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| Image Courtesy: http://www.unckidneycenter.org/ |
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory process affecting the
glomeruli – the tuft of capillaries in the bowman’s capsule of a nephron in
the kidney. It is common in its acute
form in children 3 to 10 years of age but can also occur in adults past the age
50. It starts suddenly and is short lived, it can either recover completely or
lead to development of chronic nephritic syndrome. It is generally caused by streptococcal infection,
renal infarction, acute polynephritis and metallic poisoning.
The classic symptoms of glomerulonephritis are haematuria (blood in
urine) and proteinuria (protein in urine). Odema and shortness of breath can
occur as a result of sodium and water retention and circulatory congestion. Tachycardia
(Faster heart rate) and elevated BP may also be present. The patient is
aneroxic leading to feeding problems. Presence of oliguria (lower urine
production) or anuria (no urine production) and uremia (urea in blood) shows
development of acute renal failure.
As a part of dietary management, adequate proteins should be given unless there
is development of oliguria or anuria. Salt is restricted in case of oedema,
hypertension or oliguria. Sufficient
simple and complex carbohydrates have a protein sparing action. Fat should be
given based on tolerance. Bed rest and antibiotic drug therapy are the main
treatment. The fluid intake will be adjusted to output including losses in
vomiting or diarrhea.
The dietary treatment of this condition is as follows:
Also read on other Diseases of the Kidney in the Diet Corner column.
Post by Faiz Lahori
