Dr Alvin Ng
Senior Consultant Nephrologist

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (Auckland, New Zealand)
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Renal Medicine)

Glomerulonephritis is a condition where there is inflammation in the kidneys. It is a type of kidney inflammation that occurs when the glomeruli (small filters in the kidneys) become inflamed. The glomeruli are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood and eliminating them from the body through the urine.

When the glomeruli become damaged or inflamed, they may not function properly, leading to the buildup of waste products in the body and potentially causing a number of health problems.

This can occur suddenly or gradually. IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis are examples of glomerulonephritis that affect just the kidneys; however, glomerulonephritis may also occur as part of a more systemic illness, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or ANCA vasculitis. However, prolonged and untreated kidney inflammation is associated with permanent kidney damage, and immediate glomerulonephritis treatment is needed to prevent this.

There are several different types of glomerulonephritis, including:

Acute glomerulonephritis: This is a sudden and severe form of the disease that often follows a strep throat infection.
Chronic glomerulonephritis: This is a long-term form of the disease that may progress slowly over time.
Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: This is a severe and rapidly progressing form of the disease that can lead to kidney failure within a few weeks or months.

It is essential to see a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent or slow the progression of said disease and can protect kidney function.

Symptoms

The symptoms of glomerulonephritis might differ depending on whether it is acute or chronic and what causes it. In certain cases of chronic illness, you may have no idea anything is wrong until a regular urine test reveals abnormalities (urinalysis).

Common glomerulonephritis symptoms may include:

- Pink or cola-colored urine from red blood cells in your urine (Hematuria)
- Bubbly or foamy urine due to excess protein in the urine (Proteinuria)
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Face, hands, and foot swelling due to fluid retention (Oedema)
- Urinating less than usual

Risk Factors of Glomerulonephritis

The cause of glomerulonephritis can vary. However, certain factors may contribute to its development, which are the following:

- Infections: Glomerulonephritis can sometimes be caused by infections such as strep throat or pneumonia.
- Autoimmune disorders: Glomerulonephritis can develop as a result of autoimmune diseases, wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the body.
- Genetic factors: Some forms of glomerulonephritis can be inherited and are caused by genetic factors.
- Other conditions: Glomerulonephritis can also be caused by other conditions such as lupus, multiple myeloma, and amyloidosis.

Causes of Glomerulonephritis

In some cases, the cause of glomerulonephritis may not be known. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent or slow the progression of the disease and can help to protect kidney function.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for glomerulonephritis will depend on the underlying cause of the condition and the severity of the disease. Due to the vast array of potential causes of this condition and the complexity of this treatment, we advise a full consultation and assessment for the best treatment available.

Do you have a question about your kidney or medical condition?

Reach out to us for a consultation with Dr Alvin Ng.

Medical Director & Senior Consultant Nephrologist

Dr Alvin Ng (黄国雄医生)

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (Auckland, New Zealand)
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Renal Medicine)

Dr Alvin Ng is a senior consultant nephrologist with over two decades of experience in kidney care. Prior to setting up his own practice, Dr Ng was the Director of Peritoneal Dialysis at Changi General Hospital and an executive committee member of the Singapore Society of Nephrology. He has held teaching appointments for medical students and residents; and is also a recipient of various service awards – a testament to the quality of care he provides.