Glomerulonephritis affects tiny structures found in the kidneys called glomeruli. Glomeruli filter the blood. When they become diseased, the body has difficulty getting rid of waste products and excess water. In severe cases, it leads to kidney failure.
Causes include infection, certain medicines, and very occasionally cancer. The cause often remains unknown. Damage is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the glomeruli as if they were a foreign body.
Please note: the information below does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns at all, speak to your GP or consultant.
Often glomerulonephritis causes no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Instead, the condition may be picked up during a routine medical examination, such as a urine or blood test.
However, you might notice one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your GP as soon as possible.
Doctors will look for signs of glomerulonephritis whenever kidney disease is suspected.
Usually, diagnosis follows three steps:
In mild cases, glomerulonephritis may get better on its own. Otherwise, treatment is based on controlling blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys further, as well as affect circulation overall. Measures to control blood pressure include:
In rare cases, you may be required to go on dialysis (a machine that 'cleans' your blood) for a short period of time, until kidney function has recovered. If the kidney damage is severe, then regular dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.
Speak to your GP if you recognise any glomerulonephritis symptoms, or if you want to talk about treatment options.
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