11 Unbelievable Reasons Your Kidneys Might Be Throwing a Fit: Glomerulonephritis Edition
Glomerulonephritis is a complex condition marked by inflammation of the glomeruli, the clusters of blood vessels in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste. This inflammation can result in a variety of symptoms depending on the type and severity of the condition. Chronic glomerulonephritis may lead to high blood pressure, abdominal pain, swelling in the ankles and face, recurrent nosebleeds, and increased nighttime urination. Meanwhile, acute glomerulonephritis, often triggered by an infection, can cause fluid buildup in the lungs leading to coughing, along with a noticeable reduction in urinary output. Both forms of the condition can progress to kidney failure if left untreated. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood and urine tests, along with imaging studies such as ultrasounds. Treatment varies based on the underlying cause, ranging from dietary changes and plasmapheresis to advanced interventions like dialysis or kidney transplantation. To better understand this condition, we’ve expanded this list to cover 11 potential causes and risk factors, providing a comprehensive guide to the triggers and complexities of glomerulonephritis.
1. Viral Infections
Viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are recognized as triggers for the development of glomerulonephritis. Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can cause cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and it also increases an individual's risk of cancer. Patients with hepatitis B could experience jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, fever, and joint pain, and the condition can be acute or chronic. A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. Patients can contract a similar type of viral liver infection, hepatitis C, through exposure to contaminated blood. Since the early stages of hepatitis C are often asymptomatic, doctors recommend for individuals at high risk for this condition to be screened with a blood test. When symptoms do occur, they can include weight loss, jaundice, spider angiomas, and fluid buildup in the abdomen. Hepatitis C is now curable with a six-month course of oral medication. HIV can be transmitted through sexual activity and through sharing needles or injection equipment with an infected individual. This condition damages the immune system, and patients are especially susceptible to infection. Although HIV cannot be cured, it can be controlled with oral medication.
2. Bacterial Endocarditis
Bacterial endocarditis occurs when the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium) becomes infected by bacteria. Patients with endocarditis may have fatigue, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Catheter use, dental procedures, tattoo or piercing needles, and intravenous use of illegal drugs could all increase a patient's risk of endocarditis. To diagnose this condition, doctors will perform tests such as an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, a chest x-ray, and a CT scan. Blood tests will be ordered to identify the specific type of bacteria responsible for the infection. If bacterial endocarditis is present, patients typically need to spend at least a week in the hospital to receive high doses of intravenous antibiotics, and these treatments may then be continued on an outpatient basis. If bacterial endocarditis damages the heart valves, surgical intervention to repair or replace the damaged valves could be required.
