The kidneys (kidneys) are located side by side behind the sides of our body, under the ribs in the back. It is called a French bean because it is shaped like a fist-sized French bean and is red in colour. It is an important organ that excretes waste products in the blood and maintains homeostasis in the body. There are a total of 2 million glomeruli in both kidneys, which act as a key filter for the kidneys.
Professor Kim Jin-sook of Kyung Hee University Hospital’s Department of Nephrology said, “If inflammation occurs in the glomerulus due to an immune response to bacteria or viruses or an erroneous autoimmune response, it cannot perform its function of filtering waste products properly. and stop blood flow or proteins that are necessary for our body. “Since glomerulonephritis, which is characterized by hematuria and reduced renal function among glomerular diseases, includes very diverse types and symptoms, an accurate diagnosis and examination by specialist medical staff must be obtained. ,” he said.
If glomerulonephritis damages the glomeruli, hematuria and proteinuria occur as blood and protein leak out of the urine, and swelling may appear on the face, especially around the eyes in the morning, and around the legs or the ankles at night. In addition, foamy urine can also be observed. The main symptoms of rapidly developing glomerulonephritis are decreased urine output, dyspnea, and hypertension.
Professor Kim Jin-sook said, “If treatment is missed and neglected, it can develop into chronic renal failure, or chronic kidney disease, so early detection and treatment is the most important.” If so, don’t hesitate to visit the hospital,” he stressed.
Glomerulonephritis is mainly divided into primary glomerulonephritis and secondary glomerulonephritis. Secondary glomerulonephritis is caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, infection, autoimmune disease, and vasculitis. On the other hand, the cause of primary glomerulonephritis is an immunomodulatory disorder, but all pathogenesis has not yet been clearly identified.
Professor Kim said, “Treatment is done by choosing tailored drugs such as immunosuppressants and biological agents depending on the patient’s condition, and if the kidneys are already damaged, related complications must be treated on the same when.” In some cases, eating foods high in potassium is unconditionally avoided, but depending on the patient’s condition, when kidney function is not deteriorating and is normal, it can be recommended instead, so it’ It is good to consult professional medical staff about eating habits.
