Glomerulonephritis
From Wiki4CAM
Glomerulonephritis, also called glomerular disease, is a disease of kidney in which glomeruli are affected. In this condition the glomeruli become inflamed and impair the kidney's ability to filter urine. Glomerulonephritis can be either acute or chronic. Sometimes the condition is a part of a systemic diseases like lupus or diabetes.
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Causes
It may be due to the immune system, but most of the time the cause is unknown. It can also result from a gene on the X chromosome passed on from carrier mothers who have no features, or minimal features of the problem. Streptococcal infection is the common cause in children. Some people have prior history of kidney disease. The conditions is also associated with other conditions like focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, Goodpasture syndrome, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, membranoproliferative GN I, membranoproliferative GN II, post-streptococcal GN and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary depending upon the stage of the condition and age. However most common symptoms include blood in the urine (dark, rust-colored, or brown urine), foamy urine, inintentional weight loss, nausea, vomiting, general ill feeling (malaise), fatigue, headache, frequent hiccups, generalized itching, decreased urine output, frequent urination at night, confusion, delirium, coma, muscle twitching, muscle cramps, seizures, hyperpigmentation, loss or decreased sensation in the hands, feet, or other areas, excessive urination, nosebleed and hypertension.
Examinations and tests
Physical examination and complete medical history may give a clue about Glomerulonephritis. Laboratory tests include throat culture, urine tests, blood tests, electrocardiogram, renal ultrasound (sonography), chest x-ray and renal biopsy.
Complications
Complications are usually acute or chronic kidney failure, hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, acute nephritic syndrome, end-stage renal disease, hypertension, malignant hypertension, fluid overload (congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema), chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection and increased susceptibility to other infections.
CAM therapies for glomerulonephritis
An integrated therapy would often helpful for glomerulonephritis. Acupuncture, ayurveda and herbal remedies, homeopathy, naturopathy are often included in the therapy schedule along with the conventional therapy. Here the individual CAM therapies with their treatment approach is given.
Acupuncture/acupressure and TCM
Selecting the points is based on the acupuncture diagnosis and the symptoms. The most common points include Shu (Bl 20), Shen Shu (Bl 23), Ming Men (GV 4), Guan Yuan (CV 4), Qi Hai (CV 6), Zhong Wan (CV 12), Zu San Li (St 36), San Yin Jiao (Sp 6), Yin Ling Quan (Sp 9) and Tai Xi (Ki 3)
