The term "granular kidney" refers to a medical condition known as chronic nephritis. The word "granular" is spelled using the phonetic transcription /ˈɡræn.jə.lər/ and indicates the presence of small particles or grains in the kidney tissue. Meanwhile, "kidney" is phonetically spelled as /ˈkɪd.ni/. Those with chronic nephritis experience inflammation in the kidney tissue, leading to the development of tiny granules that can affect the organ's function. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.
Granular kidney, also known as chronic pyelonephritis or contracted kidney, is a condition characterized by extensive scarring and nodular changes in the renal parenchyma. It is primarily caused by persistent and recurrent bacterial infections of the kidneys, leading to progressive tissue damage and loss of renal function.
The term "granular" refers to the appearance of the kidney tissue, which becomes shrunken and irregular due to the replacement of normal renal tissue by scar tissue. This scarring process is triggered by repeated inflammation and infection, resulting in the destruction of the nephrons, the functional units of the kidney. Over time, the kidneys become smaller and less able to perform their vital functions, such as excreting waste products and maintaining proper fluid and electrolyte balance.
Symptoms of granular kidney may include hypertension (high blood pressure), frequent urinary tract infections, persistent pain or discomfort in the back or sides, and changes in urine color or volume. However, these symptoms can vary in severity and may not always be present.
Diagnosis of granular kidney is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT scan). Additionally, laboratory tests may be conducted to assess kidney function and identify the underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment for granular kidney is aimed at managing symptoms, preventing complications, and slowing the progression of renal damage. This may involve the use of antibiotics to control infections, blood pressure medications to manage hypertension, dietary modifications to restrict sodium and protein intake, and potential measures such as dialysis or kidney transplantation in severe cases.
Chronic interstitial nephritis; an affection of the k. characterized by hyperplasia and contraction of the interstitial connective tissue, with induration of the organ; usually associated with arteriosclerosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "granular kidney" comes from the combination of the words "granular" and "kidney".
1. Granular: The word "granular" originates from the Latin word "granulum", meaning a small grain. It refers to something composed of or resembling grains or granules, typically small particles.
2. Kidney: The word "kidney" derives from the Old English word "cȳne", which means "the organ that filters blood". It further traces back to the Latin word "renes", from which the modern term "renal" is derived.
Therefore, "granular kidney" refers to an organ affected by a condition characterized by the presence of grain-like or small particle-like abnormalities within the structure or functioning of the kidney.