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Overview
It is the inflammation
of the kidney. The earliest finding is within the renal capillaries (glomeruli);
interstitial edema is typically followed by interstitial infiltration of lymphocytes,
plasma cells, eosinophils, and a small number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
The disease is thought to be immunological, but immunoglobulins and drug antigens
have been found in only a few cases. The damage is usually reversible when the
cause is recognized and removed, but severe cases can progress to fibrosis and
renal failure. The disease can take
several forms. Pyelonephritis is usually associated with a bacterial infection
transmitted from the bladder or blood; it affects the renal pelvis and is treated
with antibiotics. Glomerulonephritis, or Bright's disease, causes degenerative
changes in the glomeruli and is believed to be an allergic response to infection
elsewhere in the body. Symptoms include
headache, mild fever, puffiness of the eyes and face, high blood pressure, and
discoloration of the urine. Treatment includes bed rest and limiting the intake
of water, sodium, and proteins, and, if necessary, dialysis; antibiotics are given
to halt infections (e.g., streptococcal) invasion. The
disease occurs more frequently among the young. About 95% of patients recover
from the acute phase of the disease; however, if glomerulonephritis becomes chronic,
renal damage results after many years, causing kidney failure.
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