ARTERIOLAR NEPHROSCLEROSIS

Persistent hypertension causes arteriosclerosis of the renal arterioles and loss of renal function (nephrosclerosis). “Benign” nephrosclerosis is associated with loss of cortical kidney mass and thickened afferent arterioles and mild to moderate impairment of renal function.

Arteriolar nephrosclerosis is a progressive impairment of the kidneys due to poorly controlled blood pressure. The poorly controlled hypertension results in damage to the renal tubules, blood vessels, glomeruli, and the interstitium. This, in turn, progresses to end-stage renal disease.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may be attributed to progressing renal failure. It includes:

• Tiredness.
• Lethargy.
• Vomiting.
• Nausea.
• Pruritus (itching all over the body).
• Loss of appetite.
• Confusion.
• Proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine).

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of this condition is based on the following:

1. Clinical History:

A thorough clinical history of the symptoms associated with the condition and the elevated blood pressure gives a major clue in diagnosing arteriolar nephrosclerosis.

2. Monitoring Blood Pressure:

The patient's blood pressure levels are elevated.

3. Ultrasound of Kidney:

Ultrasonographic examination of the kidney would reveal the deterioration of the kidney tissues owing to sclerosis and reduced kidney size due to reduced blood supply and tissue ischemia.

4. Kidney Biopsy:

Microscopic examination of the kidney tissues would reveal sclerosis of the glomeruli. The presence of homogenous pink hyaline material along the walls of the blood vessels causes the thickening of the blood vessels. Biopsy also shows the capillary basement membrane's thickening, the capillary lumen's collapse, and periglomerular scarring.

5. Blood Examination:

Blood examination would reveal the signs of decreased kidney function, such as elevated serum creatinine and urea levels.

6. Urine Examination:

Examination of urine would reveal the presence of protein in the urine, and the tiny tube-shaped particles called urinary casts in the urine sediments

RISK FACTOR

• High blood pressure.
• Old age.
• Pre-existing kidney disease.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Chronic inflammation.
• Smoking.

MANAGEMENT

General measures such as:

• Regular exercise.
• Weight loss.
• Salt restrictions.
• Limited water intake.

This would help control blood pressure and reduce the load on the kidneys

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When arteriolar nephrosclerosis  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

APIS MELLIFICA: Albuminuria with nephritis. Scanty high colored urine. Urine loaded with casts, contain blood. Coffee colored sediment. Edema, swelling on the face, eyelids, legs, ankle joint and feet. Edema without thirst.  Burning and soreness on urinating. Increase in blood pressure.

CANTHARIS: Urine contains albumin and blood. Constant desire to urinate. Intolerable tenesmus, cutting before, during and after urine. Urine is passed drop by drop. Scanty urine.  Kidney region is very sensitive. Pain in the kidney area. Nephritis. Dropsy. Increase in blood pressure.

CANNABIS SATIVA: Scanty, burning urine, passed drop by drop. Burning while urinating extending to bladder. Increase in blood pressure.

CALCAREA ARSENICOSA: Albuminuria and dropsy. Nephritis with great sensitivity of kidney region. Kidney region sensitive to pressure. Frequent urination, passes urine every hour. Albuminuria during pregnancy. Albuminuria with heart disease.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM: Urine scanty, contains albumin and blood. Red sediment in urine. Polyuria during the night. Pain in the kidney region, especially right. Urine burning hot.

MERC COR.: Urine albuminous. Urine santy or suppressed. Urine contains albumin and blood. Urine hot, burning , passed drop by drop. Frequent dribbling of urine, worse sitting. Edematous swelling of face. Upper and lower lip swollen. Urine albuminous during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Increase in blood pressure.