Kidneys play a very crucial role in maintaining the overall health. They filter out waste products from the body, regulate fluid balance and produce hormones. But it should be noted that several kidney diseases and disorders can affect their function which may lead to severe health issues.
This article is written with the support of Amcare Hospital, the Best Urologist in Chandigarh to shed light on the most common kidney diseases and disorders. So, let’s take a look at the following:
1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition which is characterized by the loss of kidney function gradually. The symptoms in early stages may be subtle but worsen with time.
Causes-
The causes include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Kidney infections
- Genetic disorders
Symptoms-
The symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Changes in urination patterns
- Anaemia
Treatment-
The treatment and lifestyle changes may manage the causes of the problem. Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required in advanced stages.
2. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden and rapid decline in kidney function, characterized by a significant decrease in urine output and a rise in blood creatinine levels. It is a critical condition that necessitates immediate medical evaluation and management to prevent further complications and support kidney recovery.
Causes-
The causes are:
- Severe infections
- Dehydration
- Kidney trauma
- Medication side effects
Symptoms-
The symptoms include:
- Decreased urine output
- Fluid retention
- Nausea
- Confusion
Treatment-
The treatment includes maintenance of fluid balance and supportive care until there is improvement in kidney function.
3. Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones are classified as salt deposits that form in the kidneys. They can be very painful and might also need surgical intervention to remove them.
Causes-
The primary causes are-
- Dehydration
- Diet high in salt
- Certain medical conditions.
Symptoms-
The symptoms include-
- Severe back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in urine
- Frequent urination. Treatment options range from conservative measures like increased fluid intake and pain management to more invasive procedures such as lithotripsy or surgical removal of larger stones.
Treatment-
The treatment involves medications or surgical intervention if required.
4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
UTIs affects various parts of the urinary system which includes the kidneys. This infection can be painful.
Causes-
The causes include-
- Bacterial infections
Symptoms-
The symptoms may include-
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy urine
- Lower abdominal pain
Treatment-
Prompt treatment is required with antibiotics to avoid kidney infections or other severe complications.
5. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD):
PKD is a genetic condition which is characterized by numerous fluid-filled cysts growth in the kidneys. Gradually the cysts can impair the kidney function which may lead to other major complications like kidney failure.
Causes-
The causes include-
- Genetic/Hereditary
Symptoms-
The symptoms may include-
- High blood pressure
- Reduction in Kidney function
- Infections
Treatment-
The treatment focuses on symptoms management and prevention of infections. Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required in advanced stages.
Kidney diseases and disorders can profoundly impact an individual’s overall health and also disrupt his quality of life. It is important to ensure timely detection, early intervention and proper management to prevent complications and preserve the kidney function.