Glomerulonephritis refers to several conditions that affect the structures within the kidneys that filter blood. Nephrotic syndrome refers to several symptoms that indicate the kidneys are not working properly.

Glomerulonephritis may be acute or chronic. All forms can be progressive, meaning that without treatment, it can lead to further kidney damage. Acute glomerulonephritis may be primary or secondary to another underlying condition or illness.

Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that indicate an issue with the kidneys. Several different conditions, including some forms of glomerulonephritis, can cause nephrotic syndrome.

This article reviews the differences and similarities between glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome. It explores the symptoms and treatments for each.

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Glomerulonephritis is a type of diseaseTrusted Source that affects the kidneys.

Nephrotic syndrome descrTrusted SourceiTrusted Sourcebes symptomsTrusted Source that indicate problems with the kidneys.

In other words, glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease, while nephrotic syndrome describes a set of related symptoms associated with kidney issues.

Some types of glomerulonephritis can cause nephrotic syndrome. It may also causeTrusted Source additional symptoms, such as:

Glomerulonephritis is a condition that can worsen without treatment. Healthcare professionals may treat it directly, as well as any underlying condition that may cause it to occur.

Treatment for nephrotic syndrome involves addressing the underlying cause of a person’s symptoms.

Glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome share some similar features. Both occur due to glomerulus involvement.

The glomeruli are small structures that filter the blood as it passes through the kidneys. They help remove toxins and other waste material.

Both conditions can affect people of all ages, from children to adults.

Because glomerulonephritis can causeTrusted Source nephrotic syndrome, they share many of the same underlying causes. Some shared underlying causes includeTrusted Source:

  • Membranous nephropathy: This is a condition associated with a buildup of antibodies in the glomerular basement membrane.
  • Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: This disease causes scar tissue on the glomeruli.
  • Minimal change disease: This is a disease of the kidneys that causes minimal changes that can only be seen under a strong microscope.

Other shared underlying causes include:

Symptoms associated with either condition indicate kidney issues that will likely require treatment.

Both conditions are generally rare. However, diabetic kidney disease affects an estimated 35.5 millionTrusted Source people in the United States.

Glomerulonephritis refers to a disease that attacks the glomeruli in the kidneys. The glomeruli are tiny structures that clean or filter the blood.

The damaged glomeruli can causeTrusted Source protein, blood, or both to leak into the urine. When too much of the blood protein albumin accumulates in the urine, it can lead to fluid buildup. This can cause swelling in different parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and face.

If glomerulonephritis causes poor waste removal, it can lead to a buildup of waste products in the blood and body. This can also lead to hypertension.

Most forms of glomerulonephritis are prTrusted SourceoTrusted SourcegressiveTrusted Source. This means that without treatment, further damage can occur to the kidneys. This, in turn, can lead to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, as well as potential cardiovascular diseases.

Symptoms

Glomerulonephritis may present with either nephrotic syndrome or nephritic syndrome.

When nephrotic syndrome presents, a person experiences more swelling and protein in the urine.

When nephritic syndrome presents, a person will experience blood in the urine and high blood pressure with less protein in the urine.

Some primary symptoms associated with glomerulonephritis include:

  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • edema (swelling from fluids)
  • abnormal urinary sedimentation
  • shortness of breath
  • oliguria (abnormally small amount of urine)
  • confusion
  • hematuria
  • possible flank pain
  • headache or confusion, due to hypertension
  • azotemia (buildup of nitrogenous products, creatine, and other waste in the blood)

Additional symptoms can occur due to the underlying cause of glomerulonephritis.

Treatment

Treatment for glomerulonephritis can vary based on the underlying cause, symptoms a person develops, and the extent of kidney damage. In some cases, treating the underlying condition will cause glomerulonephritis to resolve.

Less commonly, treatment may not work, and the condition will slowly progress to kidney failure.

Possible treatments include:

  • Diuretics: Diuretics help with fluid removal and swelling.
  • Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: ACE inhibitors help reduce protein loss.
  • Statins: Statins help manage cholesterol.
  • Steroids: These reduce immune system activity.
  • Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors: These may help reduce progression of the disease.

Other treatments may include immunosuppression, plasma exchange, a kidney transplant, or dialysis.

Nephrotic syndrome refers to a group of symptoms that indicate issues with the kidneys.

Tests and evaluation may showTrusted Source that a person develops one or more of the following:

  • excess protein in the urine
  • high cholesterol
  • low levels of albumin in the blood
  • edema

Nephrotic syndrome occurs due to inflammation of the glomeruli. The inflamed glomeruli allow too much protein to enter the urine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome may include:

  • tiredness
  • foamy urine
  • weight gain (due to fluid retention)
  • swelling in different areas, including:
    • eyelids
    • lower abdomen
    • legs
    • feet
  • loss of appetite

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of nephrotic syndrome.

Common treatments include:

  • fluid restriction
  • sodium restriction
  • ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker therapy
  • loop diuretics
  • frequent assessments of symptoms and underlying disease improvement

Other treatments will target the underlying cause. Treatments can vary but may include medications, such as immunosuppressants.

The following section provides answers to frequently asked questions about glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome.

Does glomerulonephritis cause nephrotic syndrome?

Glomerulonephritis is a possibleTrusted Source cause of nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome refers to a set of symptoms. Glomerulonephritis is a disease that affects the filtering structures in the kidneys.

What is the difference between glomerular disease and glomerulonephritis?

Glomerular disease and glomerulonephritis describe the same disease. They affect the glomeruli that filter the blood and remove waste products and toxins.

What are the two types of nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome may beTrusted Source primary or secondary. Primary occurs due to diseases that directly affect the kidneys. Secondary occurs due to illnesses or diseases that occur in other areas of the body but cause issues with the kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis is a type of disease, while nephrotic syndrome describes a set of symptoms related to kidney issues. Glomerulonephritis can cause nephrotic syndrome.

Both conditions can share similar causes, symptoms, and treatment options. However, glomerulonephritis does not always cause nephrotic syndrome.

Treatments aim to manage symptoms directly and address any underlying causes.