In the tubules, most of the liquid and substances that the body still needs are reabsorbed. Allergic kidney nephritis is a common problem these days. Under normal conditions, 180 liters of primary urine are formed per day due to filtration, but only 1.5 liters are released. Nephritis occurs in the following diseases:
- Glomerulonephritis. It is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, as a result of which the filtration efficiency decreases. There is a delay in the slag in the body, and proteins and red blood cells fall into the urine. In severe cases, there is a decrease in the amount of excreted urine, which can acquire a dark brown or red color. There are swelling of the lower extremities, lower back, eyes, blood pressure rises. The severe form of glomerulonephritis can be accompanied by lethargy, nausea and vomiting, due to the retention of nitrogenous slags (uremia) in the blood.
- Nephrotic syndrome. Urine contains a large amount of protein, as a result of which massive swelling (dropsy) develops. Pyelonephritis: One or both kidneys are affected by a bacterial infection, low back pain is accompanied by fever and tremors in the body.In urine, a blood impurity may appear.In chronic disease, the kidneys decrease in size due to cicatricial changes, with the possible development of renal failure.
- Renal failure. Renal failure at an early stage often occurs asymptomatically. At a later stage, malaise, loss of appetite, frequent urination, pruritus, nausea, vomiting, tingling of the fingers, respiratory failure, inhibition and coma manifest. In severe cases, the kidneys may stop producing urine.
- Acute glomerulonephritis has many possible causes. In most cases, its development is associated with an abnormal autoimmune reaction, which is accompanied by damage to the glomeruli. For some types of nephritis, the damaging antigen is unknown. Known antigens include bacteria, parasites and viruses.
- Bacteria. A common cause of glomerulonephritis, especially in children, is infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. This microorganism is the causative agent of tonsillitis, middle ear infections or phlegmon (skin infection). After one of these diseases, glomerulonephritis may develop. Bacteria such as salmonella, staphylococcus or gonococcus can also lead to kidney damage.
- Parasites. Jade can cause such parasites as malarial plasmodia (Plasmodium malaria), blood trematodes (flukes) - schistosomes and filarias.
- Viruses. Viral infections, including mumps, measles, chicken pox, infectious mononucleosis, Coxsackie virus, hepatitis A and B, HIV, can also be the cause of nephritis.
In addition, the difficulty of excreting urine due to an enlarged prostate, uterus or ureter valve (in children) is a predisposing factor to urinary tract infection, which is associated with the development of acute pyelonephritis. Diseases accompanied by an abnormal immune response (autoimmune diseases), including systemic lupus erythematosus and nodular periarteritis, may also be the cause of nephritis. With systemic lupus erythematosus, the glomeruli of the kidneys are damaged, both in adults and in children. Nodular periarteritis (arterial wall disease) often affects middle-aged and elderly men. A kidney biopsy can reveal damage to the walls of arterial vessels of medium size. As with other kidney diseases, a detailed examination is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis. The study of kidney function includes:
- urine analysis - determination of protein, erythrocyte and cylinder content (microscopic masses of dead cells and fat);
- measurement of the volume of excreted urine;
- blood tests - determination of protein and nitrogenous slag levels, such as urea and creatinine;
- Smears from the pharynx, ear and skin to detect bacterial infections;
- Chest X-ray - allows to determine the presence of fluid in the lungs and increase of the heart due to excess fluid;
- visualization of kidneys using X-rays and CT scans - is performed in women suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections; Men and children are prescribed after a single case of the disease with this infection;
- kidney biopsy - using a puncture needle to take a small sample of kidney tissue. The resulting material is studied under an electron microscope;
- Cystography during urination - visualization technique, which allows to determine the efficiency of emptying the bladder.
It is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of a patient suffering from acute nephritis, during which the amount of drunk and excreted liquid will be recorded daily. Blood pressure should be measured regularly. In the case of increased pressure, the administration of appropriate medications is necessary. To treat infections, antibiotics are used. An important role is played by a diet with a low salt content. In severely ill patients, it is necessary to limit the consumption of protein in food. In some cases, the appointment of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide (cytotoxic drugs). Patients suffering from kidney failure, which is associated with glomerulonephritis, can be prescribed hemodialysis. Patients with nephrotic syndrome are recommended a diet low in salt. Some of them are prescribed corticosteroid therapy in large doses, which helps prevent the intake of protein into the urine. Diuretics are used to increase the volume of urine output. They are prescribed for massive edema. Patients suffering from acute pyelonephritis need antibiotics. Timely treatment of urinary tract infections in children is important to prevent hypertension and kidney failure in the future. Surgery aimed at restoring passage of urine can prevent the development of chronic pyelonephritis.
- Glomerulonephritis for unknown reasons. The prognosis of this disease is unfavorable, therefore careful follow-up is necessary. Some patients develop kidney failure within a few weeks or months.
- Nephrotic syndrome. Children recover well with corticosteroid therapy. The results of treatment in adults are worse.
- Acute pyelonephritis. Usually patients respond well to antibiotic therapy. It may be necessary to perform a surgical operation to restore the normal passage of urine or to correct the vesicoureteral reflex.
- Chronic pyelonephritis. Treatment of hypertension and renal failure is under way. The cause of acute renal failure in 10-15% of cases is glomerulonephritis. Every year thousands of people around the world undergo hemodialysis treatment or suffer kidney transplantation due to kidney failure. Most of them are patients with glomerulonephritis. The most common kidney disease is currently pyelonephritis.
- Alport syndrome is a hereditary pathology affecting approximately 1 person out of 5000. Some facts about this disease: the disease affects men more than women; characterized by the development of progressive renal failure and deafness; mainly glomeruli of the kidneys; often the first sign of the disease is the presence of blood in the urine.