Glomerulonephritis: Overview
Glomerulonephritis (say "gluh-mair-yuh-loh-nih-FRY-tus") is inflammation of the many tiny filters in your kidneys (glomeruli). A glomerulus is a cluster of blood vessels that filters fluid and waste from your body as urine.
Depending on the cause of the inflammation, you may not have any symptoms. Or you may have foamy urine, high blood pressure, or swelling in your face, feet, or hands.
Glomerulonephritis can be caused by an infection or some medicines. It can be caused by diseases like diabetes or lupus. Sometimes the cause is not known.
This illness may get better with treatment. But it often leads to long-term (chronic) kidney disease.
Treatment may include:
- Corticosteroid medicines. These reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressive medicines. These reduce inflammation.
- One or more medicines to lower your blood pressure.
- Dialysis, in some cases. This is a treatment that does the work for your kidneys to filter waste from your blood.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disorder that causes inflammation in the small blood vessels of the kidney (renal capillaries). It interferes with the kidney's ability to remove waste products from the blood.
Glomerulonephritis can be caused by an infection, such as strep throat, or may be a complication of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus or an inflamation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). Symptoms may include blood and protein in the urine and swelling (edema).
Treatment of glomerulonephritis includes medicines, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids. Untreated glomerulonephritis can cause severe chronic kidney disease.
How can you care for yourself when you have glomerulonephritis?
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- A dietitian can help you make an eating plan with the right amounts of salt (sodium), potassium, and protein. You may also need to limit how much fluid you drink each day.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). They can make kidney problems worse. It is okay to take acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Seek support from family, friends, and a counselor if you need it. Long-term illnesses can be difficult and stressful.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse nausea and vomiting.
- You have much less urine than normal, or you have no urine.
- You are feeling confused or cannot think clearly.
- You have new or more blood in your urine.
- You have new swelling.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated