How should glomerulonephritis be treated?
Q: I was recently diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, and have an estimated 15% kidney function. Despite this, I have been feeling generally healthy and have not experienced any noticeable symptoms. My blood pressure was high, but this is now under control with medication. I am currently exploring ways to manage my condition through oral medication, healthy diet and lifestyle. Could you please advise?
A:Based on the information provided, you have an advanced chronic kidney disease (kidney failure) secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis. At the current level of your kidney function, you would soon be requiring a renal replacement therapy (dialysis or kidney transplant). The dialysis intervention is needed when there is less than 10% of normal kidney function or if someone has an onset of uraemic signs and symptoms of kidney failure (arising out of the waste toxins accumulated in the body). In addition, one could also require an emergent dialysis intervention if there is a presence of severe abnormality in the acid-base balance and the electrolytes resulting from kidney failure, obvious from a series of routine blood tests. While the focus should be on treating the complications arising from kidney failure including uncontrolled blood pressure, anaemia and renal disease, you would need a close monitoring of the above parameters related to kidney failure at regular intervals to assess the need for dialysis by your nephrologist.
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