Irritation and swelling, called inflammation, of the tiny filters in the kidneys that remove waste from blood.

Glomerulonephritis can happen suddenly, called acute glomerulonephritis. Or come on little by little, called chronic glomerulonephritis. It can happen on its own or be caused by another disease, such as diabetes.

Symptoms include pink or foamy urine. There can be high blood pressure and swelling in the face, hands, feet and belly.

Treatment might include medicines to treat the underlying cause. Acute forms of the condition might clear up on their own. Kidney failure is treated with blood filtering, called dialysis, or transplant.