The glomeruli (small, round filters in the kidney) become infected and cannot effectively filter waste products from the bloodstream. This may cause serious consequences, and can affect all ages, but is most common in children (1 to 11 years).
Causes of Glomerulonephritis
The cause of acute glomerulonephritis is a streptococcal infection. The throat and skin are the most common infection site. The onset of kidney symptoms is usually 2 or 3 weeks after the strep infection. Chronic glomerulonephritis is rare and may have different causes than acute glomerulonephritis, such as lupus, viral infections, and bacterial endocarditis. Sometimes cause is unknown.
Signs and Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis
Symptoms of mild glomerulonephritis: no symptoms and diagnosis is possible only with urine studies. Symptoms of severe glomerulonephritis: smoky or slightly red urine, ill feeling, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, fever (sometimes), appetite loss, decreased urination, fluid accumulation in the body, puffy eyes and ankles, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and disturbed vision (due to high blood pressure).
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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