Overview of the Condition
What is Acute glomerulonephritis?
Acute glomerulonephritis is a condition in which the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli) become inflamed. These filters normally remove excess fluid and waste from the bloodstream, which are then passed out of the body in the urine. When glomerulonephritis develops suddenly, it is called acute glomerulonephritis.
Why is it important?
Acute glomerulonephritis may occur on its own or as part of another disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Severe or prolonged inflammation can damage the kidneys and affect their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.
Who is commonly affected?
Glomerulonephritis can develop after a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, or occur in people with certain chronic diseases. In some cases, it is caused by an inherited gene change, which can be passed from carrier mothers to their sons.
Causes / Why it happens
Underlying causes
The exact cause of acute glomerulonephritis is often unknown. However, it may occur due to:
- A complication of bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart valves)
- Infections such as strep throat, HIV, or hepatitis C
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
- Anti-GBM disease (Goodpasture syndrome), affecting the lungs and kidneys
- IgA nephropathy (a kidney disease)
- Rare diseases that cause inflammation of blood vessels
- Certain cancers, such as multiple myeloma
Risk factors
Factors that may increase the risk of developing acute glomerulonephritis include:
- A personal or family history of kidney disease
- Taking certain medications
- Exposure to specific toxins
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Having an autoimmune disease(the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissues)
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of glomerulonephritis may vary depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms can also differ between the acute and chronic forms of glomerulonephritis.
Common symptoms
- Cola-coloured or tea-coloured urine (due to blood and protein in the urine)
- Sore throat
- Reduced urine output
- Fatigue
- Lethargy (Tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased breathing effort
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Joint pain
- Pale skin
- Swelling (edema), especially due to fluid accumulation
- Yellow or brown discoloration of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
Warning signs
Seek immediate medical attention if the following occur:
- Seizures, which may occur due to severely high blood pressure
When to see a doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blood in your urine (hematuria) or other changes in the appearance of your urine
- Changes in how often you urinate
- Joint pain
- Swelling of the legs or face
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis and investigations
Clinical evaluation
Acute glomerulonephritis may not always cause symptoms and is sometimes discovered during tests performed for another condition. If your healthcare provider suspects glomerulonephritis, you may be referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) for further evaluation.
Tests (blood tests, imaging, scans, etc.)
The following tests may be recommended:
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Throat culture
- Kidney (renal) biopsy
- Kidney (renal) ultrasound
- Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Chest X-ray
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of acute glomerulonephritis and whether kidney damage is present. The goal of treatment is to prevent further kidney damage.
Medications
Depending on the cause of the condition, your healthcare provider may prescribe:
- Certain medicines control high blood pressure and reduce the amount of protein in the urine
- Diuretics (water tablets) to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling (edema)
- Prednisone or other immunosuppressive medicines to reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from damaging the kidneys
- The type and dose of medicines may be adjusted based on the underlying disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any OTC medicines or supplements
Lifestyle modifications
- Follow a healthy diet that is low in salt and cholesterol
- Reduce salt intake to help control blood pressure and swelling
- Limit cholesterol intake to help reduce the risk of heart disease
- Your healthcare provider may advise you to limit fluid intake, depending on your condition
- Consult a registered dietitian for personalised dietary advice
Non-surgical management
- Dialysis: Helps remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood and helps control blood pressure
- Plasmapheresis: A procedure that filters harmful proteins from the blood
Surgical management
- It includes a kidney transplant in case of kidney failure
Follow up
To help you prepare for your follow-up appointment:
- Ask your healthcare provider if you need to do anything before your appointment, such as limiting food or fluid intake
- Keep a record of your symptoms, including when they started and any changes you have noticed
- Bring a list of all your medications, including prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements
- Share your medical history and any family history of kidney disease with your healthcare provider
- Consider bringing a family member or friend to help you remember the information and advice provided during the appointment
Myths and Facts
Acute glomerulonephritis is always caused by a kidney infection.
Acute glomerulonephritis can develop after certain infections, but it may also be caused by autoimmune diseases, inherited conditions, or other medical disorders.
Blood in the urine always means kidney stones.
Blood in the urine can have many causes, including acute glomerulonephritis. A healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause.
If my symptoms improve, my kidneys have completely recovered.
Even if symptoms improve, follow-up tests are important to ensure the kidneys are healing properly and functioning well.
Acute glomerulonephritis always leads to permanent kidney damage.
Many people recover well with appropriate treatment, although some may require ongoing monitoring depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
FAQs
Is acute glomerulonephritis contagious?
No. Acute glomerulonephritis itself is not contagious, although some infections that can trigger it, such as strep throat, may spread from person to person.
Can acute glomerulonephritis be cured?
Many people recover completely, especially when the underlying cause is treated promptly. Recovery depends on the cause and the extent of kidney damage.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
This depends on the severity of your condition. Mild cases may be managed with regular follow-up, while more severe cases may require hospital treatment.
Can I continue my normal activities during recovery?
Your healthcare provider will advise you based on your condition. Some people may need to reduce strenuous activities until their kidneys recover.
Why are follow-up appointments important?
Follow-up visits help your healthcare provider monitor kidney function, check your response to treatment, and detect any ongoing kidney damage or complications early.
References
- Glomerulonephritis. Mayo Clinic. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glomerulonephritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355705#dialogId62775750. Accessed on 27 July 2026.
- Glomerulonephritis (GN). Cleveland Clinic. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16167-glomerulonephritis-gn. Accessed on 27 July 2026.
- Glomerulonephritis. Boston Children's Hospital. Available from https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-treatments/glomerulonephritis. Accessed on 27 July 2026.
- Glomerulonephritis. National Kidney Foundation. Available from https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/glomerulonephritis. Accessed on 27 July 2026.
- Glomerulonephritis. Mayo Clinic. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases conditions/glomerulonephritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355710. Accessed on 27 July 2026.
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