On this page: - What are the kidneys and what do they do? - How
do glomerular diseases interfere with kidney function? - What
are the symptoms of glomerular disease? - How is glomerular
disease diagnosed? - What causes glomerular disease? - What are
renal failure and end-stage renal disease? - Points to Remember
- For More Information Many diseases affect kidney function by
attacking the glomeruli, the tiny units within the kidney where
blood is cleaned. Glomerular diseases include many conditions
with a variety of genetic and environmental causes, but they
fall into two major categories: Glomerulonephritis (gloh-MEHR-
yoo-loh-nef-RY-tis) describes the inflammation of the membrane
tissue in the kidney that serves as a filter, separating wastes
and extra fluid from the blood. Glomerulosclerosis (gloh-MEHR-
yoo-loh-skleh-ROH-sis) describes the scarring or hardening of
the tiny blood vessels within the kidney. Although
glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis have different causes,
they can both lead to kidney fa