How to Treat Glomerular Diseases

Many small components, called nephrons, make up the kidneys. The filter portions of these nephrons, the glomeruli, are responsible for removing the numerous toxins from the bloodstream for their counterpart in the nephron, the tubules, to turn into urine. When these filters aren't working correctly, toxins remain the bloodstream and you can experience imbalances that affect the kidneys or the entire body. Prompt treatment of glomerular diseases is important.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Determine the cause of the glomerular disease. The treatment of the disease depends heavily on the reason behind it. Though your doctor can't always determine the cause, some known reasons are autoimmune disorders, hereditary nephritis and sclerosis due to diseases such as diabetes and lupus.
2. Treat the cause if possible. If the glomerular disease is due to bacterial infection, treat the infection with whatever antibiotics are necessary. Minimize sclerosis due to diabetes by controlling your blood sugars, moderating your dietary protein intake and keeping on top of your medications and insulin, if needed.
3. Deal with the symptoms. One of the most serious side effects of glomerular disease is high blood pressure. If left untreated, it can cause further damage to the already weakened kidneys. You can use one of several types of medications, including beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, to treat hypertension.
4. Watch for renal failure. If glomerular disease becomes too severe and kidney function worsens, kidney dialysis may be the next course of treatment. This may be a temporary solution, allowing the kidneys to rest and recover function.
5. Consider renal replacement therapy. If kidney function continues to worsen, a more permanent plan of dialysis, either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and possibly a kidney transplant, may be necessary.