Glomerulonephritis

What is glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis, also known as Acute Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis,  comes in many forms but basically, it’s an immune-related disease that causes glomerular inflammation. Glomerulonephritis is a representative form of nephritic disease and is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, (ASPSGN). These infections usually originate from the tonsils, upper respiratory tract or even the middle ear from infections there.  After around 1-3 week signs may start to show in the kidneys, specifically the glomerulus of the kidneys which is where the start of the filtration takes place.

In a normal capillary, it will have an endothelial cell layer. The capillary will be unblocked in a normal glomerulus and the blood can flow easily. In mild glomerulonephritis, the endothelial cell and membrane are swollen and the capillary is narrowed which decreases the glomerular filtration rate, (filtration rate of the kidney),  Immune complex deposits start to form and inflammation also narrows the capillary flow of blood. In Severe Glomerulonphritis the endothelial cells are totally swollen, the inflammation is worse and there is little room for the blood to flow hence the urine output will reduce drastically known as oliguria. So the key is to prevent swelling of the enodthelial cells and erradicate the inflammation.

causes of Glomerulonephritis

Some of the causes of glomerulonephritis could be

1.  Thought to be part of an autoimmune reaction called type III hypersensitivity. This is where antigen-antibody immune complexes are formed due to a response of infection.  It’s also connected to glomerular or nephrotic disease and could be due to a post-streptococcal infection. Streptococcal infection is usually presented in the throat as strep throat, middle ear infections and upper respiratory infections.  Mostly found in children
2. If there is no associated disease, it’s considered primary.
3. It’s considered secondary would be when the condition is associated with another complication such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. 
4. Autoimmune mediated injury to the glomeruli which occurs around 1-3 weeks after a bacterial infection has been diagnosed. Often related to tonsils, sinuses, teeth and respiratory tract. 

signs and symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms that you may have are:-

• Back pain especially around the kidney area, lower abdominal/ lower/mid back pain
• You may find you have oedema and fluid retention. This you can see around the face or legs and feet.
• Limited urine flow is known as oliguria
• High blood pressure/hypertension due to glomerulosclerosis which is scarring & fibrosis of the glomerular capillaries. 
• You may also experience headaches, fatigue, fever, nausea and malaise. 
• If you notice blood in your urine, known as haematuria
• Or if you are diagnosed with protein in your urine, your doctor will refer to this as proteinuria these are also signs of this condition.
• If you notice your pee is being coffee coloured or “smoky” this could be due to protein leaking from the kidneys and also red blood cells that have leaked out. 

diagnosis

Urinalysis will be used to determine if you have increased erythrocytes, which would indicate infection, kidney stones or tumour and protein found in the nitrates that will show up on the analysis.

Blood tests can show an elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive (CRP)  as well as a low Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) which shows the function of your kidneys. Anything less than 60 would indicate Kidney disease. You would also look out for elevated creatinine and antibodies. 

COMPLICATIONS

Approximately 10% of cases become chronic glomerulonephritis, which can then lead to nephrotic syndrome. 

Chronic kidney disease

Acute kidney failure in around 2-5% which can be fatal

what your doctor will offer you

1. Your doctor will offer you a complete medical history check. Give as much information as you can. look at the possible causes and see which one applies to you the most. This will help your doctor to ensure that the right tests are carried out.

2. You may be offered Urninanalysis to look for your Erythrocytes and Nitrates

3. You may be offered a blood test to evaluate your ESR, CRP and GFR. Also looking at creatinine, and serum urea.

Get educated!

Getting educated is also a great way to support yourself. Take a look at this video to see how this condition occurs

Key areas to help yourself with are to:-

1. Reboot, and not put too much strain on your kidneys. Not too much protein and a clean diet that can help to health.
2. Stay hydrated
3. See the advice from your doctor but do your research into the effectiveness of any prescribed antibiotics
4. Watch out for kidney stone, known as renal calculi
5. Look for a natural protocol. You may like to try the one we have in our Ultimate Health program

Take the next step to prevent illnesses & health issues,

Join Ultimate Health, Your Journey Starts Here!

At Ultimate Health we look for prevention and treating the cause. We always start by wiping the slate clean with a Reboot and then looking to help support your body to heal using natural proven principles. Naturopathic solutions and a protocol that supports your body and every system that it runs. We help you to manage the many multifunctional influences that can cause conditions like this in the first place. Detoxification is key, as well as reducing internal inflammation, getting conscious about your health and finding out what is actually healthy for you.  If you need a map we have the One Clear Path to support your entire journey to your Ultimate Health.

Here are the Pathways we use to support you:

1. Detoxification
2. Group Support
3. One to One consultations
4. Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet
5. Meal Plans that are done for you
6. Education on the Real Truth about What is Actually Healthy, not just what the media tells you is “Healthy“.

References

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