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Glomerular Diseases

Glomeruli are tiny units within the kidneys where waste is removed from your blood. A variety of diseases can affect the glomeruli, resulting in what is called Glomerular Disease.

DID YOU KNOW?

 

  • Glomerular diseases can be caused by a variety conditions, including viruses, bacterial, cancer, and more.
     
  • Glomerular diseases encompass a variety of conditions, but have a common set of symptoms.
     

What are Glomerular Diseases?  

Glomerular diseases are a broad category of illnesses that can cause kidney disease with a specific set of symptoms, which may include swelling in your legs, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and worsening kidney function. Certain urine tests may reveal microscopic protein and/or blood in your urine which can raise the suspicion of this category of diseases as the cause decline in your kidney function.

What causes Glomerular Disease?  

Many times it is a function of a systemic illness, though it can also be isolated to the kidney itself. Others are related to various viral or bacterial illnesses. Still others are associated with various cancers or rheumatic diseases, such as lupus. The diagnosis often requires guidance by a nephrologist and may require special blood tests, and at times a kidney biopsy.

Treatment of Glomerular Diseases 

Treatments are based on the reason for glomerular disease, and usually involve a combination of steroids and immunosuppressive medication to help decrease inflammation. The treatment goal in many cases is to quiet the disease and prevent further kidney damage that can become irreversible. There currently are several new and highly effective treatments that can delay the progression of kidney disease and prevent the need for dialysis that your nephrologist may use to treat the disease.

If you are concerned about having a glomerular disease, it is important to see a kidney specialist in order to receive the proper evaluation and avoid any delay in treatment.

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