Home Health Center
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis - Symptoms
Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis
There are several easily identifiable signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis, but often the condition presents without any signs and symptoms. Patients often exhibit the following symptoms:
- Dark-brown colored urine and signifies the presence of blood in the urine flow.
- Excess of proteins in the urine may often cause it to foam and become hazy.
- Most people who suffer from the condition experience severe edema. They may have swollen face and eyes and swelling in the abdomen, feet and ankles.
- Some people experience mild to severe abdominal pain.
- There may be blood and vomit in the stools.
- Often the person experiences severe bouts of cough leading to shortness of breath. The person may even find themselves grasping for breath.
- Diarrhea and other stomach problems which could lead to dehydration.
- Excessive urination which leads to loss of blood and essential nutrients.
- Mild to high fever which may range from a few days to several weeks.
- General feeling of malaise and fatigue. Some people may also experience a complete loss of appetite and subsequent loss of weight.
- Nosebleeds.
- Some people may experience joint pain and aches in muscles all over the body.
- Rashes on several parts of the body.
- Pain in the right side of the body, caused due to kidney infection. This pain may often be radiated through your back.
It is important to know that symptoms of chronic renal failure usually develop over a period of time. Often, when the symptoms begin to appear, the patient may not be able to identify them. For instance, urine often contains very small amounts of blood in the beginning. These amounts are so small that they are not usually visible in the urine stream. In fact, the presence of blood in the urine is only identified when you have your urine tested in the laboratory. However, some people may experience constant changes in their urination with regards to the flow of urine and its color and concentration. As the condition progresses, you may begin to urinate much less. This is usually mistaken for a symptom of dehydration, when actually it is an indication of increasing kidney damage.