The term Bright’s disease is most often found today by people researching their genealogy.

Lupus Bacterial endocarditis Viral infections (such as (HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C) Goodpasture’s syndrome Polyarteritis Diabetic kidney disease Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Filter waste out of the blood Maintain normal blood pressure Produce vitamin D Produce erythropoietin, which helps produce red blood cells

Pink or cola-tinted urine, caused by red blood cells in the urine Foam in the urine caused by excessive protein content High blood pressure Fluid retention, especially in the face, hands, feet, and abdomen Weight gain (mainly caused by fluid retention) Fatigue, usually accompanied by anemia and/or kidney failure

Urine analysis to check for red and white blood cells, increased protein levels, or increased levels of creatinine and urea Blood tests to measure for levels of waste products like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen Ultrasound Biopsy of the kidney

Stage one — Marked by mild symptoms and normal GFR of at least 90 percent of normal kidney function. Stage two — Marked by mild symptoms and reduced GFR, with the gradual reduction of kidney function to between 60 and 89 percent of normal function. Stage three — Marked by moderate symptoms and significantly reduced GFR, with kidney function ranging between 40 and 59 percent of normal function. Stage four — Marked by severe symptoms and drastically reduced GFR, with kidney function ranging between 15 and 29 percent of normal function. Stage five — The kidneys operate at less than 15 percent of normal function.

Common blood pressure medications prescribed to treat kidney diseases like GN include benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), and enalapril (Vasotec). Some doctors may also prescribe angiotensin II receptor blockers like losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan) to achieve similar results.

Common water pills prescribed for kidney diseases include furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone (Aldactone).

Common anticoagulants prescribed to treat kidney diseases include heparin and warfarin (Coumadin).

Commonly-prescribed statins for people with kidney diseases include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor).

Choosing lean protein over fatty proteins Lowering the overall consumption of fat and cholesterol in the diet Maintaining a low-salt diet Reducing potassium in the diet Maintaining a healthy, manageable body weight Avoiding smoking