Symptoms Of Membranous Nephropathy

Unexplained Weight Gain

Unexplained weight gain is best described as an increase in body weight without any changes in activity levels, food consumption, and liquid consumption. An increase in body weight is a common symptom that appears in patients with membranous nephropathy. This symptom occurs because the glomeruli in the kidneys of these individuals are so damaged that they cannot filter adequate amounts of fluid out of the blood. When fluid excretion does not match fluid consumption in patients with renal issues, the kidneys do not produce enough urine to rid the body of excess fluid. In addition, the damaged glomeruli in the kidneys can disrupt the normal electrolyte processes in the body. The electrolytes and kidneys work together in the function of maintaining the proper balance of fluid throughout the body. Electrolyte imbalances often lead to fluid retention in the body. Because the volume of fluid weighs more than the same quantity of fat, membranous nephropathy can manifest in the form of an unexplained increase in total body weight.

Reduced Appetite

Membranous nephropathy can manifest in a patient as reduced appetite. The normal process of appetite and hunger management is a complex multi-factor mechanism. Uremia or a high level of nitrogenous waste compounds and urea in the blood can occur as a result of poor kidney function in patients with membranous nephropathy. Uremia causes delayed emptying of the stomach and intestines, which can make an individual feel full and not want to eat. Uremia also causes changes in the saliva that may make food taste unappetizing to the patient. In addition, the buildup of toxins in the blood can cause a patient to experience the normal bodily reaction of vomiting as an attempt to remove the source of such toxins. Naturally, frequent vomiting results in a reduced appetite. Uremia is also known to trigger an immune system response. The release of certain cytokines by the immune system can cause the suppression of a membranous nephropathy patient's appetite.