Acute Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a medical condition where the glomeruli in the kidneys become inflamed. The glomeruli are involved in the removal of uremic waste. Acute Glomerulonephritis occurs when the inflammation is sudden and severe. Children in the age group 2 - 12 years are more likely to suffer Acute Glomerulonephritis. This disease can also affect those suffering from diabetes, hepatitis or lupus. Typically Acute glomerulonephritis follows a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat, tonsillitis or scarlet fever. Viral infections such as HIV or hepatitis B or hepatitis C can bring on an attack of acute glomerulonephritis.

Symptoms of glomerulonephritis include fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite. There might be flu-like symptoms including fever. Joint pains and blood in the sputum are also noticed in patients suffering from glomerulonephritis. Shortness of breath and high blood pressure may be experienced. There might be blood and protein in the urine. Often Chronic glomerulonephritis is not manifested in any symptoms and is discovered only with a physical examination. Complications such as high blood pressure and kidney failure can occur if it is left untreated.

Mild cases of glomerulonephritis are not treated unless the symptoms become severe. CT scan allows the doctor to visualize the kidneys. Urine is checked for increased levels of protein. Blood tests reveal any streptococcal antibodies or low blood count. A biopsy is often done to determine the cause for Glomerulonephritis.

Treatment for acute glomerulonephritis involves improving the functioning of the kidneys and reducing the damage to the glomeruli. A diet with reduced intake of sodium, protein and fluids is recommended. The patient suffering from acute glomerulonephritis is advised bed rest to facilitate better blood flow to the kidneys. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat residual infection. Diuretics aid in better output of urine. In cases of renal failure, temporary dialysis or kidney transplant are considered.

Abdominal CAT scan

CAT scans are particularly used to study with clarity several organs in the abdominal regions of the body namely liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. Many causes of abdominal pain are diagnosed using specialized CT equipments for interpreting CT scans of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the colon and the rectum. Abscess in the abdomen, inflammation of the colon or colon cancer, diverticulitis and appendicitis are diagnosed. When severe pain is caused by an infection or inflammation, the speed, ease and accuracy of a CT examination can reduce the risk of serious complications caused by a burst appendix or an erupted diverticulum and the subsequent spread of the infection. Especially in cases of bowel obstruction, CT is the best imaging test recommended.

Gouty Arthritis

An attack of gout is caused due to deposition of uric acid in the joints. This occurs due to overproduction of uric acid or inability of the kidneys to flush out the uric acid. Gouty arthritis is characterized by pain in the joints of the feet and hands. Persons suffering from diabetes, obesity or kidney disease are also likely to suffer from gouty arthritis. Those taking drugs that interfere with uric acid excretion such as thiazide diuretics, pyrazinamide and ethambutol may develop gouty arthritis. Gout can sometimes be a heriditary condition. The excessive uric acid crystals are deposited within the joint space causing irritation and swelling. Typically persons suffering from gouty arthritis experience pain in the base of the toes. The ankles and knees are also likely to get affected. An attack of gouty arthritis differs from other arthritis conditions in that it affects one joint at a time.

Gouty arthritis attacks are painful and can recur at irregular intervals. The condition can then become chronic. The affected joint becomes red, swollen and extremely tender. Repeated attacks of gouty arthritis might lead to joint deformity and limited motion. A condition of chronic kidney failure might also result. An aspiration of the fluid from the joint space can reveal a gouty arthritis condition. This procedure is known as 'Arthrocentesis'. The fluid is examined for presence of uric acid crystals. Blood and urine tests reveal the levels of uric acid. A person suffering from acute gout attacks must maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce . A purine-rich diet can aggravate gout attacks. Reduced dietary fat and calorie intake is always beneficial. Excessive alocohol consumptions can trigger disorder of uric acid metabolism.

Person suffering from gouty arthritis can relieve symptoms by resting and elevating the affected joint. Use of ice packs can help in reducing inflammation and pain. Uric acid levels in the blood are usually treated with Probenecid (Benemid) and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane). The medications aid the excretion of uric acid into the urine. Powerful corticosteroids are prescribed in short courses for treating acute cases of gout.