Chronic glomerulonephritis causes destruction of the glomeruli in the kidneys. Each glomerulus is made up of blood vessels that filter the blood and help to produce urine. As the glomeruli become dysfunctional, the kidneys begin to show problems with blood filtration. This can lead to initial symptoms like small amounts of blood in the urine. Some types of chronic glomerulonephritis resolve without treatment, but for many, treatment is necessary in order to sustain life.

Many times the causes for chronic glomerulonephritis are not identified. Certain illnesses may predispose one toward developing chronic glomerulonephritis. Some autoimmune disorders like end stage AIDs, lupus, and some blood sugar disorders like diabetes may cause chronic glomerulonephritis. However, in about 25% of people with chronic glomerulonephritis, the cause is unknown and those affected have had no earlier problems with kidney health.

Often chronic glomerulonephritis is diagnosed through urinalysis, which will show blood and protein in the urine. Also, since chronic glomerulonephritis frequently causes high blood pressure, those with hypertension are screened for the disease. Additional tests that may confirm chronic glomerulonephritis are ultrasounds of the abdomen and the kidneys, and chest X-ray. Those with chronic glomerulonephritis often retain fluid, which can be shown in the lungs. Some doctors also prefer to do a biopsy of the kidneys, since identifying cause when possible can alter treatment.

Treatment for chronic glomerulonephritis can depend upon cause. One of the main concerns is controlling high blood pressure, which though a cause of the illness, can also contribute to worsening it. Further, high blood pressure alone represents greater risk for stroke and must be treated. Normally, hypertension is treated with a variety of blood pressure medications. Patients may also need to go on a salt and fluid restricted diet.

In severe cases of chronic glomerulonephritis, kidney dialysis or kidney transplant is required to help the body adequately filter blood products through the kidneys. Transplant can often halt the disease, but can be difficult to obtain. Further if the disease is caused by conditions like AIDs, lupus, or diabetes, transplant may not be successful. The condition can recur in the transplanted kidney.

Outcome of treatment depends upon the degree to which symptoms can be controlled or arrested. Serious damage to the kidneys, called nephrotic syndrome may be irreversible. When such damage can be controlled, patients may recover well. Of course, outcome of treatment for chronic glomerulonephritis also depends upon cause, and with illnesses like AIDs, the condition tends to progressively worsen.