Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis refers to the damage to the small filters in your kidneys, known as glomeruli. This condition is often a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues in the body. When glomerulonephritis is mild, it typically does not present any obvious symptoms and is often discovered during blood or urine tests conducted for other reasons. While mild cases can usually be treated successfully, some individuals may experience long-term kidney complications. In cases of severe glomerulonephritis, urine may appear dark due to the presence of blood; however, this blood might only be detected through laboratory testing of a urine sample.

Common symptoms:

Joint pain

Shortness of breath

Tiredness

Stomach pain

Loss of appetite and weight loss

High temperature

Rashes

Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or the skin, although this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin ( jaundice )

Peeing a lot less than usual

When to seek medical help

If you find blood in your urine, it’s important to consult a GP. While this doesn’t automatically indicate glomerulonephritis, the underlying cause should be examined. Additionally, you should see a GP if you experience other symptoms associated with glomerulonephritis, such as joint pain, fatigue, or difficulty breathing. If your GP suspects glomerulonephritis, they will typically arrange for: blood tests to assess protein levels in your blood and to measure your creatinine level (a waste product produced by your muscles), and a urine test to check for blood or protein in your urine. Should glomerulonephritis be confirmed, further blood tests may be required to determine the cause. If your kidney issue necessitates additional investigation, other tests may be conducted.