What is Bright's Disease?

Bright's disease is actually an old, out-of-date term that may still be used to refer to various forms of kidney disease. The more commonly used term is nephritis and it can be acute or chronic and treatment involves professional medical care. This article provides an overview of the condition(s) known as nephritis and Bright's disease, including symptoms and treatment options, and suggestions for further study.

Richard Bright of London, England was the first person to notice the relation between certain kidney changes, albumen in the urine and dropsy. This was in 1827. This is how kidney disease or nephritis and glomerulonephritis have come to be referred to as Bright's disease. The moniker has fallen out of favor in recent years, most physicians preferring to use the more specific medical terminology. It may still be used, however, to describe a range of conditions that may affect the kidneys.

This condition can be acute - appearing rapidly, sub-acute - appearing in several days to two weeks, or chronic - appearing insidiously over weeks, months or years. Regardless, the condition is caused by an infection or an inflammation of the nephrons, the smallest functional units of the kidneys, made up of a tight network of capillaries. Often this is caused by a streptococcus or other viral infection elsewhere in the body and while the kidney does not become infected, it is affected the infection occurring elsewhere.

The symptoms of a severe attack of this condition may come on rapidly and include headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever. Also edema, or a slight swelling of the face and hands may be present. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and vision disturbances may also be a symptom of these kidney diseases.

The urine will appear dark and smoky or bloody colored and will test positive for a large amount of albumen. If left untreated, the severe cases of this condition can be rather dangerous, and potentially fatal. (One famous American who died of Bright's disease was the poet, Emily Dickinson).

The treatment of this condition will depend on the severity of the case and whether it is acute, sub-acute or chronic. The aim will be to treat the infection and reduce the inflammation of the kidneys. Medication, including antibiotics may be used, bed rest, dietary attention, and in very severe cases, temporary renal dialysis may be required. With the proper medical care and attention, most people recover completely from these types of kidney disease.

For those who would like additional information, the internet can be a good source of education and details. There is a page titled, "Nephritis" found on the emedicine website produced by WebMd that is doctor written and reviewed. The page is available at http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1561.htm and provides detailed clinical information, as well as links to other online resources.