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Glomerular Diseases

Nephrology & Hypertension serving Middle Tennessee

Glomerular Diseases services offered throughout Middle tennessee

Foamy urine, pink urine, facial or limb swelling, and high blood pressure can indicate glomerular diseases. At Southern Kidney Specialists, with locations throughout Middle Tennessee, the skilled nephrology team diagnoses and treats such diseases to minimize kidney damage. Call the office to learn more, or use the online booking feature today.

What are glomerular diseases?

Glomerular diseases affect your kidney’s filtering units, called glomeruli. The glomeruli filter waste and remove excess fluid from your blood. 

Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation or swelling of the glomeruli. Glomerulosclerosis consists of scarring or hardening of the glomeruli. 

Having damaged glomeruli means your body can’t filter out waste products. Therefore, waste builds up in your bloodstream when left untreated. Early detection and treatment of glomerular diseases can prevent or delay kidney damage.

What are the symptoms of glomerular diseases?

The hallmark signs and symptoms of glomerular diseases include:

  • Pink or light brown urine
  • Foamy urine
  • High blood pressure
  • Facial swelling
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands

You might have high cholesterol levels, low protein levels in your blood, and high amounts of protein in your urine.

What are the risk factors for glomerular diseases?

The common causes and risk factors for developing glomerular diseases include:

  • Infection
  • Certain medications
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Diabetes 
  • Lupus 
  • Diabetic nephropathy  
  • Sclerotic diseases
  • Genetics 

Ways to reduce the chance of developing glomerular diseases or complications associated with them include maintaining an ideal body weight, eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, limiting dietary sodium, and not smoking. 

Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes, and keep your blood pressure within a normal range. 

See the Southern Kidney Specialists team at the first sign of glomerular diseases to prevent severe complications. 

How are glomerular diseases diagnosed?

To diagnose glomerular diseases, the Southern Kidney Specialists team reviews your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical exam and have you complete urinalysis and blood tests. You may need additional blood tests, an ultrasound, or a kidney biopsy to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

How are glomerular diseases treated?

Adopt healthy habits if you have glomerular diseases or other chronic diseases to slow or delay disease progression. You might also take medications or undergo dialysis to remove excess fluid and waste from your blood. 

The Southern Kidney Specialists team tailors each treatment for glomerular diseases based on the severity of your condition and whether or not you have kidney failure.

To get screened and treated for glomerular diseases, call the Southern Kidney Specialists office or schedule an appointment online today.