Description An autoimmune disea...
Description
An autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys and lungs and can result in kidney failure. The body makes antibodies that attack structures in the lungs and kidneys. This can lead to bleeding in the lungs and kidney damage. Viral infections or exposure to certain toxins can trigger this immune response. Men are eight times more likely to acquire this disease.
Symptoms
Dry cough, coughing of blood, breathing problems, decreased urination, bloody urine, painful urination, leg swelling, high blood pressure, vomiting, weakness, fatigue.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests to measure kidney and lung function will be done. A chest x-ray or CT scan will be obtained as well. Biopsies of the lung and kidney may be performed to look at the tissue under the microscope.
Tests:
X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Arterial blood gas, basic metabolic panel, lung biopsy, kidney biopsy
Specialists:
Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Nephrology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests to measure kidney and lung function will be done. A chest x-ray or CT scan will be obtained as well. Biopsies of the lung and kidney may be performed to look at the tissue under the microscope.
Tests:
X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Arterial blood gas, basic metabolic panel, lung biopsy, kidney biopsy
Specialists:
Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Nephrology
Treatment
The harmful antibodies need to be removed. Thus usually is done with plasmapheresis, a technology that replaces the blood plasma (and proteins in it) with plasma from another person. Steroids and immune suppressing drugs are used to reduce inflammation. High blood pressure will be treated with medications as well. A kidney transplant is sometimes needed for severe kidney damage.