“Glomerulonephritis is known to be an immune reaction mediated by antigen-antibody complexes.” The kidneys are equipped with small filters called glomeruli that filter remaining fluids, electrolytes, and waste from the bloodstream into the patient's urine. Every minute about a liter of blood passes through the glomeruli. When these filters become inflamed, it is called glomerulonephritis. This disease can be chronic or appear suddenly, as in acute form. Glomerulonephritis can occur on its own and would be considered primary glomerulonephritis. If the cause of the inflammation is another disease, it is called secondary glomerulonephritis. Acute glomerulonephritis occurs suddenly and tissue damage progresses rapidly while chronic glomerulonephritis occurs progressively and damage is typically massive over the course of months or even years. There are many causes for what can lead to chronic glomerulonephritis. When a patient is recovering from a streptococcal infection, antibodies that fought the infection can settle in the glomeruli, causing inflammation. This inflammation is called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and is more common in children than in adults. HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are also known infections that tend to initiate inflammation in the glomeruli. Another cause of glomerulonephritis is immune diseases such as lupus, Goodpasture syndrome or IgA nephropathy. Goodpasture syndrome is a lung disease that causes bleeding in the lungs and is a very rare disease. When deposits of immunoglobulin A are found in the glomeruli, it is called IgA nephropathy. If a patient has had several sessions with acute glomerulonephritis, it can lead to chronic glomerulonephritis. Sometimes, chronic glomerulonephritis... middle of paper... decreases sodium intake so that the body no longer retains water. A reduction in potassium and protein would decrease the accumulation of waste in the blood. The patient should try to maintain a healthy weight by eating healthily and exercising. If the patient has diabetes, they should really try to keep their sugars balanced and under control. If a patient has chronic glomerulonephritis, it would be wise to have a strong support group because the disease can take a toll on your emotions. Approximately 20 million people in the United States suffer from chronic kidney disease. Works Cited Choi M, EJ (2002). Treatment with mycophenolate mofetil for primary glomerular diseases. Kidney International, 1098-1114. Keith, N., Wagener, H., & and Barker, N. (1939). Some different types of essential hypertension: their course and prognosis. Am.JMSc, 332-343.