Kidney Diseases

1.Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

A long-term condition where kidney function gradually declines over time.

• Causes: Diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases
• Symptoms: Fatigue, swelling in ankles/feet, changes in urination, nausea
• Treatment: Blood pressure control, diabetes management, dialysis in later stages

2.Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden loss of kidney function, often due to injury, dehydration, infection, or medications.

• Causes: Severe infections, shock, certain drugs, low blood flow
• Symptoms: Decreased urine output, fluid retention, confusion
• Treatment: Hospital care, fluid management, temporary dialysis if needed

3.Kidney Stones

Hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing.

• Symptoms: Intense back or abdominal pain, blood in urine, nausea
• Treatment: Increased fluids, pain relievers, shock wave therapy, surgery if large

4. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

A genetic disorder where fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys, affecting function over time.

• Symptoms: High blood pressure, side pain, urinary tract infections, kidney failure
• Treatment: Blood pressure management, lifestyle changes, dialysis or transplant in advanced cases

5. Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli), which can affect filtering ability.

• Causes: Infections, autoimmune diseases, unknown reasons
• Symptoms: Blood in urine, swelling, high blood pressure
• Treatment: Medications to control inflammation, diet changes

• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
• Frequent or reduced urination
• Foamy or bloody urine
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Difficulty concentrating

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Family history of kidney disease
• Age over 60
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Frequent use of painkillers or certain medications

Kidney disease is diagnosed through:

• Blood tests (e.g., creatinine, eGFR)
• Urine tests (protein or blood in urine)
• Ultrasound or CT scan
• Kidney biopsy (in some cases)

Treatment depends on the type and stage of kidney disease:

• Lifestyle Changes: Low-sodium diet, blood sugar control, quitting smoking
• Medications: To control blood pressure, manage anemia, reduce protein loss
• Dialysis: Artificial filtering of blood in end-stage kidney failure
• Kidney Transplant: Replacing the damaged kidney with a healthy donor organ

• Keep blood pressure and blood sugar under control
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a kidney-friendly diet (low in salt, processed foods, and excess protein)
• Avoid overuse of NSAIDs and other kidney-damaging drugs
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Get regular check-ups, especially if you’re at high risk

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent swelling
• Blood or foam in urine
• Sudden changes in urination
• Unexplained fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Family history of kidney problems