Overview

Glomerulonephritis is a disease that causes the glomeruli, which are the small filtering units in the kidneys, to become inflamed. These structures remove excess fluid and waste products from the blood. When the glomeruli become inflamed, they can't filter as well, allowing blood and protein to enter the urine. Glomerulonephritis can occur suddenly (acute glomerulonephritis) or slowly (chronic glomerulonephritis). If you don't treat it, it can cause kidney damage that gets worse and leads to kidney failure. It is important to catch kidney problems early and treat them properly to keep the kidneys working.

Symptoms
The symptoms depend on how bad they are and what kind they are. Blood in the urine, which can appear pink or cola-colored, and protein in the urine, which can cause foamy urine, are two common signs. Fluid retention can cause swelling in your face, hands, or legs. People may also have high blood pressure, reduced urine output, fatigue, and shortness of breath in severe cases.

Causes
Infections, autoimmune diseases, or systemic conditions that trigger immune responses in the kidneys can cause glomerulonephritis. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis can develop subsequent to throat or cutaneous infections. Lupus, vasculitis, and some genetic disorders are other things that can cause this. Long-term high blood pressure or diabetes are two examples of chronic conditions that can also play a role.

Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, doctors perform urine tests to look for blood and protein in the urine, and blood tests to check how well the kidneys are working. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, assess the size and shape of the kidneys. A kidney biopsy is often done to determine the type and severity of the inflammation.

Treatment
The treatment depends on what is causing the problem and how bad it is. Management may involve medications to regulate blood pressure and mitigate inflammation. Autoimmune forms may require immunosuppressive drugs. Managing fluid balance and reducing salt intake can help reduce swelling. Dialysis may be necessary temporarily or permanently in cases of severe kidney failure.

The outlook depends on the type of treatment you receive and when you receive it. Therapy often helps people with acute cases, but it may take longer for people with chronic cases to get better. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up help keep the kidneys working well and prevent problems.