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Glomerulonephritis should be suspected if hematuria and proteinuria are present

If treatment is delayed, it can develop into chronic renal failure.

▲ Professor Kim Jin-sook (Photo = Courtesy of Kyung Hee Medical Center)

[메디컬투데이=이재혁 기자] Two kidneys are located side by side behind the sides of our body and under the ribs on the back. It is called a bean because it is shaped like a bean the size of a fist. It is an important organ that expels waste products into the blood and maintains homeostasis in the body. There are a total of 2 million glomeruli in both kidneys, which serve as a key filter for the kidneys.

Professor Kim Jin-sook of the Department of Nephrology at Kyung Hee University Hospital said, “If inflammation occurs in the glomerulus due to an immune response to bacteria or viruses or a faulty autoimmune response, it cannot perform proper its function of filtering waste products and preventing the passage of blood or proteins needed by our body.” Since glomerulonephritis, which is characterized by hematuria and impaired kidney function among the glomerular diseases, has very different types and symptoms, it must be accompanied by an accurate diagnosis and examination by trained medical personnel,” he said.

When the glomeruli are damaged due to glomerulonephritis, hematuria and proteinuria, in which blood and protein leaks from the urine, occur, and swelling may appear on the face, especially around the eyes in the morning and around the legs or ankles in the evening. In addition, foamy urine can also be observed. The main symptoms of rapidly progressing glomerulonephritis are decreased urine output, dyspnea, and hypertension.

Professor Kim said: ‘If treatment is missed and neglected, it can turn into chronic kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, so early diagnosis and treatment are the most important.’ We recommend that you do not hesitate to visit the hospital.

Glomerulonephritis is broadly divided into primary glomerulonephritis and secondary glomerulonephritis. Secondary glomerulonephritis is referred to as secondary glomerulonephritis caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and vasculitis. On the other hand, the cause of primary glomerulonephritis is immunomodulatory disorder, but all the pathogenesis has not yet been clearly identified.

Professor Kim said, ‘The treatment is carried out by selecting customized drugs such as immunosuppressants and biological agents according to the patient’s condition, and if the kidneys have already been damaged, the related complications should be treated simultaneously.’ high-content foods are unconditionally avoided, but depending on the patient’s condition, when the kidney function is not degraded and remains normal, it may be rather recommended, so it is good to consult professional medical personnel about eating habits.

Medical Today reporter Lee Jae-hyeok ([email protected])

[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]

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