Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis or IgA nephropathy)

Overview

IgA nephropathy often shows as cola-colored urine after a cold.

Some types follow strep infections in children.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Blood in urine
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)
• Puffy eyes or face, with foamy urine

Less common

• Swelling
• Foamy urine
• High blood pressure

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Urine tests:
• Biopsy:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Limit salt

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat strep throat

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a nephrologist (kidney doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• National Kidney Foundation: Help line, peer mentors, and education about kidney health.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Post-strep kidney inflammation usually heals.
• Children: Often after strep.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment can slow kidney damage.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Will my kidneys get worse?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis or IgA nephropathy)