Kidney Disease

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease refers to any condition that affects the kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood to produce urine. When kidneys are damaged, waste can build up in the body, leading to a range of health problems. Kidney disease can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term), with chronic kidney disease (CKD) being more common and potentially leading to kidney failure if not managed properly.

Types of Kidney Disease

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• Long-term condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time.
• Common causes: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and glomerulonephritis.

2. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

• Sudden decrease in kidney function, often due to severe illness, injury, or certain medications.
• Can be reversible with prompt treatment.

3. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

• Genetic disorder that causes cysts to form in the kidneys, impairing their function.
• Can lead to CKD and kidney failure over time.

4. Glomerulonephritis

• Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys.
• Can be acute or chronic and may result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced. Common signs include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Blood in the urine
• Foamy urine due to excess protein
• High blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

Causes and Risk Factors

• Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys.
• High blood pressure: Can damage the kidneys over time.
• Genetic disorders: Such as polycystic kidney disease.
• Infections and autoimmune diseases: Such as lupus and glomerulonephritis.
• Prolonged use of certain medications: Such as NSAIDs and some antibiotics.
• Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 60.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests: To measure levels of creatinine and estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
• Urine tests: To check for protein or blood in the urine.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound or CT scans to examine the structure of the kidneys.
• Kidney biopsy: To take a small tissue sample for examination.

Treatment Options

• Medications:
  • Blood pressure drugs: Such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs to manage blood pressure and slow kidney damage.
  • Diuretics: To reduce swelling.
  • Medications for diabetes: To control blood sugar levels.
• Dietary changes:
  • Limit sodium to control blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.
  • Reduce protein intake to decrease the workload on the kidneys.
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
• Dialysis:
  • Hemodialysis: Filters blood outside the body using a machine.
  • Peritoneal dialysis: Uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood inside the body.
• Kidney transplant: For end-stage kidney disease, a healthy kidney from a donor is transplanted to replace the damaged kidneys.

Prevention and Management Strategies

• Manage blood pressure and diabetes to prevent kidney damage.
• Maintain a healthy diet with low sodium and low protein.
• Stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
• Limit use of NSAIDs and other medications that can affect kidney function.
• Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Regular check-ups: Monitor kidney function if at risk for kidney disease.

Complications of Kidney Disease

• Fluid retention: Can lead to swelling, high blood pressure, and pulmonary edema.
• Heart disease: Increased risk due to high blood pressure and fluid buildup.
• Anemia: Reduced production of erythropoietin, leading to fewer red blood cells.
• Bone health issues: Imbalances in calcium and phosphorus can lead to bone weakening.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Affecting heart and muscle function.
• Kidney failure: Requires dialysis or kidney transplant for survival.