What Causes Acute Glomerulonephritis and Chronic Glomerulonephritis?
Glomerulopathies are diseases that damage the kidney’s filtering units, called glomeruli.
There are two types of glomerulopathies: acute and chronic.
Acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) is a sudden inflammation of the glomeruli that can lead to renal failure.
Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is a long-lasting disease that gets worse over time. It also hurts the glomeruli and can lead to kidney failure.
Here we will discuss:
- The differences between AGN and CGN
- Their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
By knowing how these two types of glomerulopathies are different, you will be better able to deal with your condition and make your life better.
What are glomerulopathies and their causes?
Glomerulopathies are a group of diseases in which the glomeruli, which are small groups of blood vessels in the kidneys that remove waste from the blood, are damaged or don’t work right.
These disorders can either be inherited or acquired.
Some of the causes of acquired glomerulopathies include:
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Certain medications and
- Long-term exposure to toxins.
In addition, some glomerulopathies may result from systemic disorders such as:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Amyloidosis and
- Monoclonal gammopathies
The main effect of these conditions is a loss of kidney function, which can lead to kidney failure if it is not treated. Patients with this potentially debilitating condition should pay attention to any warning signs so that the right steps can be taken to stop the condition from getting worse.
What are the symptoms of acute and chronic glomerulopathies?
Acute and chronic glomerulopathies, also known as glomerular diseases, are caused by abnormalities of the tiny blood vessels called the glomerulus.
Each type can cause the kidneys to have the wrong amount of fluids and minerals, which can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms.
Acute glomerulopathy typically presents with:
- Swelling in the face and feet
- Dark-colored urine due to urinary proteins and/or red blood cells being released into it.
Chronic glomerulopathy, however, brings on a wide variety of signs that depend on which specific disease it is but may include:
- Proteinuria (a large amount of protein in the urine) and
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
Also, because they keep too much fluid in their bodies, people with this condition tend to feel tired and short of breath. People with chronic or sudden glomerular diseases should see a doctor right away to get a correct diagnosis and the right care.
Compare and contrast the two types of diseases
Many diseases have different ways of affecting people and their bodies, making it important to recognize the two main categories:
- Infectious diseases and
- Non-infectious diseases
Infectious diseases are caused by living organisms like bacteria or viruses, making them contagious and easily spread from person to person.
On the other hand, diseases that aren’t contagious are caused by things like genes or the environment and can’t be passed from one person to another. Regardless of their differences in origin, both types of disorders come with a range of damaging symptoms that can impact a person’s quality of life if left untreated.
Everyone should know how to spot and tell the difference between these two types of conditions so they can take the right steps to stop them from spreading and improve their prognosis.
What are the treatment options for both acute and chronic glomerulopathies
Glomerulopathies consist of a range of kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome.
Even though there isn’t a single treatment plan, a lot of progress has been made in the last few years to find effective ways to treat both acute and chronic diseases in this category.
Using these treatments as part of a larger plan can lead to good results, such as better kidney function and a slower spread of the disease. Dr. Javier Alfonso will work with each patient to come up with an individualized care plan based on their diagnosis and overall health.
What are some tips for preventing or managing these conditions?
For those looking to prevent or manage cognitive and physical health conditions, there are a few simple steps that can be taken.
Regular exercise is key for both mental and physical well-being.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet will keep your body running at its best and help you avoid many common health problems.
Giving yourself enough time to sleep also helps keep your immune system in good shape.
Additionally, it is important to reach out and ask for help if needed.
Seeking assistance from family or friends, as well as participating in therapy or counseling, can provide invaluable insight into managing or reducing the symptoms of cognitive and physical health-related issues.
Glomerulopathies can make daily life very difficult, and there are both short-term and long-term forms of the condition.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Dr. Alfonso might be able to figure out what’s wrong by looking at your body, taking a sample of your urine, and doing other lab tests.
Acute glomerulopathies may get better on their own, but chronic ones need a wide range of treatments, such as lifestyle changes, medicine, or dialysis.
Understanding the symptoms and causes of glomerulopathies, following Dr. Alfonso’s advice on how to treat them, and being aware of how to avoid them are all important parts of taking care of this condition well.
We hope this has provided helpful insight into what glomerulopathies are and how best you can manage them going forward.
You may be interested in:
Patients in stage 4 Kidney disease
You don’t have to settle for dialysis or surgery. Get the most advanced care by the the best kidney doctor in Miami.
- Questions About Insurance?
New Patient Appointment:
We Do Not Share Your Information With Any Third Party.
Call our office to speak with a medical professional right away:
Call Now (toll free)