Disease
Glomerulonephritis (GN) is an inflammatory condition that affects the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys that remove waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood. When these filters become inflamed, their ability to perform this crucial task weakens, leading to the leakage of blood and protein into the urine and, over time, impairment of kidney function.
The word “glomerulonephritis” combines glomeruli (the microscopic filters) and nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys). Depending on how quickly the inflammation develops and how long it lasts, it can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (gradual and long-term).
Acute Glomerulonephritis (AGN) can occur suddenly, often after infections such as strep throat or skin infections. It may cause temporary kidney dysfunction that can resolve with timely treatment.
Chronic Glomerulonephritis (CGN) develops slowly over months or years, sometimes without noticeable symptoms, and may progress to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) if left untreated.
The condition can occur on its own (primary glomerulonephritis) or as part of another disease such as lupus, diabetes, or certain infections (secondary glomerulonephritis).
At its core, GN is a miscommunication between the immune system and the kidneys. The immune system, designed to protect the body, mistakenly attacks kidney tissues, triggering inflammation and scarring. This scarring interferes with filtration, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood, fluid retention, and eventual kidney decline.
At Dr Anish Kr. Saha’s supervision, the management of glomerulonephritis is based on early detection, accurate classification, and targeted therapy. His approach integrates medical expertise with patient-centred care, focusing not just on suppressing inflammation but also on preserving kidney function, preventing recurrence, and improving overall quality of life.
Through diagnostic precision, advanced testing, and long-term monitoring, Dr Anish Kumar Saha, the best nephrologist in Siliguri, ensures that patients receive a comprehensive plan tailored to the specific type and cause of their condition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Glomerulonephritis vary widely depending on whether it’s acute or chronic, and on the underlying cause. In many cases, early stages can be completely asymptomatic, with abnormalities detected only through routine urine or blood tests.
When symptoms do appear, they often include:
Blood in urine (hematuria): The urine may appear pink, cola-coloured, or smoky due to red blood cells leaking through damaged filters.
Foamy or frothy urine: A sign of protein loss (proteinuria).
Swelling (edema): Puffiness around the eyes, face, ankles, and feet, resulting from fluid retention.
High blood pressure (hypertension): The inflammation affects the kidney’s ability to regulate blood pressure.
Reduced urine output: Indicative of decreased kidney filtration.
Fatigue and weakness: Due to waste buildup and anemia.
Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting: Caused by the accumulation of toxins in the blood.
Shortness of breath: From fluid accumulation in the lungs or around them.
Headache or blurred vision: Often related to elevated blood pressure.
In acute forms, symptoms develop suddenly, often following an infection, while chronic forms can progress slowly, with subtle signs such as persistent hypertension, fatigue, or mild swelling being the only early indicators.
Dr Anish Kumar Saha, the best nephrologist in Siliguri, emphasizes that urine changes are often the first and most reliable clue. Foamy, discoloured, or reduced urine output should never be ignored, as it may indicate inflammation inside the kidneys long before pain or other symptoms arise.
Causes
Glomerulonephritis can be caused by a wide range of immune, infectious, and systemic factors. The key mechanism involves an immune reaction that damages the glomeruli, leading to inflammation and scarring.
Primary Causes (Originating in the Kidneys):
Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis: Often follows bacterial infections like strep throat, scarlet fever, or skin infections. The body’s immune response to the infection mistakenly targets the kidney tissues.
IgA Nephropathy (Berger’s Disease): Caused by the accumulation of an antibody called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the glomeruli, leading to chronic inflammation.
Membranous Glomerulonephritis: Results from immune complexes depositing on the glomerular membranes, causing thickening and dysfunction.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): Scarring in small sections of glomeruli, often without clear cause, but sometimes linked to obesity, hypertension, or infections.
Minimal Change Disease: Common in children, where the kidney appears normal under a microscope, but there’s significant protein loss.
Secondary Causes (Systemic or External Triggers):
Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., Lupus Nephritis): The immune system attacks kidney tissues directly, causing widespread inflammation.
Diabetes and Hypertension: Chronic metabolic and vascular stress can lead to glomerular damage.
Infections: Such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, malaria, endocarditis, or HIV.
Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels that supply the kidneys.
Medications or Toxins: Certain antibiotics, painkillers (NSAIDs), or illicit drugs can trigger glomerular inflammation.
Genetic and Hereditary Conditions: Some forms of glomerulonephritis have familial tendencies due to genetic mutations in kidney filtration proteins.
Dr Anish Kumar Saha, the best nephrologist in Siliguri, identifies the exact cause as the first step to effective treatment. He uses a combination of blood tests, urine analysis, imaging, and sometimes a kidney biopsy to determine the precise form and stage of glomerulonephritis, ensuring therapy is directed at the root mechanism rather than just symptom relief.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a nephrologist like Dr Anish Kr. Saha, immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs:
Dark, tea-coloured, or reddish urine indicates blood presence.
Persistent swelling in the face, ankles, or feet.
Foamy urine (suggesting protein loss).
High blood pressure readings, especially if previously normal.
Fatigue, weakness, or unexplained tiredness.
Sudden reduction in urine output.
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Individuals with a recent infection, autoimmune condition (like lupus), or a family history of kidney disease should be especially alert.
Even if symptoms seem mild or temporary, prompt evaluation is crucial, as early intervention can stop the disease before it causes lasting damage. Dr Anish Kumar Saha, the best nephrologist in Siliguri’s offers a comprehensive kidney evaluation, including:
Urinalysis: To check for blood or protein.
Serum creatinine and eGFR: To measure filtration efficiency.
Autoimmune and infection markers: To identify triggers.
Ultrasound or biopsy: If inflammation needs direct assessment.
Early consultation ensures that treatment begins before the inflammation leads to permanent scarring or kidney failure.
Treatments
Treatment for Glomerulonephritis focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and addressing the underlying cause. The approach depends on whether the condition is acute or chronic, primary or secondary.
Dr Anish Kr. Saha’s treatment model is precision-based, layered, and holistic blending medical management with dietary and lifestyle optimization to preserve kidney function and prevent recurrence.
1. Controlling the Underlying Cause:
If the glomerulonephritis is secondary, treatment begins with the root cause:
Infections: Treated promptly with antibiotics or antivirals.
Autoimmune diseases (like lupus): Managed using immunosuppressive medications and steroids.
Vasculitis or immune disorders: Controlled through corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or rituximab.
Diabetes and hypertension: Managed aggressively to prevent further glomerular stress.
This cause-directed therapy is essential to prevent ongoing immune damage and preserve filtration ability.
2. Immunosuppressive and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy:
In cases of immune-related glomerulonephritis, Dr Anish Kumar Saha, the best nephrologist in Siliguri, may prescribe:
Corticosteroids (Prednisolone): To reduce inflammation quickly.
Immunosuppressants (Cyclophosphamide, Azathioprine, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Cyclosporine): To prevent immune system attacks on kidney tissue.
Biologic agents (Rituximab): In resistant or complex cases.
Each drug is carefully monitored for side effects, and dosing is personalized based on disease activity and patient tolerance.
3. Blood Pressure and Proteinuria Control:
High blood pressure and protein loss accelerate kidney damage, so they must be tightly regulated.
Dr Anish Saha commonly prescribes:
ACE inhibitors or ARBs: To protect glomeruli and reduce protein leakage.
Diuretics: To relieve swelling and control blood pressure.
Maintaining blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg helps significantly slow disease progression.
4. Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications:
Nutritional and lifestyle management are vital to kidney preservation.
Dietary advice includes:
Reducing salt intake to minimize fluid retention.
Moderating protein consumption to ease kidney workload.
Avoiding processed foods and excessive fats.
Controlling potassium and phosphorus based on lab results.
Maintaining adequate hydration, unless restricted.
Lifestyle recommendations:
Stop smoking and limit alcohol.
Engage in mild physical activity.
Manage stress and ensure proper sleep.
Monitor weight and blood pressure regularly.
These adjustments, though simple, have profound effects on kidney stability and long-term health.
5. Managing Complications:
Untreated glomerulonephritis can lead to several complications such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, anemia, or fluid overload. Dr Anish Kumar Saha, the best nephrologist in Siliguri, focuses on early prevention through:
Anemia management (iron or erythropoietin therapy).
Cholesterol control with statins.
Infection prevention (especially during immunosuppressive therapy).
Regular follow-ups to detect relapse early.
6. Dialysis and Transplantation (for Advanced Stages):
In advanced or chronic cases where kidneys can no longer maintain their function, renal replacement therapy may be necessary.
This includes:
Dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis): To remove waste and excess fluid.
Kidney transplantation: A permanent solution for end-stage disease.
Dr Anish Kumar Saha, the best nephrologist in Siliguri, ensures patients are well-prepared through early counselling, pretransplant evaluation, and posttransplant monitoring.
7. Long-Term Monitoring and Patient Education:
Glomerulonephritis often requires long-term follow-up even after remission. Dr Anish Kumar Saha, the best nephrologist in Siliguri, emphasizes continuous care through:
Periodic blood and urine tests.
Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol.
Lifestyle reinforcement to prevent recurrence.
He also believes in empowering patients with education, helping them understand their lab results, triggers, and warning signs, fostering active participation in their own recovery.