Glomerulonephritis
What is Glomerulonephritis?
Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli in your kidneys. The glomeruli are tiny filters that remove waste and extra fluid from your blood. When these filters become inflamed, they cannot do their job properly. Waste products and fluid can build up in your body.
This condition can develop suddenly or slowly over time. Acute glomerulonephritis appears quickly, often after an infection. Chronic glomerulonephritis develops gradually over months or years. Both types can lead to kidney damage if not caught early.
The inflammation happens when your immune system attacks the glomeruli by mistake. This can reduce kidney function and allow protein and blood cells to leak into your urine. Early detection through blood testing helps you protect your kidney health before serious damage occurs.
Symptoms
- Foamy or bubbly urine due to excess protein
- Pink or cola-colored urine from blood
- Swelling in your face, hands, feet, or abdomen
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue and weakness
- Less frequent urination than usual
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath from fluid buildup
Some people have no symptoms in the early stages of chronic glomerulonephritis. Kidney damage can progress silently for years before symptoms appear. Regular blood testing helps catch inflammation before you notice any signs.
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Causes and risk factors
Glomerulonephritis often starts when your immune system overreacts to an infection or another trigger. Strep throat infections can lead to acute inflammation weeks after the initial illness. Other bacterial or viral infections, including hepatitis and HIV, can also trigger kidney inflammation. Your immune system may mistakenly attack healthy kidney tissue while fighting these infections.
Autoimmune diseases like lupus and vasculitis increase your risk significantly. These conditions cause your immune system to attack your own tissues, including kidney filters. High blood pressure and diabetes can damage glomeruli over time. Family history of kidney disease, certain genetic conditions, and some medications also raise your risk. Addressing root causes early protects your long-term kidney function.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose glomerulonephritis using blood and urine tests that show how well your kidneys are filtering. Blood tests measure creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and cystatin C to check kidney function. These markers rise when glomeruli are damaged and cannot filter waste properly. Complement proteins like C1q and C4c help identify immune system activity in your kidneys.
Urine tests check for blood and protein that should not be present. An elevated albumin to creatinine ratio suggests your kidney filters are letting protein leak through. Rite Aid offers testing for all these key biomarkers through our flagship panel. You can get tested at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Early detection gives you time to address inflammation before permanent damage occurs.
Treatment options
- Reduce salt intake to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention
- Limit protein if recommended by your doctor to reduce kidney workload
- Take blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs to protect kidneys
- Use diuretics to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling
- Treat underlying infections with antibiotics if bacterial infection triggered inflammation
- Take immunosuppressant medications for autoimmune causes
- Manage blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes
- Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen that can worsen kidney function
- Work with a nephrologist for specialized kidney care
- Monitor kidney function regularly with blood tests
Concerned about Glomerulonephritis? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Glomerulonephritis usually happens when your immune system attacks kidney filters by mistake. This can occur after infections like strep throat or during autoimmune diseases like lupus. Sometimes the exact trigger is unknown, but the result is inflammation that damages the tiny filters in your kidneys.
Some cases resolve completely with treatment, especially acute forms triggered by infection. Chronic glomerulonephritis may not be curable but can often be managed to slow progression. Early detection and treatment give you the best chance to preserve kidney function and prevent permanent damage.
Protein in urine often causes foamy or bubbly appearance, similar to soap suds. However, you cannot always tell by looking. Blood tests measuring albumin to creatinine ratio provide accurate detection of protein leakage from damaged kidney filters.
Key blood tests include creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and cystatin C to measure kidney filtering ability. Complement proteins C1q and C4c help identify immune activity causing inflammation. Urine tests for albumin, creatinine ratio, and blood cells complete the picture of kidney filter health.
Many people manage glomerulonephritis successfully with treatment and lifestyle changes. Catching inflammation early and following your treatment plan helps protect kidney function. Regular monitoring through blood tests lets you track your progress and adjust your approach as needed.
Yes, glomerulonephritis often raises blood pressure because damaged kidneys cannot regulate fluid and sodium properly. High blood pressure can also worsen kidney damage, creating a harmful cycle. Managing blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes is essential to protect remaining kidney function.
Progression varies widely depending on the cause and type. Acute glomerulonephritis can develop over days to weeks after an infection. Chronic forms may progress slowly over years with minimal symptoms. Regular blood testing helps you catch changes in kidney function before serious damage occurs.
Limit sodium to reduce fluid retention and blood pressure strain on your kidneys. Your doctor may recommend reducing protein intake to decrease kidney workload. Avoid processed foods high in phosphorus and potassium if your levels are elevated on blood tests.
Most people with glomerulonephritis do not need dialysis if caught and treated early. Dialysis becomes necessary only if kidney function drops to very low levels. Early detection through blood testing and following your treatment plan give you the best chance to avoid dialysis.
If you have glomerulonephritis or risk factors, test kidney function every 3 to 6 months. More frequent testing may be needed if your condition is changing or you start new treatments. Regular monitoring helps you spot problems early and adjust your care plan quickly.