What Is Glomerulosclerosis?
Glomerulosclerosis is a kidney condition that causes scarring in the tiny filters inside the kidneys, called glomeruli. These filters help remove waste and extra fluid from the blood while keeping important proteins in the body.
When the glomeruli become damaged, protein can leak into the urine and the kidneys may not work as well over time. The condition can develop slowly and may affect both children and adults.
Several health conditions and factors can contribute to glomerulosclerosis, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Lupus and other autoimmune diseases
- Sickle cell disease
- Infections
- Certain medications
- Other kidney disorders
In some cases, the exact cause may not be clear.
Symptoms
Glomerulosclerosis may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. As kidney damage progresses, signs can become more noticeable.
Common symptoms may include:
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, hands, or around the eyes
- Weight gain from fluid retention
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Decreased kidney function
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and kidney health. Testing often begins with urine and blood tests to look for protein loss and measure kidney function.
Additional testing may include blood pressure checks and imaging studies. In many cases, a kidney biopsy is needed. During this procedure, a small sample of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and better understand the cause of the damage.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment focuses on slowing kidney damage, managing symptoms, and treating the underlying cause whenever possible.
Early treatment may include:
- Medications to control blood pressure
- Medicines that help reduce protein loss in the urine
- Treatments that calm immune system activity when inflammation is involved
- Managing diabetes or other related conditions
- Limiting sodium and making other dietary changes
If kidney function becomes severely impaired, more advanced treatment may be necessary. This can include dialysis to help filter the blood or a kidney transplant for long-term kidney replacement.
Although existing scarring usually cannot be reversed, ongoing care can help protect remaining kidney function and improve quality of life.
