16167 Glomerulonephritis Gn
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Glomerulonephritis is a condition where the tiny filters in your kidneys (called glomeruli) become inflamed and damaged. This makes it harder for your kidneys to remove waste and extra fluid from your blood.
Key facts
- It can be sudden (acute) or long-term (chronic).
- It can affect people of all ages, but some types are more common in children or young adults.
- Early treatment helps protect your kidneys and prevent long-term damage.
It is not very common, but it is a serious condition that can affect anyone. Some forms are more common than others.
It can affect children, teenagers, and adults. Some types are more common in young men, while others are more common in older adults or people with other health conditions like diabetes or lupus.
Symptoms
- Severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden confusion or passing out
- Seizures
- Very little or no urine for 12 hours or more
- Coughing up blood
- ⚠Blood in your urine (visible blood)
- ⚠New or worsening swelling in your face, hands, or legs
- ⚠A headache that does not go away and feels very painful
- ⚠Nausea or vomiting that will not stop
- ⚠Fever with back or side pain
Common symptoms
- Foamy or bubbly urine (from protein)
- Blood in urine (pink, red, or cola-colored)
- Swelling in the face, hands, feet, or belly
- High blood pressure
- Needing to pee less often
- Feeling very tired
Symptoms in children
- Blood in urine
- Swelling around the eyes and face in the morning
- Swelling in the ankles or legs
- Reduced urine output
- High blood pressure
Symptoms in older adults
- Swelling in the legs and feet
- Feeling unusually tired
- Confusion or trouble concentrating (due to kidney function)
- Changes in urination
- High blood pressure
- Sometimes no obvious symptoms at first
Causes
Main causes
- The exact cause is often unknown, but it often happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys.
- It can follow a bacterial or viral infection, such as strep throat or a respiratory infection.
- It can be linked to autoimmune diseases like lupus or IgA nephropathy.
- Some medicines, toxins, or other illnesses can trigger it.
Risk factors
- Having a family history of kidney disease
- Having an autoimmune condition
- Having repeated throat or skin infections
- High blood pressure or diabetes
- Being over 65 years old
- Using certain types of pain relievers or other medicines that can affect the kidneys
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Blood in your urine (pink, red, or cola-colored)
- Swelling in your face, hands, feet, or belly
- A sudden drop in how much urine you pass
- High blood pressure readings (if you monitor at home)
- Severe headache or back pain
Book a routine appointment if:
- Foamy or bubbly urine that does not go away
- Feeling more tired than usual for no clear reason
- Swelling around your eyes in the morning
- You have diabetes, high blood pressure, or an autoimmune illness and haven't had a kidney check recently
- A history of kidney stones or frequent urine infections
Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, check your blood pressure, and examine you for swelling. They will also order tests to see how well your kidneys are working.
Tests that may be done
- Urine test (to check for blood, protein, and other signs)
- Blood tests (to check kidney function and look for autoimmune markers)
- Ultrasound or CT scan of the kidneys
- Kidney biopsy (a small sample of kidney tissue taken with a needle to look at under a microscope)
- Blood pressure check
What to expect at your appointment
Most tests are quick and done at a clinic or lab. A kidney biopsy is usually done in a hospital, and you may need to rest for a few hours after. Your doctor will explain results in a follow-up visit and talk about the next steps.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe the condition is. The goal is to protect your kidneys, reduce inflammation, and manage symptoms like high blood pressure and swelling. Your healthcare team will create a plan that is right for you.
Self-care at home
- Take all prescribed medicines exactly as directed
- Monitor your blood pressure at home if your doctor recommends it
- Keep a record of your weight to check for fluid buildup
- Avoid medicines that can harm the kidneys, such as some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — ask your pharmacist or doctor first
- Follow up regularly with your doctor or kidney specialist
Medical treatments
Doctors may use medicines to lower blood pressure, reduce protein in the urine, or calm the immune system. Some people need steroids or other immunosuppressant medicines to reduce kidney inflammation. If an infection triggered the condition, treating the infection is important. In severe cases, dialysis (a machine that filters the blood) may be needed temporarily, but this is not common for everyone.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is not a routine treatment for glomerulonephritis. However, if kidney failure develops, a kidney transplant may be considered as an option — your doctor will discuss this with you if it ever becomes relevant.
Living with this condition
Living with glomerulonephritis means paying attention to your body and your follow-up appointments. Many people manage it well with regular check-ups, a kidney-friendly lifestyle, and support from their care team.
Lifestyle tips
- Limit salt to help control blood pressure and swelling (ask your doctor how much is right for you)
- Drink enough fluids, but follow your doctor’s advice if they say to limit fluids
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Stay physically active, but check with your doctor about what level is safe
- Get enough rest and manage stress
Diet and exercise
Your doctor or dietitian may suggest a diet lower in salt, protein, or potassium, depending on your blood test results. Simple, gentle exercise like walking is usually good, but always check with your care team first.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with a kidney condition can be stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed at times. Talking to a counsellor, joining a support group, and staying connected with loved ones can help. Support is available, and getting care for your mental health is just as important as physical care.
Prevention
Not all cases can be prevented, because some are caused by the body’s own immune system. But you can lower your risk of triggers by treating infections quickly, managing high blood pressure and diabetes well, and using medicines that are safe for your kidneys.
Vaccines
Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is important because infections can sometimes trigger kidney problems. Talk to your healthcare team about which vaccines are right for you.
Screening programmes
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease, regular urine and blood tests can help find kidney problems early. Ask your doctor how often you need a kidney check.
Complications
If left untreated
- Chronic kidney disease (progressively losing kidney function)
- High blood pressure that is hard to control
- Fluid buildup that causes shortness of breath and swelling
- Kidney failure (when kidneys stop working well enough to keep you alive)
- Increased risk of heart disease and blood vessel problems
Long-term outlook
The outlook for glomerulonephritis varies. Some people recover completely with treatment, while others need long-term management. Even if kidney function is reduced, many people live well with the right care. Catching it early and following your treatment plan gives you the best chance of protecting your kidneys.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- NHS Glomerulonephritis information ↗ · United Kingdom
- Kidney Care UK ↗ · United Kingdom
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.