Glomerular disease refers to conditions that damage the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys. This reduces the kidneys' ability to filter toxins from the bloodstream. As a result, toxins are retained in the blood and proteins and red blood cells are released from the body. Laboratory tests of urine often show proteinuria (protein in the urine) and hematuria (blood in the urine) in glomerular disease patients. Common symptoms include proteinuria, hematuria, edema, and reduced kidney function. A biopsy may be needed to confirm glomerular disease and identify the specific cause.

2. Diseases that injure the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the
kidney where blood is cleaned, are called Glomerular diseases.
Glomerular disease reduces the kidney’s ability to maintain a balance of
specific substances in the blood stream. The kidney’s job is to filter the
bad toxins in the blood from the good proteins and red blood cells.
Glomerular disease causes the kidney to begin to retain the bad toxins
and release the proteins and red blood cells from the body. Laboratory
analysis of the urine from people who have glomerular disease often
shows protein in the urine (proteinuria) and sometimes blood in the
urine (hematuria). Glomerular diseases include many conditions with a
variety of genetic and environmental causes. Most Glomerular diseases
have specific names but might also be referred to as either:
Glomerulonephritis: It describes the inflammation of the membrane
tissue in the glomerulus of the kidney that serves as a filter, separating
wastes and extra fluid from the blood.
Glomerulosclerosis: It describes the scarring or permanent damage to
the tiny blood vessels within the kidney.

3. Glomerular disease can be caused by numerous
conditions and diseases including infection of the
kidneys due to an infection that occurs throughout the
body such as streptococcus bacteria that can cause the
overproduction of antibodies that circulate through the
blood and invade the glomeruli causing damage.
Other causes of glomerular disease include taking a
drug that is toxic to the kidneys, and chronic medical
conditions including diabetes and lupus. While the
progression of certain types of kidney disease can be
slowed down, when damage occurs to the glomeruli it is
irreversible.

4. The symptoms of glomerular disease include the primary
symptom of high levels of protein present in the urine or
"proteinuria". Other symptoms of glomerular disease consist
of blood in the urine or "hematuria" that may visible to the
naked eye ("gross hematuria") or may only be visible under a
microscope during laboratory testing of the urine
("microscopic hematuria"), "hypoproteinemia" which is a low
level of protein in the blood, "reduced glomerular filtration
rate" which is an insufficient amount of waste products being
removed from the blood., and "edema" which is swelling that
occurs in different parts of the body - typically the hands,
legs, and feet.

5. In many cases an individual may not be aware that they have
this condition due to the fact that many of these symptoms
cannot be detected unless laboratory tests are done however,
in some cases there are visible signs that may be present
which include urine that appears to be foamy which can be
caused by proteinuria, blood may give the urine a pinkish
colour and edema may occur which is swelling typically of the
hands, feet, or ankles and generally occurs near the end of
the day and may also be noticeable upon wakening in the
morning with swelling around the area of the eyes.
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6. Patients with glomerular disease have significant amounts of
protein in the urine, which may be referred to as "nephrotic
range" if levels are very high. Red blood cells in the urine are a
frequent finding as well, particularly in some forms of glomerular
disease. Urinalysis provides information about kidney damage by
indicating levels of protein and red blood cells in the urine. Blood
tests measure the levels of waste products such
as creatinine and urea nitrogen to determine whether the
filtering capacity of the kidneys is impaired. If these lab tests
indicate kidney damage, the doctor may recommend ultrasound
or an X ray to see whether the shape or size of the kidneys is
abnormal. These tests are called renal imaging. But since
glomerular disease causes problems at the cellular level, the
doctor will probably also recommend a kidney biopsy - a
procedure in which a needle is used to extract small pieces of
tissue for examination with different types of microscopes, each
of which shows a different aspect of the tissue. A biopsy may be
helpful in confirming glomerular disease and identifying the
cause.

7. There are many forms of treatment that can be given when an
individual is in the early stages of chronic kidney disease or
CKD and varies widely based upon the specific disease that is
causing the kidneys to fail.
It is essential if you are experiencing any of the symptoms or
signs that may indicate a problem with the urinary tract or
kidneys that you schedule an appointment as soon as
possible with your primary care physician so that you can be
evaluated and potentially avoid CKD or its further progression
that can lead to kidney failure.

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