Glomerulonephritis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Glomerulonephritis
is inflammation of the tissues in your kidney. These tissues work as a filter to separate waste and extra fluid from your blood. Your body turns waste and extra fluid into urine. Glomerulonephritis may be an immune system response to a trigger, causing inflammation. It may also develop a week or more after a strep infection.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Blood in your urine, or dark or foamy urine
- Swelling in your limbs or around your eyes
- High blood pressure
- Urinating less than usual
- Severe tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Fever, rash, or muscle or joint pain
Call 911 for any of the following:
- You have trouble breathing.
Seek care immediately if:
- You urinate little or not at all.
- You are dizzy, lightheaded, or feel faint.
- Your legs, ankles, and feet are swollen.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have nausea.
- You have severe tiredness or are confused.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
depends on the cause. You may not need any treatment or you may need any of the following:
- Medicines may help lower and control your blood pressure, or treat a bacterial infection. You may also need medicine to decrease inflammation or balance your electrolytes.
- Dialysis may be needed if your condition is severe. Dialysis helps clean your blood when your kidneys cannot.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage your symptoms:
- Ask your healthcare provider what foods are best for you. You may need to change the amounts of carbohydrates and proteins that you eat. You may also need to limit the amount of sodium (salt) and potassium in the foods you eat.
- Drink liquids as directed. You may need to limit the amount you drink until your symptoms improve. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider what your blood pressure and blood sugar levels should be. Control of these levels can help prevent kidney damage. Keep a record of your levels. Bring the record to your follow-up visits.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You will need to see a specialist called a nephrologist. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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