Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys called glomeruli that remove excess fluid and waste from the bloodstream. This kidney disease happens when the immune system attacks these filters, causing them to become inflamed and scarred, which prevents the kidneys from working properly. The National Kidney Foundation states that glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.

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Types of Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis comes in two main forms depending on how quickly it develops. Acute glomerulonephritis starts suddenly and is triggered by infections like strep throat, while chronic glomerulonephritis develops gradually over time from conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. According to Medscape, acute glomerulonephritis progresses to chronic glomerulonephritis in about 30% of adults.

What Causes This Kidney Disease?

The acute type is triggered by infections including strep throat, pneumococcus bacteria, chickenpox virus, and malaria parasites. Chronic glomerulonephritis develops from autoimmune diseases like lupus, Goodpasture syndrome, blood vessel inflammation disorders, hepatitis B and C infections, and HIV. According to StatPearls published by the National Institutes of Health, glomerulonephritis happens when immune-mediated damage affects the basement membrane, mesangium, or capillary endothelium of the glomeruli, resulting in blood in urine, protein in urine, and buildup of waste products in the blood.

Common Triggers Include

Post-streptococcal infections after strep throat
Autoimmune diseases like lupus and Goodpasture syndrome
Viral infections including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV
Blood vessel inflammation disorders
High blood pressure and diabetes

Recognizing the Symptoms

Early symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis include puffiness in the face, hands, and feet, urinating less than usual, and dark rust-colored urine from blood. Pink or cola-colored urine, foamy or bubbly urine from excess protein, high blood pressure, and swelling in the face, hands, feet, and abdomen are key warning signs. The chronic form develops slowly and shows up as blood or protein in urine detected during routine tests, frequent nighttime urination, nosebleeds, and swelling in the ankles and face.

Acute Symptoms

Puffiness in face, hands, and feet
Urinating less than usual
Dark rust or cola-colored urine from blood
Foamy or bubbly urine from protein
High blood pressure
Fluid in lungs causing coughing

Chronic Symptoms

Blood or protein in urine found during tests
Swelling in ankles and face
Frequent nighttime urination
Abdominal pain
Frequent nosebleeds
High blood pressure

Complications Without Treatment

Persistent inflammation results in chronic kidney disease, which is defined as kidney damage lasting three months or more. The American Kidney Fund warns that untreated glomerulonephritis can lead to acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, kidney infection, fluid buildup, high potassium levels, and complete kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant. According to the Mayo Clinic, damage to the glomeruli from inflammation or scarring leads to increased blood pressure and declining kidney function.

Get Expert Kidney Care

Dr. Vishal Golay, a senior consultant nephrologist with MD, DNB, and DM qualifications and over 15 years of experience, provides expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for glomerulonephritis and other kidney diseases in Siliguri.

As the best nephrologist in Siliguri, Dr. Golay specializes in managing immune-related kidney disorders, preventing kidney damage, and treating complications like high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.

You can reach Dr. Vishal Golay at Remedy Clinics, Singalila Park, Fortune Plaza, Dagapur, Siliguri, or at Balaji Healthcare, 2nd Mile, Sevoke Road, Siliguri by calling 74309 23244 or emailing vishalgolay1980@gmail.com for comprehensive kidney disease evaluation and treatment.