Kidney disease

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Kidney disease represents a significant health concern that affects kidney function. These diseases can be classified into two primary categories: acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease.

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Depiction of types of kidney disease

Acute kidney disease[edit | edit source]

Acute kidney disease, or acute kidney failure, involves a rapid decline in kidney function, typically manifesting in less than two days. This rapid deterioration affects the kidneys' capacity to eliminate waste and maintain electrolyte balance.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Various factors can lead to acute kidney damage, including:

  • Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) – where the tubule cells of the kidneys are damaged.
  • Autoimmune kidney disorders.
  • Blood clot due to cholesterol (cholesterol emboli).
  • Reduced blood flow stemming from extremely low blood pressure resulting from burns, dehydration, hemorrhage, injury, septic shock, severe illness, or surgery.
  • Disorders causing clotting within the kidney blood vessels.
  • Kidney infections such as acute pyelonephritis or septicemia.
  • Pregnancy complications including placenta abruption or placenta previa.
  • Blockages in the urinary tract.
  • Illicit drug use, e.g., cocaine and heroin.
  • Certain medications including NSAIDs, specific antibiotics, blood pressure medications, intravenous contrast (dye), certain cancer and HIV drugs.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of acute kidney disease might encompass:

  • Bloody stools or nosebleeds.
  • Odorous breath and a metallic taste in the mouth.
  • Bruising easily and prolonged bleeding.
  • Changes in mental clarity or mood swings.
  • Reduced appetite.
  • Decreased sensitivity, especially in extremities.
  • Feeling fatigued or slow movements.
  • Flank pain.
  • Trembling hands or heart murmurs.
  • Elevated blood pressure.
  • Persistent nausea, vomiting, or hiccups.
  • Fluid retention leading to swelling in legs, ankles, and feet.
  • Alterations in urination patterns.

Exams and Tests[edit | edit source]

To diagnose acute kidney disease, healthcare professionals will:

  • Conduct a thorough physical examination.
  • Recommend tests like BUN, Serum creatinine, Serum potassium, Creatinine clearance, and Urinalysis.
  • Opt for kidney or abdominal ultrasound to identify any urinary tract blockages. Additionally, X-ray, CT scan, or MRI of the abdomen might also be utilized.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for acute kidney disease focuses on:

  • Determining and addressing the underlying cause.
  • Regulating fluid intake based on urine output.
  • Dietary adjustments to reduce toxin build-up.
  • Antibiotic administration to treat or stave off infections.
  • Utilizing diuretics to remove excess fluid.
  • Managing blood potassium levels.
  • In severe cases, dialysis might be necessitated.

Chronic Kidney Disease[edit | edit source]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) indicates sustained damage to the kidneys over an extended period, impairing their ability to filter blood efficiently. This damage accumulates waste in the body and can lead to additional health complications. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the predominant causes of CKD. Often, CKD progresses unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Early signs of CKD might include:

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue or malaise.
  • Headaches.
  • Skin itching or dryness.
  • Unintentional weight loss.

As CKD progresses, symptoms might intensify:

  • Abnormal skin pigmentation.
  • Bone pain.
  • Cognitive difficulties or drowsiness.
  • Swelling or numbness in extremities.
  • Muscle cramps or twitching.
  • Odorous breath.
  • Excessive thirst or frequent hiccups.
  • Issues with sexual function or menstrual irregularities.
  • Respiratory difficulties.

Exams and Tests[edit | edit source]

For diagnosing CKD, healthcare professionals will:

  • Monitor blood pressure.
  • Examine the nervous system for signs of nerve damage.
  • Conduct a urinalysis.
  • Recommend blood tests like Creatinine clearance, Creatinine levels, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and others.
  • Possibly suggest imaging tests like CT, MRI, or Kidney ultrasound.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Managing CKD involves:

  • Blood pressure regulation using ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
  • Implementing lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments, exercise, smoking cessation, and managing blood sugar levels.
  • Avoiding certain over-the-counter medications and supplements.
  • Administering medications like phosphate binders, iron supplements, erythropoietin injections, and possibly calcium and vitamin D supplements.
  • Recommending a special diet to manage symptoms.

Things You Can Do[edit | edit source]

To maintain kidney health:

  • Opt for a low-sodium diet.
  • Regularly monitor and control blood pressure.
  • Regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Consume a heart-healthy diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid smoking.

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Kidney disease Resources
Health science - Medicine - Nephrology - edit
Diseases of the glomerulus
Lupus nephritis | Post-infectious glomerulonephritis | Minimal change disease | Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis | Diabetic nephropathy
Diseases of the proximal convoluted tubules
Fanconi syndrome (Type II renal tubular acidosis) | renal cell carcinoma
Diseases of the distal convoluted tubules
pseudohypoaldosteronism (Type IV renal tubular acidosis)
Diseases of the collecting duct
Type I renal tubular acidosis
Tumours of the kidney
renal cell carcinoma | Wilms' tumour (children)
Diseases of the renal vasculature
renal artery stenosis | vasculitis | atheroembolic disease
Tubulointerstitial diseases of the kidney
Drug-induced interstitial nephritis | Obstructive nephropathy | Radiation nephritis | Reflux nephropathy | Sarcoidosis
Genetic diseases of the kidney/syndromes associated with kidney dysfunction
Alport syndrome | Polycystic kidney disease | Wilms' tumour (children)

von Hippel-Lindau syndrome | Hereditary papillary renal carcinoma | Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome | Hereditary renal carcinoma

Genetic diseases of the kidney/syndromes associated with kidney dysfunction

Chronic Kidney Disease

Anemia in CKD | Causes of CKD | CKD Overview | CKD Tests and Diagnosis | Diabetic Kidney Disease | Eating Right for CKD | High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease | Managing CKD | Mineral and Bone Disorder in CKD | Nutrition for Advanced CKD in Adults | Preventing CKD | Quick Reference on UACR & GFR

Kidney Failure

Eating and Nutrition for Hemodialysis | Financial Help for Treatment of Kidney Failure | Hemodialysis | Kidney Failure | Kidney Transplant | Peritoneal Dialysis

Other Kidney Topics

Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease | Amyloidosis and Kidney Disease | Diabetes Insipidus | Ectopic Kidney | Glomerular Diseases | Goodpasture Syndrome | Henoch-Schönlein Purpura | IgA Nephropathy | Kidney Dysplasia | Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) | Kidney Stones | Lupus Nephritis | Medullary Sponge Kidney | Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults | Pain Medicine and Kidney Damage | Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) | Renal Artery Stenosis | Renal Tubular Acidosis | Simple Kidney Cysts | Solitary Kidney | Your Kidneys and How They Work | Your Urinary Tract and How It Works


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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen