Glomerulonephritis or Autoimmune Kidney Disease Signs and Symptoms
Glomerulonephritis is an autoimmune kidney disease that can result in renal failure. The tiny structures in the kidneys called glomeruli get inflamed, impeding the kidneys’ ability to remove wastes and excess fluids. There are two types of glomerulonephritis, chronic and acute. The chronic form takes years to develop, whereas the acute form comes on suddenly. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis below.
Also, we have information on diagnosis, supportive natural therapies, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.
The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of protein in the urine
- Reduced urine output
- Fluid retention
- Swelling in the hands, abdomen and feet
- Foamy urine
- Dark colored urine
- High blood pressure
Most cases of glomerulonephtitis occur gradually, taking years to develop. One of the most important signs of glomerulonephritis is an excess of protein in the urine, called proteinuria. This disease affects about 4 in 100,000 people in the United States.
Diagnosis of Glomerulonephritis
Most cases of glomerulonephritis come to light during a routine urinalysis. A doctor may suspect glomerulonephritis if the urine test shows red blood cells, white blood cells and increased protein. High blood pressure is another indicator. If these symptoms are present, a doctor may also order a biopsy of the kidney tissue, which is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of glomerulonephritis. As well, the presence of autoantibodies against the globular basement membrane is indicative of glomerulonephritis.
Recommended – Test for Heavy Metals and Mineral Imbalances using Hair Tissue Analysis
We suggest getting a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) to help you determine accurately what your body needs more of in terms of essential trace minerals and needs to eliminate in terms of toxic heavy metals and toxic mineral ratios. Toxic mineral ratios and toxic metal accumulation following long term or acute exposure can contribute greatly to degenerative conditions like glomerulonephritis.
Essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and sodium all have important metabolic functions. However, too little or too much of any of these essential minerals can have an adverse affect on the human body and it’s ability to recover. How can a hair analysis help me achieve better health? If we consider that diet is what we consume and nutrition is what we retain, then we can see that discovering what your body needs when it needs it is a valuable tool in creating health. |
The dangers of exposure to toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and aluminum have been well documented over the years. Levels of heavy metals in the body can only be accurately measured using a hair tissue analysis or a chelation challenge test (which can be expensive and have serious side-effects). Blood or urine tests give information about your metal or mineral levels at the time of the test only.
Testing for minerals in the urine measures the minerals that are being excreted from your body – not necessarily what has been absorbed as fuel for your body. So blood and urine tests are like snapshots whereas a hair analysis is the video of your mineral retention. A hair analysis provides a biological profile of the past 2 – 3 months of intracellular activity revealing a unique metabolic world, which cannot be seen through most other tests. The hair mineral analysis gives you or your healthcare professional much-needed information about mineral deficiencies and chemical imbalances in your body, especially if you’re suffering from symptoms of any disease or disorder, including glomerulonephritis. For FAQ’s about hair analysis, please click here. For an overview of what is covered in a comprehensive hair analysis report (by Trace Elements, Inc.), please click here. |
To purchase a comprehensive Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (by Trace Elements, Inc.) from Evenbetternow Natural Health Solutions, please click here. |
Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis
Management of Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (Hospital Practice) Richard Glassock |
Postinfectious Glomerulonephritis: Subtypes, Clinico-Pathological Correlations, and Follow-Up Studies (Veroffentlichungen Aus Der Pathologie) Karin Sorger |
Glomerulonephritis – A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References ICON Health Publications |
Treatment of Primary Glomerulonephritis (Oxford Clinical Nephrology Series) Claudio Ponticelli |
Glomerulonephritis Resources
General Patient Resources
- Renal Resource Center
Renal Resource Centre: RNS Community Health Centre 2C Herbert St, St Leonards NSW 2065 AUSTRALIA Telephone: 61 2 9462 9455 9462 9400 Facsimile: 61 2 9462 9080
http://www.renalresource.com/brochures/glomerulonephritis.php
- Better Medicine
Information Including Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Videos, Forums, and local community support.
http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/glomerulonephritis-1
Medical Resources
- Mayo Clinic
Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes and treatments for acute and chronic glomerulonephritis.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glomerulonephritis/DS00503
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
Publications and future studies.
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Nephrology/glomerulonephritis.html
- Medline Plus
A service of the National Institute of Health.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000484.htm