The problem with glomerulonephritis is that it can either be acute, which means a sudden inflammation, or it could be chronic, wherein it occurs gradually. So, this means you may not always be aware of your problem. The other problem with this particular kidney disease is that it can be a disease by itself, known as primary glomerulonephritis or a part of a systematic disease, like diabetes or lupus.

So, why is it important to keep your kidneys in good health? Well, obviously because of their function in the body They remove waste from the blood and clean it so it can return to the body; they regulate the water levels and various minerals required for the body for optimum health; they produce hormones that help control other functions of the body.

So, let's take a look at how the kidneys work so we can better understand how kidney disease so often leads to kidney failure. Each of our kidneys contains around a million tiny nephrons, and these are made up of glomeruli, which are attached to tubules. These are what clean the blood by filtering out waste products, salt, and excess water, while simultaneously preventing red blood cells and protein filtering through into the urine.

Because of the major issues with having a kidney disease, namely that it can lead to kidney failure, it is essential that you know what to watch out for. What signs and symptoms indicate glomerulonephritis?

The symptoms of glomerulonephritis are usually dependent on whether you have it in its chronic or acute form. The symptoms can include:

• Frothy urine due to protein in the urine, also known as proteinuria
• Brown, rust-colored, or dark urine, indicating red blood cells in it
• Reduced frequency in urination

Symptoms of chronic renal failure, which may develop gradually, may include:

• Unintended weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• General feeling of illness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• General itching sensation
• Frequent bouts of hiccups
• Urination urge during the night
• Bleeding or bruising easily
• A decrease in alertness
• Lethargy, somnolence, and drowsiness
• Delirium, confusion
• Coma
• Twitching of muscles
• Muscular cramps
• Seizures
• Hyperpigmentation, wherein the skin appears brown or yellow
• Reduced sensation in the feet, hands, or other parts

It is best to simply have a urinalysis done, and to see a doctor yearly for checkups and make sure that are healthy, and your kidneys are functioning the way they are supposed to. Usually if you see a doctor regularly any problems with your kidney can be caught in time to do something about it. Also, if you see a doctor often enough, they will do the right kinds of tests and things to ensure your body does not get to the point of renal failure.

Kidney disease and renal failure are treatable problems if you eat right, take good care of your body, and stay aware of the symptoms so should something happen you can catch it in time.