When the kidney fails to perform optimally, it indicates the onset of kidney disease. Kidney dysfunction can be slow and progressive, leading to chronic kidney disease, or sudden and rapid, as in acute kidney disease. In both cases, the kidneys fail to filter excess water and waste from the blood. Since toxic waste is not excreted and circulates within the body, it causes serious health complications and is potentially life-threatening.
(Read more: Kidney Treatment in India) Due to Kidney Disease Depending on the type of kidney disease – acute kidney disease or chronic kidney disease, the causes of kidney disease differ. Due to acute kidney disease: ● Poor blood supply to the kidneys ● Direct injury to kidney ● Urine backing up into the kidney These Situations Occur When: ● You have a traumatic injury with severe blood loss ● You suffer from chronic dehydration, which causes muscle tissue to break down. ● You are suffering from severe infection ● Have an enlarged prostate or kidney stones that block urine flow. ● You are addicted to a certain class of drugs that directly harm the kidneys. ● You had complications during pregnancy such as eclampsia and preeclampsia ● You suffer from autoimmune diseases ● You suffer from chronic heart disease or liver infection Due to Chronic Kidney Disease A kidney disease that lasts for at least three months or longer is classified as chronic kidney disease. There are no obvious symptoms in the beginning of chronic kidney disease. As the condition progresses gradually, the symptoms of kidney problems become apparent. Causes of chronic kidney disease are: ● Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes ● High blood pressure ● High blood sugar level ● Autoimmune diseases such as lupus ● Viral infections like HIV AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C ● Pyelonephritis, a type of urinary tract infection ● Kidney swelling due to infection ● Polycystic kidney disease ● Birth defects ● Drug abuse Risk Factors for Kidney Disease While kidney disease can affect anyone, some people are at a higher risk of developing the disease. These: ● People with family history ● Elderly people ● Fat people ● People suffering from chronic heart disease ● People who have kidney failure ● Dark skinned people Symptoms of Kidney Problem Since chronic kidney disease is a slow and progressive condition, its symptoms appear gradually. Symptoms do not dominate health until the disease is advanced. On the other hand, the symptoms of acute kidney damage appear immediately. In any case, the symptoms of a kidney problem are: ● High blood pressure ● Low urine output ● Increased urine output especially at night ● Dark colored urine ● Nausea ● Vomiting ● Loss of appetite ● Metallic taste in mouth ● Fatigue ● Weakness ● Decreased mental alertness ● Sleep problem ● Muscle spasms ● Swelling of feet and ankles ● Itchy skin In advanced stages of kidney disease, chest pain and shortness of breath are obvious symptoms due to fluid build-up around the lining of the heart and lungs, respectively. Diagnosis of Kidney Disease The first step in diagnosing kidney disease is a self-assessment. Once you see the symptoms of kidney problem, consult a doctor. Your doctor will ask questions about medical and family history and do a physical exam. A series of investigative tests will also be scheduled. Contains: ● Blood tests that determine the amount of waste products in the blood. ●Urine analysis helps to detect the level of toxins in the urine. The presence of albumin, a protein produced by the liver, in the urine indicates kidney disease. ● Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, to check the size, shape, and position of the kidneys. ● Kidney biopsy to assess the cause of the kidney problem. Stages of Kidney Disease The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) helps determine the extent of kidney problems. This is done by evaluating the level of creatinine in the blood. It helps determine the stage of the child. Chronic Kidney Disease Can Be Divided Into Four Stages: ● Stage 1 – GFR rate is slightly abnormal, and physical examination shows evidence of kidney damage. ● Stage 2 – While the GFR rate is slightly abnormal, imaging scans show additional signs of kidney damage. ● Stage 3 – GFR rate is much lower than normal, indicating kidney dysfunction. However, most people in stage 3 will not have obvious symptoms such as swelling, fluid retention, dark urine, etc. ● Stage 4 – This is marked as a serious condition with symptoms of kidney disease which are widely apparent. ● Stage 5 – This is an end stage condition indicating kidney failure. As soon as the organ fails to function, the condition becomes life-threatening. (Read also: Kidney Dialysis Treatment in India) Treatment of Kidney Disease Kidney disease treatment plan depends on the stage of kidney disease. For those diagnosed in stages 1-3, treatment of kidney disease usually revolves around treating symptoms, addressing the cause, and managing side effects.
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