Glomerulonephritis

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The kidneys are a vital part of the body. Their main job is to remove waste products from the blood, which are passed out of the body in urine. There are about a million tiny filters in each kidney called glomeruli. If these filtering units get inflamed (swollen) for some reason (see causes) this is called glomerulonephritis. It means the kidneys are unable to work properly. Salt and excess fluid can build up, leading to complications such as high blood pressure and possibly kidney failure.

There are several types of glomerulonephritis; some are more serious and long-term than others. Glomerulonephritis may be short-lived (acute) and need minimal treatment. It may be present for many years without causing trouble, or it can develop into a long-term (chronic) condition.

Glomerulonephritis often follows an infection such as an infection of the throat (pharyngitis).

There are other conditions that cause glomerulonephritis and swelling in the kidneys such as infection, tumour growth, or disease within the kidney from long-term use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin.

Glomerulonephritis is more common in men than women. It often affects children and young people.