Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis?
A primary care doctor or pediatrician often manages mild cases. A nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidneys, treats moderate to severe cases and follows recovery over time. 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 it is
Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis is a kidney problem that can appear after an infection with certain strep bacteria. Glomerulonephritis means swelling in the tiny filters of the kidneys, called glomeruli, which normally clean waste out of the blood. After a strep infection, the body's defense system can accidentally damage these filters while fighting the germs. Most people, especially children, recover fully over weeks to months.
Symptoms
The signs often show up one to two weeks after a sore throat, or up to six weeks after a skin infection. The most common signs are dark or cola colored urine and puffiness in the face, especially in the morning. Other signs include less urine than usual, swelling in the hands, feet, or belly, feeling tired, and high blood pressure.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is an immune reaction that starts after certain strains of strep bacteria infect the throat or skin. It is most common in children between about 5 and 12 years old. Boys get it more often than girls, and adults who do get it tend to have more serious illness.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors start by asking about recent sore throats or skin infections and checking for swelling and high blood pressure. A urine test can show blood and protein, and blood tests check kidney function and look for signs of a recent strep infection.
Treatment
There is no specific medicine that reverses the kidney damage, so treatment focuses on helping the body through recovery. Antibiotics clear any remaining strep infection. Doctors may prescribe medicines to lower blood pressure or reduce swelling, along with temporary limits on salt and fluids.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if urine turns dark or cola colored, or if there is puffiness in the face or swelling in the body. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or very little urine, since these can signal serious kidney problems.
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. These doctors often have longer appointments, can order urine and blood tests, treat the strep infection, and manage mild cases themselves. If the illness is severe, they will refer the patient to a nephrologist.
Common questions
Is poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis contagious?
No, the kidney problem itself cannot spread from person to person. The strep infection that triggered it can spread, though, so good hand washing matters.
Can it come back?
It almost never comes back after a person recovers. A new strep infection does not usually cause the kidney problem again.
How long does recovery take?
Most children feel better and have normal urine tests within several weeks to a few months. Adults may take longer, and some have lasting changes in kidney function.
Can it be prevented?
Treating strep throat and skin infections with antibiotics early may lower the risk. Good hygiene, like washing hands and not sharing towels, helps stop the spread of strep.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Kidney Diseases
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Clinical Guidance for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis | Group A Strep
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.
