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Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis

There are several types of glomerulonephritis. If it has been caused by an infection, the early symptoms may include a sore throat. Inflammation in the kidneys may not be obvious at first. Symptoms of kidney damage can come on suddenly or appear up to three weeks after infection.

As a result of damage to the kidneys, glomerulonephritis can cause:

  • swollen ankles,
  • a puffy face, 
  • problems breathing,
  • pale skin,
  • headaches,
  • visual problems,·
  • fever,
  • loss of appetite and
  • vomiting.

In addition, there may be small amounts of blood in the urine and it may be cloudy. The normal urine output for an adult is between 0.8 and 2.5 litres per day. This can vary according to a number of factors such as how much you exercise and how hot or cold you are. In severe cases of glomerulonephritis, some people find that they do not urinate at all for 2-3 days. Once they are able to urinate again, there may still be blood and protein in the urine.

Some people get pain in the kidneys (in the upper back, behind the ribs). Kidney pain may be due to a kidney infection or kidney stones and not glomerulonephritis, so it is important to see your GP for correct diagnosis.