Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is an inflammation of your child's kidneys. It can prevent your child's kidneys from getting rid of waste and extra fluid. PSGN usually follows a streptococcal infection such as strep throat or impetigo. PSGN is common in children 5 to 12 years of age.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
Stay with your child for comfort and support
as often as possible while he or she is in the hospital. Ask another family member or someone close to the family to stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring items from home that will comfort your child, such as a favorite blanket or toy.
Monitoring:
- Your child may need extra oxygen if his or her blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. Oxygen may be given through a mask or through small tubes placed in your child's nostrils. Ask a healthcare provider before you take off the mask or tubing.
- Your child's intake and output will be measured. Healthcare providers may need to know how much liquid your child is getting and urinating. Your child may need to urinate into a container. A healthcare provider will measure the amount of urine.
- Your child will be weighed daily. Healthcare providers will know if your child is holding onto fluid if there are changes in his or her weight.
Medicines:
- Diuretics may be given to decrease swelling. They work by removing extra fluid in your child's body.
- Blood pressure medicine may be given to lower your child's blood pressure.
- Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Dialysis
helps clean your child's blood when his or her kidneys cannot. Extra water, chemicals, and waste products are removed from the blood by a dialyzer or dialysis machine. The dialysis machine does this by passing blood through a special filter, then returning it back to your child's body. Your child may need dialysis for a short time. Healthcare providers will check your child's vital signs often during dialysis. Your child may also be given medicines or have blood taken for lab tests during dialysis.
RISKS:
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) can lead to kidney failure, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or fluid in your child's lungs. Your child may need dialysis and other treatments to manage these problems.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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