The possible complications of glomerulonephritis vary according to the type and severity of the condition. Complications of glomerulonephritis can include:
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- problems with other internal organs as well as the kidneys
- kidney failure, in rare cases
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common complication of glomerulonephritis. This is because your kidneys help regulate your blood pressure.
Many people with glomerulonephritis are prescribed medication to help lower their blood pressure. If this type of medication is recommended for you, it is important to take it as prescribed to protect your kidneys from further damage. It will also help reduce your risk of developing other conditions caused by high blood pressure.
If left untreated or not fully treated, long-term high blood pressure increases your risk of developing:
- heart disease
- a stroke
- problems with the circulation to your legs
- further worsening of your kidney function
See the Health A-Z topic about High blood pressure - treatment for more information.
Effects on other internal organs
In most people, glomerulonephritis only affects the kidneys. However, in some types of glomerulonephritis, the immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) can also affect other parts of your body. These conditions include:
- systemic lupus erythematosus - when the immune system attacks many of the body’s tissues and organs
- vasculitis - a condition that affects the small blood vessels of various organs in the body
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura - a condition caused by an abnormal immune system response that causes a range of symptoms
The effects can range from a spotty red rash over your legs to painful swollen joints or adverse effects on your lungs and liver.
Discuss any symptoms you have with your GP or kidney specialist to determine whether they could be related to glomerulonephritis.
Kidney disease or kidney failure
Kidney disease and kidney failure are rare, but glomerulonephritis can damage the kidneys so that they fail completely. Glomerulonephritis causes around a quarter of long-term kidney failure cases.
See the Health A-Z topic about Chronic kidney disease for more information.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Kidneys
Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen, which remove waste and extra fluid from the blood and pass them out of the body as urine.
