What is Kidney Diseases?

Kidney disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the function and structure of the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine in the lower back. They are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, producing urine, regulating electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure.

Kidney disease can be classified into two broad categories: acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) refers to a sudden and usually reversible loss of kidney function. AKI can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, dehydration, low blood pressure, heart attack, certain medications, and exposure to certain toxic substances. Symptoms of AKI may include:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Decreased urine output
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Confusion

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) refers to a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose function over time. CKD is classified into five stages, with stage 1 being the mildest form and stage 5 being the most severe and requiring treatment with dialysis or kidney transplant. The most common causes of CKD include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disease that damages the filtering units of the kidneys)
• Polycystic kidney disease (an inherited condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys)
• Chronic pyelonephritis (a type of kidney infection)

Symptoms of CKD may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Decreased urine output
• Nausea and vomiting
• Itching
• Difficulty sleeping
• Pain in the back or sides
• Dry, itchy skin

Diagnosis of kidney disease typically involves a combination of tests, including blood tests to measure kidney function, urine tests to check for protein or blood in the urine, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans.

Treatment for kidney disease depends on the underlying cause and the stage of the disease. Treatment options may include:

• Medications to control high blood pressure and diabetes
• Diet modifications to limit the amount of protein, sodium, and potassium in the diet
• Lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and reduce stress
• Kidney-friendly physical activity
• Dialysis (a procedure that artificially filters the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so)
• Kidney transplant (surgery to replace a damaged or diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor)

It is important to manage any underlying conditions that may contribute to kidney disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, to help slow the progression of the disease. Regular check-ups and tests can help detect kidney disease early, when it is most treatable. Taking care of your overall health and making lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and reduce stress can also help reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.