Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Glomerulonephritis - chronic; Chronic nephritis; Glomerular disease; Necrotizing glomerulonephritis; Glomerulonephritis - crescentic; Crescentic glomerulonephritis; Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause of the disorder, and the type and severity of symptoms. High blood pressure may be difficult to control, and it is generally the most important aspect of treatment.
Medicines that may be prescribed include:
- Blood pressure medications are often needed to control high blood pressure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are most commonly prescribed.
- Corticosteroids may relieve symptoms in some cases.
- Medications that suppress the immune system may also be prescribed, depending on the cause of the condition.
A procedure called plasmapheresis may be used for some cases of glomerulonephritis due to immune-related causes. The fluid part of the blood containing antibodies is removed and replaced with intravenous fluids or donated plasma (without antibodies). Removing antibodies may reduce inflammation in the kidney tissues.
Dietary restrictions on salt, fluids,
Persons with this condition should be closely watched for signs that they are developing kidney failure. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may eventually be necessary.
Support Groups
You can often ease the stress of illness by joining support groups where members share common experiences and problems.
See:
Expectations (prognosis)
Glomerulonephritis may be a temporary and reversible condition, or it may get worse. Progressive glomerulonephritis may lead to
If you have nephrotic syndrome and it can be controlled, other symptoms may also be controlled. If it can't be controlled, end-stage kidney disease may result.
Complications
Nephrotic syndrome Acute nephritic syndrome - Chronic kidney failure
- End-stage kidney disease
Hypertension Malignant hypertension - Fluid overload -- congestive
heart failure ,pulmonary edema Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection - Increased susceptibility to other infections
Hyperkalemia
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if:
- You have disorders that are associated with an increased risk of glomerulonephritis
- You develop symptoms of glomerulonephritis
Images
Review Date: 08/12/2009
Reviewed By: Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and
Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, California Pacific Medical
Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
