top of page

Kidney Disease

A-brief-overview-of-kidney-disease.jpg

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease refers to any condition that damages the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste, balance electrolytes, and regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys lose their function, waste and excess fluids accumulate in the body, leading to serious health problems.

Kidney disease can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (developing over time). If left untreated, it can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Types of Kidney Disease

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  • A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function.

  • Caused by: Diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney infections, and autoimmune diseases.

  • Progresses through five stages, with stage 5 being end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

2. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

  • Sudden loss of kidney function, often reversible with immediate treatment.

  • Caused by: Severe infections, dehydration, medications, or blocked urine flow.

3. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

  • A genetic disorder causing fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.

4. Glomerulonephritis

  • Inflammation of the glomeruli (kidney's filtering units), leading to protein loss and kidney damage.

  • Often autoimmune-related or caused by infections.

5. Kidney Stones

  • Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, causing severe pain and blockages in the urinary tract.

6. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Kidney Infections

  • Bacterial infections that can spread to the kidneys, causing swelling, pain, and reduced kidney function.

Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes of kidney disease include:

  1. Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2) – High blood sugar damages kidney blood vessels.

  2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Puts stress on kidney filters.

  3. Autoimmune Diseases – Lupus, IgA nephropathy, and other conditions can harm kidney tissue.

  4. Infections – Chronic kidney infections (pyelonephritis) can lead to scarring.

  5. Obstruction of Urine Flow – Kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or tumors.

  6. Genetic Disorders – Such as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

  7. Medications & Toxins – Overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs), antibiotics, or exposure to heavy metals.

Risk factors include:

  • Family history of kidney disease

  • Obesity

  • Smoking and excessive alcohol intake

  • Frequent use of painkillers

  • Advanced age

Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

Doctors use several tests to diagnose kidney disease:

  1. Blood Tests

    • Creatinine Test – Measures waste levels; high creatinine suggests kidney dysfunction.

    • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – Elevated BUN indicates poor kidney function.

    • Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) – Determines kidney function and CKD stage.

  2. Urine Tests

    • Proteinuria (Albumin Test) – High protein levels in urine indicate kidney damage.

    • Urinalysis – Detects blood, infections, or abnormal substances in urine.

  3. Imaging Tests

    • Ultrasound or CT Scan – Checks for kidney size, cysts, or blockages.

  4. Kidney Biopsy

    • A small sample of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope to identify disease type.

bottom of page