's medical health.

Symptoms such as foamy urine, dark-coloured urine, hypertension, and swollen face, feet, and ankles help identify the disease's initial stages. Proper and timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease help to lower the symptoms easily. Different healing methods help reverse the disorder and allow the patient to heal immediately.

Treatment Options for Glomerular Disease

Mentioned below are different treatment options and lifestyle-changing habits that can help lower the symptoms of the disease:

- Medications- Depending on the type of glomerular disease, medications may be prescribed to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and slow down the progression of kidney damage. These may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, and other supportive medications. These medications should be consumed under the observation of a doctor.
- Stable Blood Pressure Levels- High blood pressure or hypertension is also one of the causes of glomerular disease. Maintaining blood pressure is one of the lifestyle changes that help avoid glomerular disease symptoms. Anxiety, stress, and improper lifestyle habits are some of the causes of hyped blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and medications is crucial to preserve kidney function. ACE inhibitors and ARBs are commonly prescribed to manage blood pressure and reduce proteinuria. Avoiding such situations is one of the best remedies for balanced blood pressure. Balanced blood pressure also helps avoid other health issues and can be the prime step for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
- Symptom Management- Treatment may focus on managing symptoms such as oedema (swelling) with diuretics, controlling proteinuria with medications, and addressing complications such as anaemia or bone disease associated with chronic kidney disease.
- Plasmapheresis- It is the process of filtration of blood. The process helps to filter impurities and waste from the blood, causing the symptoms of the disease. Though the process might sound troublesome to a few, it is a successful method to lower the symptoms of glomerular disease. It is suggested by doctors when medications and lifestyle changes cannot control the issues created by the disease. It is also one of the methods to lower the inflammation of the blood vessels of glomeruli. The process is not always the first choice to treat the disease in its initial stages.
- Immunosuppressive Therapy- In certain glomerular diseases, especially those with an autoimmune component, immunosuppressive therapy may be used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. This approach is commonly employed in conditions like lupus nephritis or vasculitis-associated glomerulonephritis.
- Treating Underlying Medical Symptoms- Glomerular disease is also caused due to multiple underlying health issues. Treating such health issues is another option to lower the disease's symptoms. Diseases such as autoimmune diseases, hereditary nephritis, infections triggering symptoms of glomerular diseases, sclerotic diseases, and many similar diseases can be the supporting causes of glomerular diseases.
- Dialysis- Dialysis may be necessary for advanced stages of glomerular disease, where kidney function significantly declines. Dialysis involves using a machine to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function adequately.
- Kidney Transplantation- For some individuals with end-stage kidney disease, kidney transplantation may be an option. This involves surgically implanting a healthy kidney from a donor, which can provide long-term improvement in kidney function.
- Lifestyle Changes- Simple lifestyle changes are also helpful in lowering the symptoms of glomerular diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight, a balanced blood pressure and blood sugar levels, an active lifestyle, low salt intake, and a balanced diet are easy yet effective lifestyle changes that can help eliminate kidney disease symptoms.

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

Glomerular disease is the outcome of damaged blood vessels of glomeruli. Hence, the disease affects the filtration process of the kidney resulting in different health symptoms. Proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease help eliminate the medical disorder and allow the patient to heal as soon as possible.

Reference Links

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