Disease encyclopedia/Kidneys & urinary tract
    3-D atlas
    Kidneys & urinary tractImmune-mediatedICD-10 N05

    Glomerulonephritis

    Also called: IgA nephropathy, Nephritic syndrome

    Inflammation of the kidneys' filtering units, which can cause blood and protein in the urine, high blood pressure and loss of kidney function.

    Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.

    Affected: Kidneys (glomeruli)

    Causes

    • IgA nephropathy (most common worldwide)
    • Post-streptococcal
    • Lupus nephritis
    • ANCA vasculitis
    • Anti-GBM disease

    Risk factors

    • Autoimmune diseases
    • Recent infections

    Symptoms

    • Blood in urine (cola-coloured)
    • Foamy urine
    • Swelling
    • High blood pressure

    Diagnosis — tests and examinations

    • Urine tests (blood, protein)
    • Blood tests including autoantibodies
    • Kidney biopsy

    Treatment

    Medicines and medical treatment

    • Blood-pressure control and ACE inhibitors/ARBs
    • SGLT2 inhibitors
    • Immunosuppression depending on type (steroids, cyclophosphamide, rituximab)

    Operations and procedures

    • Plasma exchange for anti-GBM disease
    • Dialysis if needed

    Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle

    • Low salt

    Possible complications

    • Chronic kidney disease
    • Kidney failure

    Prevention

    • Treat streptococcal infections

    Outlook

    Varies widely by type.

    When to see a doctor

    See a doctor for blood or froth in the urine, or swelling of the legs and face.

    Sources and further reading

    These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.

    • Glomerulonephritis — NHS

    Related conditions

    Urinary tract infectionKidney infection (pyelonephritis)Kidney stonesChronic kidney diseaseAcute kidney injuryPolycystic kidney disease

    Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.

    Affected: Kidneys (glomeruli)

    See it in 3-D

    Kidney (left)Kidney (right)

    Anatomy

    • Kidney

    On this page

    • Causes
    • Risk factors
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis — tests and examinations
    • Treatment
    • Complications
    • Prevention
    • Outlook
    • When to see a doctor
    • Sources