All About Kidney Disease Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

By filtering waste from the blood, the kidneys carry out an important function in keeping the body healthy. However, if these bean-shaped organs are damaged due to any reason, it may lead to kidney disease. Kidney diseases are common, yet they may range in severity from mild dysfunction to chronic kidney failure. Understanding the signs and symptoms, types of kidney diseases, and treatment options will help us to seek timely care. From lifestyle, dietary changes, to medications and dialysis, there are many ways to maintain kidney health or manage different stages of kidney disease.

What is Kidney Disease?

To begin, it is critical to have a thorough grasp of kidney problems.

It is a condition wherein the kidney functions fail due to a structural issue. Due to kidney damage, it becomes difficult for them to carry out their tasks. It gives rise to waste accumulation and electrolyte imbalance in the bloodstream. Some vital problems are swelling, less urine output, fatigue, and mineral imbalance. When the kidney functioning worsens, you should seek immediate treatment at the best hospital for kidney problems. The more you wait to treat this problem, the more likely it will lead to total renal failure. So, in such cases, it is advisable not to delay and immediately go for a checkup at one of the leading kidney hospitals in Ahmedabad.

Types and Causes of Kidney Diseases

There are many types of kidney diseases, and each one has its unique reasons. Some common reasons are high blood pressure, genetics, infections, and issues related to the immune system. Being aware of the types and causes of kidney diseases early on will help manage kidney health better.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease is one of the most prominent types of kidney disease.

It is an ongoing condition that does not get better with time. It may arise due to high blood pressure. Over a period, if the high pressure persists, it can damage the kidneys, which in turn restricts kidney function. In some cases when the functioning of kidney fails, dialysis is the best option. And in even more severe cases, a kidney transplant is the only solution.

Apart from high blood pressure, another major cause is Diabetes. In this scenario, the increased blood sugar levels cause harm to the kidneys. As the kidneys cannot filter blood properly, toxins build up in the body.

Kidney Stones

Another common kidney disease is Kidney stones.

Minerals and salts in urine crystallize into hard deposits forming kidney stones. These stones lead to cloudy urine, terrible pain on urinating, nausea, and vomiting. Small stones may flush out naturally with sufficient water intake. But, the larger ones may get stuck in the ureter tubes thus blocking urine outflow. This is a severe situation that needs immediate removal of kidney stones. Nowadays there are many kidney stone treatment options like non-invasive shock wave lithotripsy. It breaks larger stones into pieces that can easily pass out.

Urinary Tract Infections

In this kidney disease, harmful bacteria enter through the urethra and reproduce in the urinary system. The symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections are foul smelly urine, burning sensation while urinating, discomfort in the pelvic area, blood in urine, and increased frequency at night. If there is a fever or the UTIs keep recurring, get yourself diagnosed immediately at the best hospital for kidney treatment in India.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomeruli are tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that clean excess fluids and waste from the blood, forming urine. Any soreness, swelling, or damage to these vessels will hinder the waste filtration process. This condition is known as Glomerulonephritis. This may arise due to infections, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, etc. Symptoms of this kidney disease are swelling, protein and blood in urine, and high creatinine levels. If Glomerulonephritis is not treated on time, it may deteriorate into chronic kidney failure. Getting on-time treatment by the best Nephrologist in Ahmedabad is the ideal option.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease is defined by the creation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. These further leads to enlargement and loss of normal kidney function. These cysts are often hereditary. They interfere with the kidney tissues, leading to kidney failure. It reduces the excretion rate thus creating a need for a transplant or a dialysis. Symptoms include UTIs, blood in urine, pain, kidney stones, etc. Remember that kidney cysts can occur in most people and are often harmless.

Symptoms of Kidney disease

Kidney disorders may be ignored as their signs are less obvious than those of other diseases. However, if not treated, it might have serious effects. These are some of the signs of kidney disease.

• Fatigue and weakness
• Reduced appetite
• Swelling in feet and ankles
• Puffiness around eyes
• Variations in the volume or frequency of urine
• Dark colored urine
• Rashes or itchy skin
• Vomiting or Nausea
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Muscle cramps
• Poor concentration
• Fluid retention
• Persistent headaches

Treatment for Kidney Disease

Any kidney disease must be treated by trying to manage the underlying cause of the illness. Among treatment options are:

Drugs and Medication

One of the primary treatment options for kidney disease is by using drugs and medications. Statins help to lower cholesterol. Angiotensin inhibitors broaden blood vessels enabling flow to the kidneys. Calcium and iron supplements take care of mineral deficits due to poor filtration. Antibiotics are used to fight many infection risks. Patients are also prescribed medicines to reduce blood pressure to delay the progression of kidney disease. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medicines accordingly.

Changes in Diet and Lifestyle

Along with medicines, patients have to adjust their lifestyles and diets to cure kidney conditions. Patients can reduce their consumption of processed and packaged foods, and red meat, and reduce salt intake. Consuming fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will help support weak kidneys. Staying active will help manage cardiovascular fitness and the ideal weight. Controlling the intake of alcohol and quitting tobacco will also ease the stress on the kidneys.

Dialysis and Kidney Disease

Dialysis helps filtration when the kidneys fail to filter waste from the blood. It involves streamlining blood to an external machine with a cleansing dialysate liquid. Extra fluid and wastes spread out over the channel wall and into the dialysate for disposal at a later time. This process is repeated regularly based on how the kidneys work. Dialysis is a life-sustaining process when the condition of the kidney worsens. Visit the best dialysis centre in Ahmedabad to conduct the process effectively.

Hemodialysis

In this process, the blood flows via a device that helps remove the excess waste before being returned to the body.

Peritoneal Dialysis

A catheter helps to insert dialysis fluid into the abdomen. This solution absorbs the waste. This waste gets removed using the same catheter before a new solution goes in.

Conclusion

Understanding the symptoms of kidney disease and seeking treatment on time is imperative for kidney health. When it is about kidney stones, seeking care from the best urologists in Ahmedabad ensures expert guidance. For this, the best hospital in Ahmedabad for urology guarantees complete care and excellent treatment. They help patients manage conditions from an early to advanced stage of kidney disease. Giving your kidneys early medical attention is like empowering them on time. Thus, put your health first and meet the best doctors in a renowned kidney hospital in India.