Chronic glomerulonephritis
Alternative Names
Glomerulonephritis - chronic; Chronic nephritisSymptoms
This condition causes high blood pressure (hypertension) and chronic kidney failure.
Specific symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine (dark, rust-colored, or brown urine)
- Foamy urine
Chronic kidney failure symptoms that gradually develop may include the following:
- Decreased alertness
- Decreased sensation in the hands, feet, or other areas
- Decreased urine output
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Fatigue
- Frequent hiccups
- General ill feeling (malaise)
- Generalized itching
- Headache
- Increased skin pigmentation -- skin may appear yellow or brown
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle twitching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Need to urinate at night
- Seizures
- Unintentional weight loss
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Blood in the vomit or stools
- Excessive urination
- High blood pressure
- Nosebleed
Exams and Tests
Because symptoms develop gradually, the disorder may be discovered when there is an abnormal urinalysis during a routine physical or during an examination for another, unrelated disorder. It may be discovered as a cause of high blood pressure that is difficult to control.
Laboratory tests may reveal anemia or show signs of reduced kidney functioning, including azotemia. Later, signs of chronic kidney failure may be apparent, including edema .
Tests that may be done include:
- Chest x-ray
- Kidney or abdominal CT scan
- Kidney or abdominal ultrasound
- IVP
- Urinalysis
A kidney biopsy may show one of the forms of chronic glomerulonephritis or scarring of the glomeruli.
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.