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Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidney filters (glomeruli). It can cause blood and protein in the urine, swelling and high blood pressure.
Causes & risk factors
- Immune reaction after a throat or skin infection
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
- IgA nephropathy
- Small-vessel inflammation (vasculitis)
- Some infections and medicines
Common symptoms
- Blood in urine (often cola-coloured)
- Frothy urine
- Swelling
- High blood pressure
- Tiredness
- Reduced urine output
Tests & diagnosis
- Urine test (blood and protein)
- Creatinine
- Kidney function (RFT)
- Complement and autoimmune blood tests
- Kidney biopsy
Treatment & management
- Treating the underlying cause and any infection
- Blood pressure control with kidney-protective medicines
- Reducing salt and managing fluid
- Immune-suppressing medicines for autoimmune types
- Close monitoring of kidney function
When to see a doctor urgently
- Cola or tea-coloured urine
- Swelling with high blood pressure
- Reduced urine output
- Rapidly rising creatinine
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about glomerulonephritis. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What does cola-coloured urine mean?
It can mean blood is leaking from inflamed kidney filters, a sign of glomerulonephritis. It needs prompt medical assessment and urine and blood tests.
Is a kidney biopsy always needed?
Not always, but it is often the best way to identify the exact type and guide treatment, especially when kidney function is falling or protein loss is high.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.