Overview

There are many forms of kidneys diseases. Glomerulonephritis results from inflammation of the filtration membrane within the renal corpuscle. It is characterized by an increased permeability of the filtration membrane. The signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis are the following: tea-colored urine, hypertension, fluid retention, headaches, and generalized aches and pains. Pyelonephritis is inflammation of the renal pelvis, medulla, and cortex. It often begins as a bacterial infection of the renal pelvis. Then it extends into the kidney itself. Pyelonephritis may cause the destruction of nephrons and renal corpuscles. The ability of the kidney to concentrate urine is dramatically affected. As a rule the person has flank pain, high fever, vomiting, and burning sensation during urination. When properly treated, acute pyelonephritis rarely progresses to chronic renal disease. Renal failure may result from any condition that interferes with kidney function. Acute renal failure occurs when damage to the kidney leads to the accumulation of the urea in the blood. In renal failure death may occur in 1 to 2 weeks. Acute renal failure may result from acute glomerulonephritis. In some cases it may be caused by damage to or blockage of renal tubules. Circulatory shock caused by sympathetic vasoconstriction of the renal blood vessels can cause necrosis of the epithelial cells of the nephron.