Living with Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the kidneys' tiny filters, which can cause blood in the urine, swelling, and high blood pressure.
Understanding Glomerulonephritis
The glomeruli remove extra waste and fluid from the blood. It may be acute or chronic (coming on gradually), and may occur on its own (primary) or be caused by another condition (secondary). If it is severe or lasts a long time, the kidneys can be damaged.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type and cause. GARD says they may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Foamy urine
- Swelling of the face, eyes, or other body parts
- Belly pain
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute and NephCure Kidney International may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute, NephCure Kidney International
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It may be caused by a variety of infections and diseases. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Also known as: glomerular nephritis; glomerulonephritis (disease); gn - glomerulonephritis; nephritis of renal glomerulus; renal glomerulus nephritis
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationGlomerulonephritis · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteGlomerulonephritis · United States
- National Kidney FoundationGlomerulonephritis · United States
- NephCure Kidney InternationalGlomerulonephritis · United States
- American Association of Kidney PatientsGlomerulonephritis · United States
- HealthTree FoundationGlomerulonephritis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Glomerulonephritis.
Explore research for Glomerulonephritis
Explore actively recruiting Glomerulonephritis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Glomerulonephritis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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