Glomerulonephritis: Causes, Types, And Symptoms

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What is glomerulonephritis (GN)?

GN is inflammation of the glomeruli — small filters inside the kidneys. These knots of vessels do an amazing job and help detoxify your blood. They also remove excess fluids from your body. When the glomeruli start breaking down, your kidneys will stop functioning properly, and you can develop kidney failure.

Glomerulonephritis is a severe disease that can lead to life-threatening complications. This condition requires immediate treatment. GN can be acute or chronic, but in any case, it is a very serious.

What are the causes of GN?

The causes of GN are different, and they usually depend on whether it is chronic or acute.

Acute GN can develop as a specific response to an infection. It also may be caused by the problems with the immune system when your body overreacts to the infection.

Some conditions can trigger the inflammation of the glomeruli, including:

1. Strep throat.

2. Systematic lupus erythematosus.

3. Goodpasture syndrome.

4. Polyarteritis nodosa.

In some cases, heavy use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, may increase the risk of developing GN.

Chronic GN can develop during several years with minor signs. The condition can lead to severe and irreversible damage to the kidneys and result in kidney failure. It is not clear why this occurs although sometimes, it is part of certain immune diseases.

The main symptoms of GN are the following:

1. Pink or dark urine because of red blood cells in the urine.

2. Puffiness in the face.

3. Swelling.

4. Foamy urine that means the excess protein in the urine.

5. High blood pressure.

6. Abdominal pain.

See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice signs that concern you.

How people can prevent GN

Unfortunately, there are no ways to prevent most cases of GN, but some measures may lower the risk. They include the following:

1. Get prompt treatment of a strep infection with a sore throat.

2. Control your high blood pressure because your kidneys may damage from hypertension.

3. Monitor your blood sugar levels to avoid diabetic neuropathy and prevent infections.