Membranous Nephropathy Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Membranous Nephropathy?

Glomeruli are the tiny blood vessels in our kidneys. They are responsible for filtering the waste from our blood. Membranous nephropathy develops when glomeruli become thickened and inflamed. Consequently, proteins tend to leak from these damaged glomeruli in urine. Furthermore, leakage of proteins ultimately roots the symptoms called nephrotic syndrome.
For mild instances, membranous nephropathy needs no treatment and improves on its own. Though, increasing leakage of protein raises the chances of lasting kidney damage as well. Unfortunately, membranous nephropathy leads the failure of kidney in many cases.

Even though the complete cure of the disease is impossible, yet an effective treatment plan can reduce the leakage of protein, resulting in easing the symptoms and slow down the advancement of membranous nephropathy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Membranous Nephropathy?

The symptoms of membranous nephropathy start gradually over time, whilst can include:

• Weight gain.
• Excessive urination at night time.
• Poor appetite.
• Urine can appear foamy.
• Fatigue.
• Edema in any of your body area.

What Causes Membranous Nephropathy?

Doctors have identified the factor autoimmune activity to source membranous nephropathy in majority instances. Rarely, it is instigated by some other triggers such as:

• Blood cancers.
• Some medications for example nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Solid cancerous tumors.
• Infection with syphilis, hepatitis B or C.
• Autoimmune disease for example lupus erythematosus.

The disease may also accompany some other kidney diseases as well, for instance rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Membranous Nephropathy?

Few factors researchers have managed to identify are:

• Suffering from a medical condition known for damaging the kidneys.
• Certain medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Other autoimmune disease.
• Genetic background of membranous nephropathy.
• Exposure to some infections such as syphilis, hepatitis B and C.

What Are The Complications Of Membranous Nephropathy?

Certain complications the disease can lead to are:

• Chronic kidney disease.
• Acute kidney failure.
• Nephrotic syndrome.
• Infections.
• High blood pressure.
• Blood clots.
• High cholesterol.

How Is Membranous Nephropathy Diagnosed?

In order to diagnose the disease, the doctor can begin with a thorough physical exam and medical history. He or she can suggest specific tests in order to determine how well the kidneys are functioning and the possible trigger of membranous nephropathy. Therefore, the tests may include:

• Kidney biopsy.
• Imaging exam.
• Antinuclear antibody test.
• Glomerular filtration rate test.
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.

How Is Membranous Nephropathy Treated?

The treatment of membranous nephropathy aims to ease the symptoms and slow down its advancement. Since managing blood pressure can help in delaying the damage to the kidneys, doctor can prescribe medicines like angiotensin receptor blockers angiotensin-converting enzyme in order to lower your blood pressure.

For suppressing the immune system, the doctor can prescribe corticosteroids. Consuming low-protein diets are advice to the patients of membranous nephropathy.

 

By : Natural Health News