Glomerular disease is caused by conditions that affect the glomeruli, which are the tiny network of blood vessels or the cell units of your kidney. They are responsible for filtering waste and removing extra fluids from the blood. When damaged, it causes the disease known as glomerular. Let us see what the causes and symptoms of this disease are so that you know when to see a kidney-related doctor. We will also walk through the various diagnosis options for the disease.
Symptoms of Glomerular Disease
If you notice symptoms like foamy urine, pink or light brown urine, swelling in your face or around the eye, feet, hands, or ankles, edema, and high blood pressure or hypertension, you need to immediately consult with a kidney-related doctor. Foamy urine is an indicator of protein in the urine, while pink or light brown urine is a sign of blood in the urine.
Causes of Glomerular Disease
The causes of this disease may include diseases that affect the body, including the kidneys, infection or medication or chemicals that are harmful to the kidneys, and diseases that cause swelling or scarring of the nephron or glomerulus. Glomerular disease may also be caused due to an unknown cause.
How Do Glomeruli Work in the Kidney?
Once blood enters the kidneys, it passes through a network of tiny looping blood vessels called glomeruli. Each of the glomeruli is attached to the opening of a small fluid-collecting tube or tubule, and this unit is called a nephron. Well-functioning glomeruli keep the blood cells and protein circulating in the bloodstream where they are needed.
They also filter out waste products and extra water, which leads to urine and leaves the kidneys through ureters. When damaged, the glomeruli can’t fulfill each of these functions, leading to glomerular disease and eventually kidney failure.
Diagnosis of Glomerular Disease
The kidney doctor will suggest several tests after a thorough physical and medical history check. These tests include:
- Blood tests: These tests check for low protein, urea nitrogen levels or waste products, creatinine, and kidney function. Then, the glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, is calculated to determine if the kidneys are filtering properly.
- Urine tests or urinalysis: This is used to check for high protein level, white blood cell level, and presence of red blood cells which is a sign of infection or inflammation.
If the above tests indicate kidney damage, you may be ordered to undergo several other tests like:
- Tests to determine the potential causes of infections and autoimmune diseases.
- Imaging tests like ultrasound in order to see if the size and shape of the kidneys is abnormal
- Kidney biopsy involves the use of a needle to remove small pieces of tissue and view them under a microscope.
To Sum Up
So, if you have any signs and symptoms of glomerular disease, you need to see a kidney specialist near you. There are many conditions and diseases that can damage the glomeruli in your kidneys. Hence it is important that you are aware of your body so that you notice any changes and see the doctor at the right time.
Featured Image Source: https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1457621430/photo/doctor-check-and-diagnose-the-human-kidneys-on-blurred-medical-background-3d-illustration.jpg?b=1&s=612×612&w=0&k=20&c=R6j8OsMqcAGP_T_ggTbafu63UhZ_hS7amyeBJYvi5Ic=
