$Unique_ID{BRK01415}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Where Does "Glomonephritis" Come From?}
$Subject{glomerulo nephritis symptoms treatment}
$Volume{J-16}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Where Does "Glomonephritis" Come From?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  A doctor visit following the sudden change in the appearance of my
son's urine has given us another medical problem to deal with.  He called it
something lie "glomonephritis" but we were too frightened to understand all
the rest.  We don't know where it came from, nor do we seem to be doing too
much about it.  Can you please explain this disease for us?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  The correct spelling of this disease is "glomerulonephritis"
sometimes shortened to just "nephritis" or called "acute nephritic syndrome"
in some texts.  It is an inflammation of the "glomeruli", or filtering parts
of the kidney.  Glomus means ball in Latin and it is a very descriptive name
for these cells, since they form small balls or tufts when seen through a
microscope.  The condition is seen most frequently in children over the age of
3 years old, and is more common in boys, but it can occur at any age.  The
first symptoms are a reduction in the amount of urine produced and a
discoloration of the urine, sometimes described as coffee or cola colored,
smoky or rusty.  This occurs about seven to ten days after a sore throat, or
skin infection (impetigo) caused by streptococci.  In many cases this
infection may pass without serious symptoms, and the nephritis appears without
warning.  Other frequently seen signs, are fluid retention, with swelling of
the face, eyelids and hands.  A urine test will show the presence of blood
cells, white cells and protein, and special blood tests can prove a recent
infection with streptococci.  An elevated blood pressure is also commonly
found and must be treated.  Usually by the time the nephritic syndrome
develops it is too late to treat the bacterial infection with antibiotics, and
there is no specific treatment for the glomerulonephritis.  A low salt diet is
useful and protein in the diet may also be reduced.  When their is much edema,
diuretics are used to reduce the volume of liquid in the body.  The good news
is that, in the vast majority of cases, the disease runs its course and
healing is complete within three to twelve months after it all began.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
