When you start noticing signs of a kidney condition that affects how your body removes waste, your mind might start racing.
Glomerulonephritis isn’t just one condition — it’s a group of kidney diseases that affect the tiny filters in your kidneys. It can come on quickly (acute) or develop over time (chronic), and this diagnosis can bring a lot of questions: How did it start? Is it affecting other parts of my body? Will I be OK?
Cleveland Clinic’s kidney specialists are here to support you with compassionate care. We’ll build a treatment plan around your specific diagnosis and needs, anticipating complications and treating conditions before they become life-threatening. From testing and finding the cause of glomerulonephritis to closely monitoring your kidney function during treatment, you can count on us every step of the way.
Lupus, vasculitis and infections are common causes of glomerulonephritis. If you have one of these conditions or are recovering from a lingering infection, our kidney experts work with specialists in rheumatology and immunology to go over your progress and determine the best treatment path.
Some causes of glomerulonephritis are more complex than others. That’s why our Glomerulonephritis Board may review your care. This is a team of specialists who work together to guide your diagnosis and treatment. You’ll have experts with you at every step.
Cleveland Clinic leads research that uncovers innovative ways of diagnosing and treating rare kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis. This includes clinical trials that may give you access to the latest therapies before they’re widely available.
Virtual visits are a convenient alternative to seeing your provider in person for quick check-ins and some follow-up appointments. You’ll still connect with your care team and get expert guidance — all without leaving home.
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Your journey might start with your primary care provider. They may refer you to a specialist if they think your kidneys aren’t working the way they should. You may have abnormal lab results or symptoms like swelling in your arms or legs or changes in your pee.
At your appointment, your provider starts by ordering some lab tests. You provide a urine sample and give some blood (a blood draw). These tests help us understand how your kidneys are currently working and help us find possible causes.
Common causes of glomerulonephritis include:
Based on your lab results, your provider may need to do more testing to determine the cause of the disease and pick the right treatment plan. We may use:
Your imaging or kidney biopsy results will be available in your MyChart account. Your provider may also send you a MyChart message or call you to go over things in more detail.
The next step is talking through your glomerulonephritis treatment options together.
We offer treatment for glomerulonephritis at the following locations in Ohio and Florida:
Our compassionate providers are there for you throughout your treatment. Your care team works together to support you and answer your questions. Your care team may include:
When it comes to your treatment, we tailor your plan to treat the cause of glomerulonephritis. Treatment may include:
Your provider may prescribe a diuretic (water pill) to reduce your swelling. We may recommend steroids or antibiotics to treat glomerulonephritis caused by an infection.
If an autoimmune disease or vasculitis is causing your glomerulonephritis, we may recommend IV immune-suppressing medication. During your appointment at our infusion center, experienced nurses will deliver your treatment. Your provider will discuss with you how often you’ll need treatment sessions.
We may recommend avoiding certain foods since glomerulonephritis reduces your kidneys’ ability to remove waste from your blood. Physical activity, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol can help protect your kidneys, too.
Following treatment, you’ll have several follow-up appointments. Your provider may recommend maintenance therapy to prevent a flare-up of glomerulonephritis. We continue to watch your kidney function through urine and blood samples every few months. These regular visits help us detect any changes early on and adjust your treatment when needed.
Glomerulonephritis can affect how you feel day to day. You may even wonder if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. Our team is here to help you understand your condition and talk through the next steps, so you can move forward with a plan that works for you.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s glomerulonephritis experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
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