Goodpasture Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Goodpasture Syndrome?
A nephrologist (a kidney doctor) and a pulmonologist (a lung doctor) usually take part in care for Goodpasture syndrome. The disease may quickly progress, so get help right away if you have symptoms. 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 Goodpasture Syndrome?
Goodpasture syndrome is an uncommon autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease means that the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body. The immune system usually protects the body from infection. In Goodpasture syndrome, the body makes antibodies that attack and damage the lining of the lungs and kidneys.
The disease is named after Ernest Goodpasture. He first described it in 1919.
Symptoms
Early signs can include tiredness, weakness, and loss of appetite. The disease may progress quickly.
Both the lungs and the kidneys can be affected. Early symptoms may appear before, or along with, lung and kidney problems. Lung symptoms can include:
- Coughing up blood.
- A dry cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
Kidney symptoms can include:
- Pink or cola-colored urine, which means blood in the urine.
- Swelling in the feet and legs.
- High blood pressure.
- Foamy urine, which can mean too much protein in the urine.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know the exact cause. A mix of genes and environment may raise the risk.
Researchers have found a link between the disease and some types of HLA. HLA, short for human leukocyte antigen, is a group of proteins that play a role in the immune response.
Breathing in certain chemicals may raise the risk. These include hydrocarbons, which are found in gasoline, kerosene, and paint thinner. Smoking, infections, inhaled cocaine, and metal dust may also raise the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use blood and urine tests to look for the disease and for kidney damage. A specific blood test can find harmful antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that help fight infections.
A urine test checks a sample of urine for blood and protein. These can show kidney damage.
A chest x-ray can show damage to the lungs.
A kidney biopsy takes one or more tiny pieces of the kidney. A lab looks at them under a microscope.
Treatment
Doctors most often use three kinds of treatment:
- Plasma exchange, also called plasmapheresis. A machine filters the blood and removes the harmful antibodies.
- Medicines that slow the immune system.
- Corticosteroids, also known as steroids. These medicines lower inflammation.
Plasma exchange may take several treatments over a few weeks.
Goodpasture syndrome can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure is treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant. Some people may need a kidney transplant.
You may also be given medicine to control high blood pressure or extra fluid. You may need to reduce sodium (salt) in your diet. A dietitian can help you with these changes.
Early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to prevent or slow kidney damage. Not smoking is very important. People with this disease should avoid vapors from organic solvents, such as gasoline or paint thinner.
When to see a doctor
Seek help from a health care professional right away if you have these symptoms. Blood in the urine is one example.
Goodpasture syndrome can cause life-threatening bleeding in the lungs. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you are coughing up blood, or have severe trouble breathing, chest pain that lasts two minutes or more, fainting, or 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. For this disease, that doctor can refer you to a kidney specialist for tests. The doctor can also help with medicines that slow the immune system.
Common questions
Is Goodpasture Syndrome life threatening?
Yes, it can be. If it is left untreated, the disease can quickly get worse and may lead to kidney failure and death.
Can Goodpasture Syndrome be prevented?
Not fully. Doctors do not know exactly why it starts. Smoking and breathing in certain chemicals may raise the risk, so avoiding them is a good idea.
Does the lung bleeding go away?
In most cases, the bleeding stops and the lungs are not left with lasting damage. The kidneys can be harmed for good, though.
Will I need dialysis?
Some people do. Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure. If you already need dialysis when treatment starts, you are likely to stay on it.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - Anti-GBM (Goodpasture's) Disease
- National Kidney Foundation - Goodpasture Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
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.
