Glomerulonephritis
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease that involves the glomeruli, the individual filtering units of the kidney that produce urine. When the glomeruli become inflamed, the kidneys can't filter urine properly. This results in a buildup of excess fluid and toxins in the body. Glomerulonephritis can lead to chronic renal (kidney) failure.
There are 2 main types of glomerulonephritis: primary and secondary. Primary glomerulonephritis affects the kidneys directly, while in secondary glomerulonephritis the kidneys are damaged as a result of another illness. Glomerulonephritis seems to happen twice as often in males as in females.
Causes of Glomerulonephritis
Most people with glomerulonephritis have no known cause or risk factors.
The most common known causes are bacterial (most often streptococcal) and viral infections. Doctors have found that many children with glomerulonephritis had been diagnosed with a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat, not long before developing signs of kidney damage. People with hepatitis or HIV/AIDS can also develop glomerulonephritis.
People with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, also seem to be at risk of developing glomerulonephritis. The immune system, instead of attacking bacteria or viruses, attacks the kidneys so that they can't function properly.
Glomerulonephritis may also be hereditary or, in rare instances, may be caused by medications.
Symptoms and Complications of Glomerulonephritis
The kidneys play three major roles in regulating the body. They:
- filter urine to remove waste from the body, keeping toxins from building up in the bloodstream
- regulate the minerals or electrolytes (sodium, calcium, and potassium, for example) and the levels of fluid in the body
- produce hormones that control other body functions, such as blood pressure, bone maintenance, and red blood cell production
Because of the large role the kidneys play in maintaining the body's health, the symptoms of glomerulonephritis and kidney failure are quite varied. Symptoms of glomerulonephritis include:
- blood in the urine
- excessive foaming of the urine
- increased urination
Chronic renal (kidney) failure may develop. Symptoms are a direct result of the kidneys' inability to eliminate waste and excess fluid from the body. When kidney failure is severe or near end stage, symptoms include:
- confusion
- decreased urination
- fatigue
- headache
- high blood pressure
- itchy skin
- loss of appetite
- muscle twitching or cramping
- nausea and vomiting
- nosebleeds
- puffy eyes, hands, and feet (called edema)
- shortness of breath
- thirst
- weight loss
- a yellowish-brown tint to the skin
The symptoms can become more severe if the inflammation isn't treated and kidney damage gets worse. Seizures and coma are possible in the later stages.
Glomerulonephritis is serious. If left untreated, glomerulonephritis can lead to chronic renal failure, end-stage renal disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, and an increased risk of other infections, especially urinary tract and kidney infections.
