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 kidney bean because it is shaped like a kidney bean the size of a fist. 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 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 an erroneous autoimmune response, it cannot properly perform its function of filtering waste products and preventing blood or proteins necessary for our body from passing through. “Among glomerular diseases, glomerulonephritis, which is characterized by hematuria and decreased renal function, has very diverse types and symptoms, so accurate diagnosis and examination by specialized medical staff should be accompanied,” he said.
When the glomeruli are damaged by glomerulonephritis, hematuria and proteinuria, in which blood and protein come out of the urine, occur, and swelling may appear around the face, especially around the eyes in the morning, and around the legs or ankles in the evening. In addition, foamy urine may 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 develop into chronic kidney failure, or chronic kidney disease, so early detection and treatment are the most important.” We recommend that you do not hesitate to visit the hospital.”
Glomerulonephritis is largely divided into primary glomerulonephritis and secondary glomerulonephritis. Secondary glomerulonephritis is 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 pathogenesis has not yet been clearly identified.
Professor Kim said, “Treatment is carried out by selecting customized drugs such as immunosuppressants and biological agents depending on the patient’s condition, and if the kidneys have already been damaged, related complications must be treated at the same time.” There are cases in which foods with high content are unconditionally avoided, but depending on the patient’s condition, when the kidney function is not degraded and remains normal, it can be rather recommended, so it is good to consult with a professional medical staff.”
Reporter Lee Jae-hyeok of Medical Today (dlwogur93@mdtoday.co.kr)
[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]