Glomerulonephritis (all types)
What is Glomerulonephritis (all types)?
Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units inside your kidneys. Each kidney contains about 1 million glomeruli that clean your blood by removing waste and extra fluid. When these filters become inflamed, they cannot do their job properly. Protein and blood cells may leak into your urine instead of staying in your bloodstream.
There are many types of glomerulonephritis, including IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, and lupus nephritis. Some forms develop quickly over days or weeks, called acute glomerulonephritis. Others progress slowly over months or years, called chronic glomerulonephritis. Both types can damage kidney function if left untreated.
Early detection matters because kidney damage can be permanent. Blood tests can catch declining kidney function before you notice symptoms. Many people live normal lives with proper monitoring and treatment. The key is identifying the problem early and addressing root causes when possible.
Symptoms
- Foamy or bubbly urine caused by excess protein
- Pink or cola-colored urine from blood
- Swelling in the face, hands, feet, or abdomen
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue and low energy
- Less frequent urination than usual
- Shortness of breath from fluid buildup
- Nausea and loss of appetite
Many people with chronic glomerulonephritis have no symptoms in the early stages. The condition may only be discovered through routine blood work or urine tests. This is why regular screening is important, especially if you have risk factors.
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Causes and risk factors
Glomerulonephritis can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or genetic conditions. Strep throat and other bacterial infections sometimes trigger acute glomerulonephritis when the immune system attacks the kidneys by mistake. Autoimmune diseases like lupus, vasculitis, and IgA nephropathy cause the body to attack its own kidney tissue. Some types run in families and have a genetic component.
Other risk factors include certain medications, viral infections like hepatitis B and C, and conditions that affect blood vessels. High blood pressure and diabetes can worsen kidney damage once inflammation starts. Smoking, obesity, and a diet high in processed foods may increase inflammation throughout the body, including the kidneys. Some cases have no clear cause and are called idiopathic.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with blood tests to check kidney function. The estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, measures how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. An eGFR below 60 suggests kidney damage and may indicate glomerulonephritis. Rite Aid's flagship panel includes eGFR testing to help you monitor kidney health regularly. Your doctor may also order urine tests to check for protein and blood.
If initial tests show kidney problems, your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy. This procedure removes a small tissue sample to examine under a microscope. The biopsy identifies the specific type of glomerulonephritis and guides treatment decisions. Imaging tests like ultrasound can show kidney size and structure. Regular eGFR monitoring helps track disease progression and treatment response over time.
Treatment options
- Blood pressure medications, especially ACE inhibitors and ARBs, protect kidney function
- Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants reduce inflammation in autoimmune types
- Diuretics help remove excess fluid and reduce swelling
- Low-sodium diet to manage blood pressure and fluid retention
- Reduced protein intake in some cases to ease kidney workload
- Limit processed foods and added sugars that increase inflammation
- Quit smoking to improve blood flow to the kidneys
- Maintain healthy weight through balanced nutrition and movement
- Treat underlying infections or autoimmune conditions
- Regular blood tests to monitor kidney function and adjust treatment
Concerned about Glomerulonephritis (all types)? 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
Acute glomerulonephritis develops suddenly over days or weeks, often after an infection. Chronic glomerulonephritis progresses slowly over months or years, sometimes without symptoms. Acute forms may resolve completely with treatment, while chronic types require ongoing management. Both can lead to kidney failure if not treated properly.
Some acute cases resolve completely, especially when caused by infections that respond to treatment. Chronic glomerulonephritis usually cannot be cured but can be managed to slow progression. Early detection and treatment prevent permanent kidney damage in many cases. The goal is to preserve as much kidney function as possible through medication and lifestyle changes.
eGFR measures how much blood your kidneys filter each minute. A normal eGFR is 90 or higher, indicating healthy kidney function. Numbers below 60 suggest kidney damage and possible glomerulonephritis. Lower numbers mean more severe kidney disease and greater risk of complications.
Most people with glomerulonephritis need blood tests every 3 to 6 months to monitor kidney function. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if your condition is unstable or changing quickly. Regular monitoring catches progression early so treatment can be adjusted. Rite Aid offers 2 tests per year as part of the subscription service.
Not everyone with glomerulonephritis needs dialysis. Early detection and treatment can preserve kidney function for many years. Dialysis becomes necessary only if kidney function drops below 15 percent of normal. Proper management of blood pressure, inflammation, and underlying causes reduces dialysis risk significantly.
Limit sodium to reduce blood pressure and fluid retention, aiming for less than 2,000 mg daily. Reduce processed foods, added sugars, and excessive animal protein that stress the kidneys. Your doctor may recommend limiting potassium and phosphorus if your kidney function is very low. Focus on whole foods, vegetables, and healthy fats to reduce inflammation.
Yes, autoimmune diseases are common causes of glomerulonephritis. Lupus, vasculitis, and IgA nephropathy cause the immune system to attack kidney tissue. Treating the underlying autoimmune condition helps protect kidney function. Immunosuppressant medications reduce inflammation and slow kidney damage in these cases.
Some types of glomerulonephritis have a genetic component and run in families. IgA nephropathy and Alport syndrome are examples of inherited forms. Most cases are not directly hereditary but may involve genetic risk factors. Tell your doctor if close relatives have had kidney disease.
Untreated glomerulonephritis can lead to chronic kidney disease and eventual kidney failure. Permanent scarring of the glomeruli prevents kidneys from filtering waste properly. High blood pressure, anemia, bone disease, and fluid overload become serious problems. Early treatment prevents or delays these complications in most people.
Yes, lifestyle changes are essential for managing glomerulonephritis and protecting kidney function. Reducing sodium, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and maintaining healthy weight all help. Quitting smoking improves blood flow to the kidneys. Regular monitoring through blood tests lets you see how your lifestyle changes affect kidney health over time.