Acute glomerulonephritis
Definition
Acute glomerulonephritis is a rapid-onset inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys. It is often caused by immune responses to infections, including bacterial infections.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Acute glomerulonephritis can be triggered by Streptococcus pyogenes, which also causes strep throat.
- Common symptoms include hematuria (blood in urine), proteinuria (protein in urine), and hypertension.
- It often follows skin or throat infections, especially in children.
- Diagnosis typically involves urinalysis, blood tests for kidney function, and sometimes a kidney biopsy.
- Treatment may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and management of complications like high blood pressure.
Review Questions
- What bacterial infection commonly leads to acute glomerulonephritis?
- List three typical symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis.
- What diagnostic methods are used to confirm acute glomerulonephritis?
"Acute glomerulonephritis" appears in:
Related terms
Glomerulus: A network of capillaries within the kidney that performs the first step of filtering blood.
Streptococcus pyogenes: A type of bacteria that can cause strep throat and skin infections leading to acute glomerulonephritis.
Hematuria: The presence of blood in urine, a common symptom of acute glomerulonephritis.
