Inflammation of the tiny filtering units (glomeruli) in the kidneys, causing red blood cells and proteins to leak into the urine. It occurs in some auto-immune disorders. It can develop after a streptococcal infection, e.g. of the throat. If blood and protein loss is severe, as it tends to be in children, Nephrotic Syndrome may develop, and some degree of Anaemia; if many filtering units are affected, preventing kidneys from effectively regulating composition of blood, High Blood Pressure may develop, and as waste products accumulate in blood Kidney Failure becomes a possibility. Symptoms are smoky or red urine passed in small amounts, puffy ankles (due to fluid retention), Nausea and Vomiting, abnormal sleepiness or drowsiness, and generally feeling unwell, and may onset fairly suddenly or insidiously over months or years.
Since condition affects every aspect of metabolism, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 12 hours if above symptoms are present. Orthodox approach is to treat inflammation, fluid retention, high blood pressure, and anaemia with steroids, diuretics, anti-hypertensive drugs, and iron respectively; in severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. Antibiotics will be used in the case of a streptococcal infection.
Constitutional homeopathic treatment is recommended in chronic cases; as a temporary measure, until treatment can be arranged, take Arsenicum 6c 4 times daily for up to 7 days.
Specific remedies to be given every ½ hour for up to 10 doses in acute cases while waiting to see medical doctor
- In early stages, symptoms mild but include fluid retention Apis 30c
- Burning pains in region of kidneys, pain passing urine or inability to pass it at all, especially after scarlet fever Cantharis 30c
- Fluid retention all over body due to loss of protein through urine, person thirsty for sips of cold water, chilly, restless Arsenicum 30c
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