Symptoms
Glomerulonephritis sometimes causes no symptoms and is discovered during a routine urine test. When present, the symptoms of acute and chronic glomerulonephritis differ from one another.
The symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis may include:
- Blood in urine (red, brown, or tea-colored urine)
- Foamy appearance of urine
- Less frequent urination
- Swelling in the morning, especially in the face, feet, hands, and abdomen
Chronic glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure, which may cause these symptoms:
- Feeling tired
- Dry, itchy skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Muscle cramps at night
- Swelling of the face, feet, hands, or abdomen
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in kidney disease for further diagnostic testing and treatment (nephrologist).
Tests may include:
- Urinalysis—test to look for blood, protein, bacteria, and other evidence of kidney damage in the urine
- Blood tests—tests to check how well the kidneys are functioning and to look for medical conditions that may be causing glomerulonephritis
- Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys
- Abdominal CT scan —a type of x-ray test that uses a computer to create detailed images of the structures inside the abdomen, including the kidneys
- Kidney biopsy —removal of a sample of kidney tissue with a needle to test for glomerulonephritis
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2025 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.