Glomerulonephritis Diagnosis and Treatment by Nephrologist Dr. Yassin Ibrahim M El-Shahat

Nephrologist Dr. Yassin Ibrahim M El- Shahat is working as a consultant at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. He is one of the best doctors in the country with extensive experience of more than 30 years. His expertise lies in the treatment of Hypertension, Dialysis, Transplantation, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney disease, Kidney stones, Renal failure, renal obstruction, etc. Being the editor of "Hypertension: The Silent Killer" book he has contributed to more than 80+ national and international publications. He is a member of many renowned groups namely, the International Society of Nephrology, International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis, European Dialysis & Transplantation Association, Arabic Society of Nephrology & Renal Transplantation, African Society of Nephrology, Middle East Society of Nephrology & Transplantation, Egyptian Society of Nephrology, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Hypertension, National Kidney Foundation-USA, Egyptian Society of Hypertension, Emirates Medical Association.

Glomerulonephritis

It is inflammation of the small filters in your kidneys. Glomeruli is the organ that removes excess fluid, electrolytes, and waste from the bloodstream. It is then passed through your urine. Glomerulonephritis can occur suddenly or gradually. It generally occurs on its own or as parts of another disease like lupus or diabetes. Severe or prolonged inflammation due to glomerulonephritis can damage your kidneys. The treatment depends on the type of glomerulonephritis you are suffering from.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on whether you are suffering from acute or chronic form. Your first indication of something being wrong might come from symptoms or routine urinalysis.

• Pink or brownish urine from red blood cells in the urine
• Foamy urine due to excess protein
• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention resulting in swelling in your face, hands, feet, and abdomen

Causes

• Infections
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
• Bacterial endocarditis
• Viral infections
• Immune diseases
• Lupus
• Goodpasture's syndrome
• IgA nephropathy
• Vasculitis
• Polyarteritis
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Treatment

Treatment of glomerulonephritis outcome depends on the type of disease acute or chronic, cause, and type and severity of your signs and symptoms. The cases of acute glomerulonephritis mostly those that follow a strep infection, might improve on their own without any treatment. If the disease is caused due to high blood pressure, an infection, an autoimmune disease, treatment will be directed to its cause. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to protect the kidneys from further damage.

Therapies for associated kidney failure

Dialysis can help remove excess fluid and control high blood pressure for acute glomerulonephritis and kidney failure. The long-term therapies for end-stage kidney disease are kidney dialysis and kidney transplant. When a transplant is not possible due to poor general health, dialysis is the only option left.

Take Away

Living with a chronic illness can drain your emotional resources. If you experience chronic glomerulonephritis, you can also benefit from joining a support group. A support group can give sympathetic listening and useful information. Ask your doctor about how badly are your kidneys affected. Understand whether your disease is chronic or mild.  You can also contact one of the most experienced and best Nephrologist in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Yassin Ibrahim M EI-Shahat serving as a consultant at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE.