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Alport Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

By James S Pendergraft

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Published: 25Feb2012
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Alport syndrome is a disease in which the minute blood vessels situated in the kidney are damaged. This is a hereditary disorder which affects the kidneys and develops various kidney related and other problems in the human body.

Causes of Alport Syndrome

Alport syndrome is also known as inflammation of the kidneys, which is an inherited health problem. This problem is caused by changes in a gene called collagen. Alport syndrome is a very rare type of health problem. Although this problem may occur in both males and females, males are most often affected by it. In some case, it is has been observed that women have passed the gene to their children. In such cases, the carrier has no symptoms of the disease, but they can pass it on to their children.

It is difficult to find out the actual cause of this health problem, as it is a disease passed on to the next generation through genes. It is better to keep a check on overall health in order to get proper treatment at an early stage if you have this problem. The risk level may increase in a patient if there is any history of Alport syndrome in the family. In case the patient finds any hearing loss or incapability before the age of 30, this may indicate a risk factor and the major symptoms of Alport syndrome. A doctor should be consulted immediately.

If you find any kidney related problems, like stones or excessive urination, you should consult your doctor immediately as it may be because of Alport syndrome.

Symptoms of Alport Syndrome

The symptoms of Alport syndrome are not usually seen during the early stages, but you can keep a close check on your health to avoid any risk. Since Alport syndrome damages the minute blood vessels in the kidney, it affects both the organ and the entire body. The blood vessels of glomeruli, which are affected by Alport syndrome, help in filtering blood, which is helpful in removing waste from the blood and the creation of urine.

A patient suffering from Alport syndrome may find blood in the urine over time. Since it is difficult to detect the disease in its early stages, this symptom may be found only during the advanced stages. Swelling in the body, flank pain, blood in the urine, respiratory infection, abnormality in urine color, and loss of vision are some of the common symptoms of Alport syndrome.

Treatment of Alport Syndrome

Initial treatment for Alport syndrome is to control blood pressure. With this disease, the blood pressure in the patient's body may increase at a high rate that can worsen the disease and lead to cardiac attack, as well. Apart from this, there should be a change in regular diet, which can be shifted from a solid diet to a semi-solid or fluid diet. Other than this, some patients may also need dialysis or even a kidney transplant, depending on the overall condition.

Some patients may also suffer from vision or hearing loss, which can be treated as per the condition.

Late term abortion. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including late term abortion, physical examinations, family planning and counseling.

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