Glomerular Diseases

What are glomerular diseases and glomerulonephritis?

Glomerular diseases and glomerulonephritis are conditions that affect the filtering system in your kidneys. A glomerular disease may develop from a genetic or environmental cause that then causes inflammation (glomerulonephritis) or scarring (glomerulosclerosis) of the glomeruli.

Types of glomerular diseases include:

Membranous nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks the glomeruli. 

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) glomerulonephritis

ANCA glomerulonephritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the filters in your kidneys. With ANCA glomerulonephritis, your immune system attacks and damages the glomeruli, which leads to inflammation and a decrease in function. 

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

FSGS is a serious condition in which scar tissue develops on the glomeruli. FSGS may occur from a genetic mutation or an outside factor such as an infection or drug toxicity. In some cases, FSGS has no known cause.

What are the symptoms of glomerular disease and glomerulonephritis?

Not everyone with a glomerular disease or glomerulonephritis develops symptoms. Your primary care provider may accidentally find one of these kidney conditions during a routine physical exam. 

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Fluid retention
• Blood in your urine
• Fatigue
• Increase in blood pressure

Any of these symptoms may be signs of kidney disease, and a consultation with the team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center may provide the answers you need. 

How are glomerular diseases diagnosed?

When you visit Houston Kidney Specialists Center with symptoms of glomerular disease, the nephrology specialists conduct comprehensive evaluations to make the most accurate diagnosis. 

During your exam, the team reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, and conducts a physical. They also perform diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis and blood tests, to look for signs of kidney damage.

To diagnose a glomerular disease and identify the cause, the team performs renal imaging (ultrasound or CT scan) and a renal biopsy. 

How are glomerular diseases treated?

The team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center creates individualized treatment plans for your glomerular disease based on type, cause, symptoms, and severity of kidney damage. 

Alleviating symptoms and preventing further damage to your kidneys is the primary goal of your treatment plan, which may include:

• Diet modification
• Blood pressure medication
• Diuretic to alleviate edema
• Corticosteroid to decrease inflammation

The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function and adjust your plan as needed. 

To learn more about glomerular diseases and glomerulonephritis, contact Houston Kidney Specialists Center by phone or schedule a consultation online today.