Anti-GBM (anti-glomerular basement membrane) disease, sometimes called Goodpasture’s disease when it affects both the kidneys and lungs, is a rare autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the body’s immune system creates antibodies that mistakenly attack the basement membranes of the kidneys (GBM) and sometimes the lungs (AGBM). These basement membranes act as filters in the kidneys and as barriers in the lungs, so when they are damaged, it leads to severe symptoms and potential organ failure.

What is it?

• Anti-GBM disease refers to a condition where your immune system attacks the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) in your kidneys and sometimes your lungs.
• "Anti-AGBM" is a similar term where the "A" stands for alveolar basement membrane, highlighting lung involvement in addition to kidney problems.

Symptoms:

1. Kidneys (GBM):

• Blood in the urine (may appear pink, red, or brown).
• Swelling in your feet, legs, or face.
• Fatigue or reduced urination due to kidney damage.

1. Lungs (AGBM):

• Coughing up blood.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Chest discomfort, especially with heavy lung involvement.

What Causes It?

• The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own basement membranes (GBM/AGBM), which are critical structures in the kidneys and lungs.
• Possible Triggers:
• Smoking
• Viral infections
• Exposure to harmful chemicals (e.g., hydrocarbons)
• Genetic susceptibility (although not inherited directly).

Why Testing is Important:

• To Diagnose the Cause of Symptoms:
• Blood or urine tests can identify the specific antibodies (anti-GBM or anti-AGBM) causing the damage.
• To Prevent Long-term Damage:
• Early treatment can stop severe kidney failure or life-threatening lung bleeding. In some cases, additional tests like a kidney biopsy or lung scans are needed to confirm the extent of the problem.