Glomerulonephritis - when the kidney filters are inflamed. What you should know.
Dr. med. Robert Schorn
July 31, 2025
10 min
The kidneys play an indispensable role in our body. They filter the blood, remove waste products and regulate the water, salt and acid-base balance. However, various diseases can affect the sensitive filter units of the kidneys, the so-called glomeruli. One of these diseases is glomerulonephritis, an inflammation that disrupts the filtering function of the kidneys and can have serious health consequences.
At Zollikerberg Hospital, we offer those affected comprehensive care - from precise diagnostics and customised therapies to holistic support in everyday life. In this article, you will find out what glomerulonephritis is, what symptoms can occur, how we diagnose and treat the disease - and what those affected can do themselves to live well with it.
In this article you will learn:
- What is glomerulonephritis - and why does it affect kidney filter function?
- Which symptoms should patients take seriously?
- How is glomerulonephritis diagnosed at Zollikerberg Hospital?
- What treatment options are available at Zollikerberg Hospital?
- How can patients live with the diagnosis - and what can they do themselves?
What is glomerulonephritis - and why does it affect kidney filter function?
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory kidney disease that affects both kidneys and can occur at any age. The name is derived from the capillary balls - the so-called glomeruli - which are damaged by the inflammation. The disease can be sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) and leads to a loss of kidney function at different rates over time, depending on the disease and the quality of treatment. Glomerulonephritis can originate directly in the kidney (primary glomerulonephritis) or be the result of another disease (secondary glomerulonephritis). There are many different diseases and forms. As a rule, it is a so-called autoimmune disease, in which the "body's own" structures are mistakenly recognised as "foreign" and are therefore attacked by the body's own immune system. Why this happens is well known for some diseases, but not yet fully understood for others. The most important forms of glomerulonephritis in the western world are so-called minimal-change glomerulonephritis in children. In adults, these include IgA glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis, ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis and lupus nephritis.
Which symptoms should patients take seriously?
The symptoms of certain diseases can be very unspecific at the beginning (e.g. reduced performance, fatigue, fever). As the disease progresses, the symptoms are then linked to the impaired kidney function. Typical signs are blood in the urine (haematuria) or protein in the urine (proteinuria), which is noticeable as red or foamy urine. In addition, the kidneys can no longer fully maintain the function of water and salt excretion and water retention (oedema) occurs. In addition, almost all patients develop high blood pressure (hypertension).
How is glomerulonephritis diagnosed at Zollikerberg Hospital?
The suspected diagnosis of glomerulonephritis is made after careful questioning of the patient's medical history and clinical examination using blood and urine tests. Elevated kidney values are found in the blood. In addition, a search is made for numerous antibodies in the blood. Urinalysis can also detect blood excretion (glomerular haematuria) in addition to significantly increased protein excretion (proteinuria). In most cases, a kidney biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis and decide on treatment. This is usually performed on an outpatient basis and does not require anaesthesia.
What treatment options are available at Zollikerberg Hospital?
After an early and rapid assessment, basic therapy is initiated. This includes various medications to relieve the kidneys. In addition to consistent treatment of hypertension or excess water (oedema), a certain class of blood sugar-lowering medication is also used (so-called SLGT-2 inhibitors). If the kidney disease can be clearly categorised, other medications are also used. These include various medications which, in the case of a confirmed autoimmune disease, "slow down" the immune system and thus the disease process. These medications can be administered in tablet form or as infusion therapy. We regularly administer both at Zollikerberg Hospital, sometimes in collaboration with the day clinic. As there are currently numerous innovations in the field of drug therapy, we work very closely with specialists from various university hospitals in Switzerland - including the University Hospital Zurich. This enables us to include patients in clinical trials if they are suitable. Treating kidney disease is always a team effort: we work closely with our patients, their GPs and other specialists.
How can those affected live with the diagnosis - and what can they do themselves?
Lifestyle adjustments (reducing salt consumption), normalising weight and avoiding nicotine have a positive effect on any kidney disease. It is also very important to take the medication discussed together on a regular basis. Glomerulonephritis usually requires medium to long-term therapy and support.
When the kidney filters are inflamed
Clarity through a personal consultation for glomerulonephritis
Do you have any questions or would you like to find out more about treatment? We offer personal consultations and specialised consultation hours for individual care of your kidney disease.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and individualised treatment are crucial - here at Zollikerberg Hospital, we provide you with expert support on the path to healthy kidneys.
Glomerulonephritis is a serious kidney disease that needs to be recognised early and treated individually to avoid permanent damage. At Zollikerberg Hospital, patients benefit from modern diagnostic procedures, individually tailored treatment concepts and holistic care - under the new leadership of our head physician Dr Robert Schorn and his experienced nephrology team.
If you have any unusual symptoms or unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to seek medical advice - because your kidney health is crucial to your overall well-being.
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