CHRONIC NEPHRITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Chronic nephritis, also known as chronic glomerulonephritis, is a medical condition characterized by long-term inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys responsible for removing waste and excess fluid from the body. This condition typically develops over a period of months or years and can lead to a gradual decline in kidney function, resulting in the progressive loss of kidney function over time.
The underlying causes of chronic nephritis can vary, but most cases are believed to be caused by immune system disorders, repeated kidney infections, or sustained high blood pressure. Other contributing factors may include certain medications, systemic diseases such as diabetes or lupus, or exposure to certain toxins.
The symptoms of chronic nephritis are often nonspecific and may include fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, high blood pressure, changes in urine output or appearance, and persistent foamy or bubbly urine due to the presence of excess protein.
Diagnosis of chronic nephritis requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests such as blood and urine tests to assess kidney function, and often a kidney biopsy to evaluate the extent of kidney damage.
Management of chronic nephritis involves treating underlying causes, controlling symptoms, and slowing the progression of kidney damage. Treatment options may include medications to control blood pressure, reduce proteinuria (excessive protein in urine), immunosuppressive drugs, diuretics to manage fluid retention, and dietary modifications involving limiting salt and protein intake.
In advanced cases, when kidney function is significantly impaired, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to sustain life. Regular monitoring and close collaboration with healthcare providers is essential to managing the long-term effects of chronic nephritis and maintaining optimal kidney health.
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A progressive diffuse inflammatory and degenerative process in the kidneys; the symptoms in the early stages are not pronounced, in the later stages one sees emaciation, edema, and uremic manifestations; the pathological changes are those of the small white kidney and the large white kidney; granular kidney is usually regarded as a noninflammatory selerotic degeneration, not strictly a nephritis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHRONIC NEPHRITIS
- xhronic nephritis
- vhronic nephritis
- fhronic nephritis
- dhronic nephritis
- cgronic nephritis
- cbronic nephritis
- cnronic nephritis
- cjronic nephritis
- curonic nephritis
- cyronic nephritis
- cheonic nephritis
- chdonic nephritis
- chfonic nephritis
- chtonic nephritis
- ch5onic nephritis
- ch4onic nephritis
- chrinic nephritis
- chrknic nephritis
- chrlnic nephritis
- chrpnic nephritis
Etymology of CHRONIC NEPHRITIS
The word "chronic nephritis" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The term "nephritis" comes from the Greek word "nephros", meaning kidney, and the suffix "-itis", which is used to denote inflammation. Therefore, "nephritis" refers to the inflammation of the kidneys.
The term "chronic" is derived from the Latin word "chronicus", which traces back to the Greek word "chronikos", meaning long-lasting or enduring. Hence, "chronic" implies a condition that lasts for a prolonged period.
When combined, "chronic nephritis" refers to a long-lasting inflammation of the kidneys.
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