Can glomerulonephritis be cured?

It depends on the type. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis, especially in children, usually resolves completely within weeks to months. Immune-mediated types such as lupus nephritis or vasculitis can often be brought into remission with treatment, although relapses can occur and long-term monitoring is needed. Chronic forms may progress slowly despite treatment, which is why early diagnosis matters.

Will I need dialysis?

Most people with glomerulonephritis do not progress to kidney failure, particularly when the condition is diagnosed and treated early. The risk is higher with rapidly progressive forms, significant scarring on biopsy, persistent heavy protein leakage, or uncontrolled blood pressure. Your nephrologist will monitor kidney function and adjust treatment to reduce this risk.

Why do I need a kidney biopsy?

Many different conditions cause inflammation of the glomeruli, and they are treated very differently. A biopsy, in which a small piece of kidney tissue is removed with a needle under local anesthetic, shows exactly what type of damage is present and how much scarring has occurred. This information guides whether immune-suppressing treatment is needed and how aggressive it should be.

UrologicalICD-10: N05Uncommon overall but a leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide

Glomerulonephritis

Also known as: Glomerular disease, Nephritis, Nephritic syndrome

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys that clean waste and excess fluid from the blood. When they are inflamed, they leak blood and protein into the urine and filter less effectively, which can lead to swelling, high blood pressure, and reduced kidney function. It can come on suddenly (acute) after an infection or as part of an immune disease, or develop silently over years (chronic). Some forms settle on their own, while others need immune-suppressing treatment to prevent permanent kidney damage. Because early stages may cause few symptoms, glomerulonephritis is often first picked up through blood or urine tests done for other reasons.

At a Glance

Common symptoms: Pink, red, or cola-colored urine from blood (hematuria), Foamy urine from excess protein, Swelling of the face, especially around the eyes in the morning, and of the legs and ankles
Main treatments: Treatment of the underlying cause, such as antibiotics for an active infection or management of lupus or vasculitis, Corticosteroids and other immune-suppressing medications (cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate, rituximab) for immune-mediated forms, Blood pressure medications, particularly ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which also reduce protein leakage and protect the kidneys
Category: Urological · Uncommon overall but a leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide
See a doctor if: Blood in the urine or persistently foamy urine

Symptoms

Pink, red, or cola-colored urine from blood (hematuria)

Foamy urine from excess protein

Swelling of the face, especially around the eyes in the morning, and of the legs and ankles

High blood pressure

Passing less urine than usual

Fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite as kidney function declines

Joint pain, rash, or fever when an underlying immune disease is responsible

Causes

Immune reactions following infections, classically streptococcal throat or skin infections, and also hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, or endocarditis
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, IgA nephropathy, and anti-GBM (Goodpasture) disease
Vasculitis, a group of conditions that inflame small blood vessels
Diabetes and long-standing high blood pressure causing chronic glomerular damage
Inherited conditions such as Alport syndrome
Certain medications and, rarely, cancers

Risk Factors

A recent streptococcal infection, especially in children
An autoimmune condition such as lupus or vasculitis
Chronic viral infections including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV
Diabetes or poorly controlled high blood pressure
A family history of kidney disease
Long-term use of certain medications such as NSAIDs

Diagnosis

Urine tests for blood, protein, and abnormal cells or casts under the microscope
Blood tests for kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), electrolytes, and immune markers such as ANA, ANCA, complement levels, and streptococcal antibodies
Blood pressure measurement and assessment of fluid status
Kidney ultrasound to check size and structure
Kidney biopsy, which is often needed to determine the exact type and guide treatment

Treatment

Treatment of the underlying cause, such as antibiotics for an active infection or management of lupus or vasculitis
Corticosteroids and other immune-suppressing medications (cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate, rituximab) for immune-mediated forms
Blood pressure medications, particularly ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which also reduce protein leakage and protect the kidneys
Diuretics to control swelling and fluid overload
Plasma exchange for certain rapidly progressive types
Dialysis or transplant if kidney failure develops
Supportive: a reduced-salt diet, moderate protein intake as advised by a renal dietitian, and avoiding NSAIDs and other kidney-stressing medicines

Prevention

Seek treatment for strep throat and skin infections promptly
Keep diabetes and blood pressure well controlled
Practise safe sex and avoid sharing needles to reduce hepatitis and HIV risk
Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen sparingly
Attend regular monitoring if you have an autoimmune disease or a family history of kidney disease

When to See a Doctor

Blood in the urine or persistently foamy urine
Unexplained swelling of the face, legs, or abdomen
A sharp rise in blood pressure, severe headache, or vision changes
Passing very little urine, breathlessness, or chest pain (emergency)
Dark urine or swelling within a few weeks of a sore throat or skin infection, particularly in a child

Frequently Asked Questions

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