Written by:Fact check:

Overview

What Is Glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny blood-filtering units inside the kidneys. This inflammation can make it harder for the kidneys to remove waste and control fluid and salt levels. It may be acute, starting suddenly, or chronic, developing and continuing over a longer period. Glomerulonephritis can affect both children and adults.

Symptoms

Glomerulonephritis Symptoms

  • Dark, pink, or tea-colored urine (blood in the urine)
  • Foamy urine (protein in the urine)
  • Swelling around the eyes, ankles, feet, or legs (edema)
  • Urinating less than usual
  • High blood pressure
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath

Causes

Causes of Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis may result from an abnormal immune response, direct inflammation related to an infection, or another condition that affects blood vessels or the immune system. In some cases, the original trigger is an infection, while in others the immune system mistakenly attacks kidney tissue. The cause helps guide testing and treatment, including in post streptococcal glomerulonephritis and other forms of post infectious glomerulonephritis.

Cause groupExamplesHow it affects the kidneysTypical course
PostinfectiousAfter certain throat or skin infectionsImmune activity inflames the glomeruliOften acute
Autoimmune or inflammatoryLupus or vasculitisThe immune system attacks kidney tissue or blood vesselsMay relapse or become chronic
Other kidney diseasesIgA nephropathy or inherited disordersAbnormal proteins or structural changes damage filtering unitsVaries by condition

Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Glomerulonephritis

Nonmodifiable factors

Family history, inherited kidney conditions, age-related patterns, and an existing tendency toward autoimmune disease can increase risk. Having one of these factors does not guarantee that glomerulonephritis will develop.

Related health conditions

Recent streptococcal or other infections, lupus, vasculitis, hepatitis, and conditions that trigger abnormal immune activity may raise risk. These conditions do not mean a person will necessarily develop glomerulonephritis.

Some risk factors can be addressed by seeking prompt care for appropriate infections and following treatment for inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. Controlling blood pressure and other related health problems may also help protect kidney function. However, not all cases, including inherited forms and some cases of acute glomerulonephritis, can be prevented.

Complications

Complications of Glomerulonephritis

  • High blood pressure can develop or become harder to control as kidney function changes.
  • Fluid buildup can cause swelling and may contribute to shortness of breath.
  • Electrolyte or acid-base problems can occur when damaged kidneys cannot maintain the body’s chemical balance.
  • Acute kidney injury can cause a sudden decline in kidney function.
  • Chronic kidney disease may develop when inflammation or kidney damage persists.
  • Kidney failure may occur in severe or longstanding disease and can require dialysis or transplantation.

Seek urgent care

Possible signs of serious kidney problems

Rapidly worsening swelling, very little urine, severe shortness of breath, confusion, or chest pain requires urgent medical assessment.

Diagnosis

How Glomerulonephritis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis combines a medical history and physical examination with tests that look for blood or protein in the urine and measure kidney function. Clinicians may also look for signs of infection, autoimmune disease, or another underlying cause. The results help determine how severe the inflammation is and whether additional testing is needed.

TestWhat it checksWhat it may showTypical role
UrinalysisBlood, protein, and urine sedimentKidney filter inflammationCommon first step
Blood testsCreatinine, immune markers, and infection evidenceKidney function and possible causeCommonly used
ImagingKidney size and structureObstruction or other structural problemsUsed when indicated
Kidney biopsyA small tissue sampleThe exact pattern and cause of damageSelected cases

Treatment & Management

Treatment and Management of Glomerulonephritis

Treating the Underlying Cause

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of glomerulonephritis. A current bacterial infection may require appropriate antibiotics, while an autoimmune cause may be treated with medicines that reduce harmful immune activity. Supportive care can include blood pressure control, medicines that reduce protein loss in the urine, and diuretics to remove extra fluid. A clinician may recommend individualized limits on salt or fluids, and people should avoid medicines that can further injure the kidneys unless specifically advised to use them.

Prevention

Can Glomerulonephritis Be Prevented?

  • Seek medical evaluation for suspected bacterial throat or skin infections.
  • Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed when they are recommended.
  • Manage lupus, vasculitis, and other autoimmune disease with medical guidance.
  • Control blood pressure and diabetes to help protect kidney function.
  • Avoid unnecessary medicines that can be harmful to the kidneys, including some over-the-counter pain relievers.

Outlook and Prognosis

Outlook and Prognosis

Acute disease

Kidney function may improve after the trigger is treated, particularly when inflammation is identified and managed promptly. Follow-up urine and blood tests are still important to confirm recovery.

Chronic or recurrent disease

Ongoing inflammation can cause lasting kidney damage and may require long-term monitoring or kidney replacement treatment. Regular follow-up can help detect changes early.

Prognosis depends on the biopsy or laboratory pattern, kidney function, urine protein levels, blood pressure, underlying cause, and response to treatment. Some cases of acute glomerulonephritis resolve, while persistent inflammation may lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. A healthcare professional can explain the likely outlook based on the individual’s test results.

When Should You See a Doctor

When Should You See a Doctor?

Arrange prompt medical evaluation for blood-colored or tea-colored urine, foamy urine, new swelling, or much less urine than usual. You should also seek care for these symptoms after a throat or skin infection, because post infectious glomerulonephritis can sometimes follow an infection. Early assessment can help identify acute glomerulonephritis and protect kidney function.

Emergency symptoms

Get immediate medical help

Seek emergency care for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, fainting, rapidly worsening swelling, or almost no urine.

Branches

1 topic

Tests & Procedure

1 topic

Viruses

1 topic

Symptoms

1 topic