Glomerular diseases

Infections

Certain infections can trigger inflammation in the kidneys:

• Strep infections: It may start a week or two after a throat or skin infection. This is more common in children, and they often recover well.
• Heart infections: An infection in the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) can affect the kidneys.
• Hepatitis B and C: These viral infections can lead to kidney inflammation.
• HIV: This virus can damage the kidneys, even before AIDS develops.

Autoimmune Diseases

These are conditions where the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body:

• Lupus: A long-term disease that can damage many organs, including the kidneys.
• Goodpasture’s Syndrome: A rare illness where the immune system attacks the lungs and kidneys.
• IgA Nephropathy: A condition where a protein called IgA builds up in the kidneys. It may cause blood in the urine and go unnoticed for years.

Vasculitis (Inflamed Blood Vessels)

Some diseases cause swelling in the blood vessels, including those in the kidneys:

• Polyarteritis: Affects small and medium-sized blood vessels in the body.
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A rare disease that harms the kidneys, lungs, and sinuses.

Scarring Conditions

Some long-term conditions can scar the kidney filters and reduce kidney function:

• High blood pressure: Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar harms the kidney’s filters, especially if not managed well.
• Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): In this condition, some glomeruli develop scars. It may happen on its own or due to another disease.

Other Rare Causes

• Genetic disorders: Conditions like Alport syndrome can affect the kidneys, hearing, and vision.
• Cancer: Some cancers, like those of the stomach, lungs, or blood (leukaemia), can be linked to glomerular disease.

Glomerular disease may not cause symptoms at first. When signs do appear, they can include:

• Swelling in your hands, feet, legs, or around your eyes.
• Foamy urine from excess protein.
• Pink or brown urine from blood.
• High blood pressure.
• Less urine output than usual.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Loss of appetite or nausea.

These symptoms can also show up with other health problems. That’s why it’s important to get checked by a doctor.

To find out if you have glomerular disease, your doctor may suggest a few simple tests:

• Urine test: Checks for protein and blood in your urine.
• Blood test: Shows how well your kidneys are working.
• Ultrasound: Lets doctors see the size and shape of your kidneys.
• Kidney biopsy: A small piece of kidney tissue is looked at under a microscope.

These tests help doctors find the exact type of glomerular disease and plan the right treatment.

Treatment depends on what is causing the damage. The main goal is to protect your kidneys and prevent further harm. Treatment may include:

• Medicines to control blood pressure.
• Steroids or immunosuppressing drugs to reduce inflammation.
• Water pills (diuretics) to ease swelling.
• Diet changes like eating less salt, protein, or processed food.
• Managing other conditions like diabetes or infections.

If the disease is advanced, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. But with early care, most people can slow the disease and feel better.

Some people are more likely to get glomerular disease. Your risk may be higher if you:

• Have diabetes.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Have a family history of kidney disease.
• Live with lupus or other autoimmune problems.
• Had certain infections like hepatitis or HIV.
• Use painkillers or certain drugs for a long time.
• Regular check ups can help catch kidney problems early — before serious damage happens.

At Rukmani Birla Hospital (RBH), Jaipur, we offer expert care for people with glomerular disease. Here’s why patients trust us:

1. Specialists Who Listen: Our kidney doctors (nephrologists) are trained to treat complex kidney problems. They listen closely and explain things clearly.
2. Full Diagnosis in One Place: From blood tests to kidney biopsy, we do it all under one roof. That means fewer visits and faster answers.
3. Personalized Treatment: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Your treatment is built around your condition, your body, and your life.
4. Advanced Dialysis and Transplant Care: If you need it, we offer high-quality dialysis and kidney transplant services with strong support throughout.
5. Support That Feels Human: Our team includes doctors, nurses, dietitians, and counsellors who treat you with kindness. We’re here to walk the journey with you.