Glomerulonephritis Overview
A person’s kidneys represent a vital, life-sustaining role in the human body. Without a functioning kidney, waste products and fluid can build back up in the body causing extreme swelling, dizziness and shortness of breath. If left untreated, kidney failure can occur which can be fatal. Every kidney contains nephrons which look like tiny pouches. Each nephron contains a glomerulus which filters the blood. Glomerulonephritis is a disease of the kidneys in which there is inflammation in these filtering units. Symptoms include discolored urine (similar to the appearance of red, ice-tea), foamy urine, high blood pressure, fatigue and swelling due to fluid retention. Certain bacterial and viral infections, as well as some immune diseases (such as Lupus) and medical conditions, can lead to glomerulonephritis. Treatment for this kidney disease is available depending on how the affliction occurred and whether the condition is chronic or acute.