Glomerulonephritis

What is Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a form of kidney disease that can quickly (acutely) or slowly (chronically) damage the small working units inside the kidneys (glomeruli).

Glomeruli clean all the waste from the bloodstream. If they are damaged, waste can build up and harm the kidneys.

What are the causes?

Immune system abnormalities and many different diseases can lead to glomerulonephritis. Some of these include:

• Strep throat (common).
• Certain genetic diseases.
• Rheumatic disease and vasculitis.

Often the cause is unknown.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of glomerulonephritis may include:

• Brown or red colored urine.
• Foam in the toilet water when urinating.
• Urinating less often than usual.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Swelling of the face, hands, feet, or ankles.
• Feeling tired or fatigued.
• Headache.
• Fever.

How is this diagnosed?

Diagnosis of glomerulonephritis may include:

• A medical history and physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• X-rays.
• A biopsy of your child’s kidney.

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on whether your child has acute or chronic glomerulonephritis and what is causing it. Treatment may include:

• Medicine.
• Using a machine that acts as a kidney to filter and remove the waste from your child’s body (dialysis).

Glomerulonephritis may go away on its own without treatment.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Give medicines only as directed by your child’s health care provider.
• If your child was prescribed an antibiotic medicine, have him or her finish it all even if he or she starts to feel better.
• Have your child eat a diet that is low in protein, salt, and potassium. A dietitian can help you.
• Do notgive your child any supplements, natural products, herbs, or vitamins without reviewing them with your child’s health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits with your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child’s symptoms get worse.
• Your child develops bloody urine.
• Your child develops rust or brown colored urine.

Get help right away if:

• Your child has chest pain.
• Your child is dizzy or passes out.
• Your child has trouble breathing.
• Your child vomits.