Glomerulonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Glomerulonephritis?
A nephrologist (a kidney doctor) treats glomerulonephritis. Many people first learn they have it after an abnormal urine test during a routine checkup. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is glomerulonephritis?
Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease. It happens when the glomeruli become inflamed and scarred. The glomeruli are the tiny filters in your kidneys that remove waste and extra fluid from your blood.
When the filters are damaged, blood and protein can leak into the urine. The disease can come on suddenly or develop slowly over several years.
Symptoms
Common signs include:
- Blood in the urine, which can look dark, rust-colored, or cola-colored.
- Foamy urine, which can mean protein is in the urine.
- Swelling of the face, eyes, ankles, feet, legs, or belly.
- High blood pressure.
Other possible symptoms include fever and fatigue, which means feeling very tired.
Symptoms can develop slowly. Some people learn they have the disease from an abnormal urine test during a routine checkup.
Causes and who gets it
Glomerulonephritis is often caused by problems with the immune system. The immune system helps the body fight off infections. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Infections can trigger it. The sudden, or acute, type is often caused by an infection such as strep throat.
Other illnesses can also cause it, including lupus. With certain diseases, the immune system attacks healthy cells instead of germs.
Some medicines can cause it. Heavy, long-term use of NSAID pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause kidney damage. Exposure to chemicals can also raise the risk, so limiting exposure to organic solvents and mercury can help.
Some chronic cases come from Alport syndrome, an inherited disease that damages the kidneys. Blood or lymph system disorders, a history of cancer, and some infections can also raise the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
The first clues are often blood or protein in the urine. Urine tests check for protein and red blood cells. Blood tests check how well the kidneys are working, including a test called estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR.
Imaging tests, such as a kidney ultrasound or a CT scan, may be used. A kidney biopsy confirms the diagnosis. In a biopsy, doctors remove one or more tiny pieces of kidney tissue and look at them under a microscope.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and type of the disease. Controlling high blood pressure is usually an important part of treatment.
Treatment may include:
- Blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors or ARBs. These also help reduce protein in the urine.
- Diuretics, also called water pills, to remove extra fluid from the body.
- Corticosteroids and other medicines that suppress the immune system. These can keep the immune system from harming the kidneys.
- Plasmapheresis, a procedure that may be used when the immune system causes the disease. It removes the fluid part of the blood that contains antibodies.
Diet matters too. Lowering salt can help lower blood pressure and control swelling. It is important to work with a registered dietitian, a nutrition specialist, to plan changes. You may also need to limit fluids and protein.
Glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure is treated with dialysis (a treatment that does the kidneys' filtering job) or a kidney transplant.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you have a condition that raises your risk, or if you develop symptoms of glomerulonephritis.
Also contact your provider if you notice swelling of the face, eyes, ankles, feet, or belly, or foamy urine. Tell them too if you pass much less urine than usual.
Kidney function can fall over days to weeks in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Tell your health care team about any sudden change in your health.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have any of these signs:
- Severe trouble breathing.
- Chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more.
- Fainting or loss of consciousness.
- A sudden change in mental state, such as confusion or unusual behavior.
- Severe belly pain.
- Bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can review blood pressure and urine test results, follow your symptoms over time, and coordinate care with a kidney specialist. They do not perform kidney biopsies or dialysis.
Common questions
Is glomerulonephritis life threatening?
It can be serious. Glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure if untreated. It may be temporary and reversible, or it may get worse.
Can glomerulonephritis be prevented?
Not always. Most cases cannot be prevented. Some cases may be prevented by limiting exposure to organic solvents, mercury, and NSAIDs.
Does glomerulonephritis go away?
Sometimes. Acute glomerulonephritis can get better once the cause is treated. Other forms can get worse over time. Treatment can help keep the disease from getting worse.
Why do my legs swell?
Your legs swell because the damaged filters lose their ability to remove extra water. Fluid can then build up and cause swelling.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Glomerulonephritis
- National Kidney Foundation - Glomerulonephritis
- National Kidney Foundation - Glomerular Diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
