Acute Glomerulonephritis

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 8 min read
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Acute glomerulonephritis is a condition that affects your kidneys, specifically the tiny filters in them called glomeruli. These filters help remove waste and excess fluids from your blood. When they get inflamed, it can lead to various problems. In this article, we'll break down the...

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Article Summary

Acute glomerulonephritis is a condition that affects your kidneys, specifically the tiny filters in them called glomeruli. These filters help remove waste and excess fluids from your blood. When they get inflamed, it can lead to various problems. In this article, we'll break down the types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and drugs related to acute glomerulonephritis in simple and easy-to-understand language. Types of Acute...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Causes of Acute Glomerulonephritis in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Symptoms of Acute Glomerulonephritis in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Diagnostic Tests for Acute Glomerulonephritis in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Treatments for Acute Glomerulonephritis in simple medical language.
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Definition

Acute glomerulonephritis is a condition that affects your kidneys, specifically the tiny filters in them called glomeruli. These filters help remove waste and excess fluids from your blood. When they get inflamed, it can lead to various problems. In this article, we’ll break down the types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and drugs related to acute glomerulonephritis in simple and easy-to-understand language.

Types of Acute Glomerulonephritis

There are different types of acute glomerulonephritis, but the two most common ones are:

  1. Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis: This type usually occurs after a strep throat infection, and your body’s immune response ends up affecting your kidneys.
  2. IgA Nephropathy (Berger’s Disease): In this type, a protein called IgA builds up in your kidneys, leading to infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation and damage.

Causes of Acute Glomerulonephritis

Various factors can trigger acute glomerulonephritis. Here are 20 potential causes:

  1. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, like strep throat or HIV, can sometimes lead to acute glomerulonephritis.
  2. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where your immune system attacks your own body, such as lupus, can affect your kidneys.
  3. IgA Nephropathy: A buildup of IgA protein can lead to this condition.
  4. Vasculitis: infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">Inflammation of blood vessels can impact kidney function.
  5. Hepatitis B and C: These viral infections can harm your kidneys.
  6. Medications: Certain drugs, like nonsteroidal infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause kidney issues.
  7. High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage your kidneys over time.
  8. insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes: Long-term insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes can lead to kidney problems, known as diabetic nephropathy.
  9. Family History: If your family has a history of kidney disease, you might be at a higher risk.
  10. Smoking: Smoking can worsen kidney damage.
  11. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can harm your kidneys.
  12. Obesity: Being overweight can tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।" data-rx-term="strain" data-rx-definition="A strain is injury to a muscle or tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।">strain your kidneys.
  13. Aging: As you age, your kidneys may naturally function less efficiently.
  14. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease like lupus can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys.
  15. Goodpasture Syndrome: This rare condition involves both lung and kidney damage.
  16. Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: A childhood condition involving inflammation of blood vessels.
  17. Polyarteritis Nodosa: Another rare condition causing inflammation of arteries.
  18. Wegener’s Granulomatosis: An autoimmune disease affecting the respiratory tract and kidneys.
  19. Cryoglobulinemia: Abnormal proteins in the blood can harm the kidneys.
  20. Blood Clots: Clots in the kidney’s blood vessels can reduce blood flow.

Symptoms of Acute Glomerulonephritis

Acute glomerulonephritis can have various symptoms. Here are 20 common ones:

  1. Swelling: Especially around the eyes, hands, and feet.
  2. Dark Urine: Urine may appear bloody or brown.
  3. Foamy Urine: Excess protein in the urine can cause it to foam.
  4. Frequent Urination: You may feel the need to urinate more often.
  5. Hypertension: High blood pressure is a common symptom.
  6. Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time.
  7. Shortness of Breath: Fluid buildup can affect your lungs.
  8. Headaches: Often related to high blood pressure.
  9. Nausea and Vomiting: Kidney problems can lead to these symptoms.
  10. Loss of Appetite: You may not feel like eating.
  11. Muscle Cramps: Can be due to imbalances in electrolytes.
  12. Joint Pain: Especially in cases of autoimmune-related glomerulonephritis.
  13. Weight Gain: Due to fluid retention.
  14. Chest Pain: If fluid builds up around the heart.
  15. Itchy Skin: Kidney issues can cause skin problems.
  16. Weakness: A general feeling of weakness or malaise.
  17. Fever: In some cases, there may be a fever.
  18. Abdominal Pain: Sometimes associated with kidney infections.
  19. Confusion: Kidney problems can affect brain function.
  20. Reduced Urine Output: You may pass less urine than usual.

Diagnostic Tests for Acute Glomerulonephritis

To diagnose acute glomerulonephritis, doctors may perform various tests. Here are 20 common diagnostic tests:

  1. Urinalysis: This test checks your urine for blood and protein.
  2. Blood Pressure Measurement: To determine if hypertension is present.
  3. Blood Tests: To assess kidney function, including creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
  4. Kidney Biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope.
  5. Ultrasound: Imaging to visualize the kidneys and their blood flow.
  6. CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.
  7. X-rays: To detect abnormalities or blockages.
  8. Renal Arteriogram: A contrast dye is injected to check blood flow in the kidneys.
  9. 24-Hour Urine Collection: Measures protein and other substances over a day.
  10. Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a camera examines the urinary tract.
  11. Antinuclear Antibody Test: Helps identify autoimmune causes.
  12. Complement Levels: To check for inflammation.
  13. Rheumatoid Factor Test: Looks for markers of autoimmune disease.
  14. Serum Protein Electrophoresis: Detects abnormal proteins.
  15. Chest X-ray: To assess lung involvement.
  16. Throat Swab: In cases of streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
  17. Hepatitis Tests: If viral infections are suspected.
  18. Coagulation Tests: To check for blood clotting issues.
  19. Electrolyte Levels: Evaluates sodium, potassium, and calcium levels.
  20. Echocardiogram: To assess heart function if needed.

Treatments for Acute Glomerulonephritis

Treating acute glomerulonephritis depends on its cause and severity. Here are 30 possible treatments:

  1. Antibiotics: If the condition is caused by an infection, antibiotics can help.
  2. Immune System Suppressants: Drugs like corticosteroids can calm an overactive immune system.
  3. Blood Pressure Medication: To control hypertension and reduce kidney strain.
  4. Diuretics: Help remove excess fluid from the body.
  5. Dietary Changes: Reducing salt and protein intake can ease kidney workload.
  6. Fluid Restrictions: Limiting fluid intake may be necessary in severe cases.
  7. Plasma Exchange: Removes harmful antibodies from the blood.
  8. ACE Inhibitors: Medications that can protect the kidneys and lower blood pressure.
  9. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Similar to ACE inhibitors, they help control blood pressure.
  10. Rituximab: An immunosuppressive drug used in some autoimmune cases.
  11. Dialysis: In severe cases, where the kidneys can’t filter waste and fluids properly.
  12. Blood Transfusions: If there’s severe anemia due to kidney dysfunction.
  13. Iron Supplements: To treat anemia.
  14. Low-Potassium Diet: Helps manage electrolyte imbalances.
  15. Low-Phosphorus Diet: Important in advanced kidney disease.
  16. Calcium Supplements: To maintain bone health.
  17. Medications for Edema: To reduce swelling.
  18. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: To relieve pain and inflammation.
  19. Statin Medications: Control cholesterol levels.
  20. Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots.
  21. Immunoglobulin Therapy: May be used in certain autoimmune cases.
  22. Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESAs): Stimulate red blood cell production.
  23. Vitamin D Supplements: Maintain bone health.
  24. Calcium Channel Blockers: Can help lower blood pressure.
  25. Hemodialysis: A type of dialysis that filters blood outside the body.
  26. Peritoneal Dialysis: A different type of dialysis using the abdomen lining.
  27. Kidney Transplant: In cases of severe kidney damage or failure.
  28. Nutritional Counseling: To manage diet and fluid intake.
  29. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help maintain overall health.
  30. Psychological Support: Dealing with a chronic illness can be challenging, so counseling or support groups may be beneficial.

Common Drugs Used in Acute Glomerulonephritis

Several medications are commonly used to manage acute glomerulonephritis. Here are 20 of them:

  1. Ibuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
  2. Prednisone: A corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
  3. Lisinopril: An ACE inhibitor to lower blood pressure.
  4. Losartan: An ARB medication for hypertension.
  5. Furosemide: A diuretic to remove excess fluid.
  6. Enalapril: Another ACE inhibitor for blood pressure control.
  7. Captopril: ACE inhibitor used in certain cases.
  8. Cyclophosphamide: An immunosuppressive drug.
  9. Mycophenolate Mofetil: Suppresses the immune system.
  10. Tacrolimus: An immunosuppressant.
  11. Epoetin Alfa: An ESA to stimulate red blood cell production.
  12. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): For maintaining bone health.
  13. Calcium Carbonate: A calcium supplement.
  14. Iron Sulfate: For treating anemia.
  15. Warfarin: An anticoagulant to prevent blood clots.
  16. Aspirin: Used in some cases for blood thinning.
  17. Fosinopril: Another ACE inhibitor for blood pressure.
  18. Spironolactone: A diuretic for fluid control.
  19. Allopurinol: For managing gout.
  20. Procrit: An ESA similar to Epoetin Alfa.

In Conclusion

Acute glomerulonephritis can affect anyone, but understanding its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and drugs is crucial for managing the condition. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. By staying informed and following medical advice, you can better manage this kidney condition and improve your overall quality of life.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

 

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Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
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Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
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  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

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Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

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Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Acute Glomerulonephritis

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

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