🩺 Glomerulonephritis Explained

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the tiny kidney filters called glomeruli. Learn causes, symptoms, tests, and treatment in simple, easy-to-understand language. 

🩺 Glomerulonephritis Explained 

What Is Glomerulonephritis? 

Glomerulonephritis is a medical condition where the small filters inside the kidneys become inflamed. 

What Happens in Glomerulonephritis? 

Because the filters are damaged:

• Protein can leak into the urine
  
  

• Blood can leak into the urine
  
  

• Waste can build up in the blood
  
  

• The kidneys may slowly lose function
  
  

Glomerulonephritis can happen:

• Suddenly (acute)
  
  

• Or slowly over time (chronic)

What Causes Glomerulonephritis? 

There are many possible causes, including:

Immune System Problems

• Autoimmune diseases
  
  

• Lupus
  
  

• Vasculitis
  
  

Infections

• Strep throat infections
  
  

• Skin infections
  
  

• Viral infections
  
  

Other Medical Conditions

• Diabetes
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• Certain genetic diseases
  
  

Sometimes the exact cause is unknown.

What Are the Symptoms? 

Common symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine (red, pink, or tea-colored urine)
  
  

• Foamy urine from protein
  
  

• Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• Fatigue
  
  

• Decreased urine output
  
  

Some people have no symptoms and are diagnosed only through lab tests.

How Is Glomerulonephritis Diagnosed? 

Doctors usually use several tests:

Urine Tests

• Urinalysis
  
  

• Protein in urine
  
  

• Blood in urine
  
  

• Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio

Blood Tests

• Creatinine
  
  

• eGFR
  
  

• BUN
  
  

• Electrolytes

Imaging

• Kidney ultrasound to check kidney size and structure

Kidney Biopsy

Often, the most accurate way to diagnose glomerulonephritis is a:

👉 kidney biopsy

This helps doctors see exactly what type of inflammation is present.

How Is It Treated? 

Can Glomerulonephritis Be Cured? 

Sometimes – yes.

• Acute forms can fully recover
  
  

• Chronic forms may need long-term treatment
  
  

• Some cases can lead to chronic kidney disease
  
  

Early diagnosis and treatment give the best chance of protecting kidney function.

When Should You See a Doctor? 

Contact a doctor if you notice:

• Blood in your urine
  
  

• Persistent foamy urine
  
  

• New swelling
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• Abnormal kidney test results
  
  

These can all be warning signs of kidney inflammation.

Important Takeaway 

Glomerulonephritis is a treatable cause of kidney disease, but it needs proper testing and medical care to prevent long-term damage. 

Related Pages

• Blood in Urine (Hematuria) Explained
  
  

• Protein in Urine Explained
  
  

• Creatinine Blood Test
  
  

• What Is eGFR?
  
  

• Kidney Biopsy Results Explained