Glomerulonephritis is a type of glomerular kidney disease in which the kidneys’ filters (glomeruli composed of tiny blood vessels) become inflamed and scarred, and slowly lose their ability to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make urine. Types of glomerulonephritis include kidney disease of diabetes, IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis.
Signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis
The kidneys can be severely damaged before any symptoms appear. The following are the most common symptoms of glomerulonephritis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Noticeable swelling of the face, hands, feet and abdomen
- Blood and protein in the urine
- Decreased urine output
The symptoms of glomerulonephritis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.