Sunday, Feb 11, 2024 12:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Feb 11, 2024 06:52 [IST]
The incidence and prevalence of kidney diseases are increasing and this is leading to a huge burden on individual and also the health care system. Since most of the kidney disorders have subtle symptoms its important we know when to suspect them, what are the symptoms and the treatment options.
The following are the most common kidney disorders:-
1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
o CKD is a disease where the kidneys get damaged slowly. Unfortunately to this day this disease is permanent and progressive.
o The most common causes are diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), glomerulonephritis, analgesic abuse, and certain genetic conditions like Alports syndrome and polycystic kidney disease.
o CKD may not cause symptoms early in the course. The symptoms become apparent albeit in a subtle manner only when the kidney damage is substantial. These symptoms may include: -
§ Swelling in the feet, legs, face, or hands
§ Nausea, anorexia and vomiting
§ Easy fatiguability
§ Shortness of breath
§ Muscle cramps
§ Dry skin leading to pruritus
§ Chest pain
§ Reversal of day-night sleep pattern
Treatment: Identifying the cause and treating it would retard the progression of CKD but since this disorder is progressive all these patients would eventually need dialysis or kidney transplantation.
2. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):
o Earlier known as acute renal failure, this condition presents as a rapid decline in kidney function.
o Most common causes include infections, shock due to excessive bleeding, severe dehydration, or medication use or burns or road traffic accidents with massive muscle damage.
o Symptoms depend on the cause and severity of AKI and may include:
§ Decreased urine volume or sometimes muddy or reddish urine
§ Swelling around the eyes or feet and later in the course as abdominal distention.
§ Nausea, vomiting and anorexia
§ Shortness of breath
§ Fatigue
§ Chest discomfort
§ Seizures
Treatment: Identification and treatment of the cause of AKI is vital. A substantial number of patients developing AKI may need dialysis therapy till the renal function improves. The need for dialysis is temporary in this condition.
3. Kidney Stones:
o Metabolic abnormalities lead to the deposition of minerals or salts inside the kidneys.
o These stones have a tendency to grow in size over a period of time. They may also slip into the ureter or urinary bladder.
o Common types include calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine or uric acid stones.
o Symptoms may include:
§ Pain in the flanks, lower abdomen, or groin
§ Blood in the urine
§ Pain or burning during urination
4. Infections:
o Infections are most commonly caused by bacteria. Rarely fungi, parasites or viruses can also cause infections especially in immunosuppressed individuals.
o Infection may be limited to the urinary bladder and urethra. In these patients the symptoms would include burning micturition and increased urinary frequency, urgency in urination and sometimes supra-pubic pain.
o When the infection extends to the kidney it is called pyelonephritis. Here the symptoms include fever, chills, pain in the lower back or side, frequent urination, and cloudy or bloody urine.
o Treatment: includes appropriate medications basing on the urine culture report. Rarely a surgical intervention may be necessary.
5. Glomerulonephritis:
o These are a variety of conditions where the patient would experience protein and red blood cell leak in urine.
o Symptoms would include puffiness around the eyes, swelling of the feet and abdominal distention.
o A kidney biopsy may be necessary to diagnose the disease causing this condition.
o Treatment would include medications, most commonly corticosteroids, for several months.
6. Kidney Cysts:
o Fluid-filled sacs that form in the kidneys.
o Most cysts are benign and do not cause symptom.
o Sometimes this can be a part of an inherited condition called “ Autosomal Dominant polycystic Kidney disese. Here the patient would progress to a stage where he would need dialysis or transplantation.
7. Kidney Cancer:
o Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer.
o Symptoms may include blood in the urine, pain in the side or lower back, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
o Treatment is generally a surgical resection of the tumour.
Remember that maintaining kidney health through a balanced diet, hydration, and regular check-ups is essential. If you experience any symptoms related to kidney function, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
