Summary about Disease
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to conditions that damage your kidneys and impair their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. This can lead to a buildup of waste products in your body, causing various health problems. Kidney disease can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (gradual and progressive). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that can worsen over time.
Symptoms
Symptoms of kidney disease often develop slowly and may not be noticeable until the disease is advanced. Some common symptoms include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Sleep problems
Changes in urination (more or less frequent, foamy urine)
Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands
Persistent itching
Muscle cramps
High blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Causes
Various factors can cause kidney disease, including:
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.
High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can strain and damage the kidneys.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli).
Polycystic kidney disease: An inherited disorder that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Frequent or untreated UTIs can lead to kidney damage.
Obstructions: Kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate can block urine flow and damage the kidneys.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as NSAIDs and certain antibiotics, can be harmful to the kidneys if taken in large doses or for prolonged periods.
Lupus: This autoimmune disease can cause inflammation to many organs including the kidneys.
Medicine Used
The medications used to treat kidney disease depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some common medications include:
ACE inhibitors and ARBs: To control blood pressure and protect kidney function, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Diuretics: To reduce fluid retention and swelling.
Phosphate binders: To control phosphate levels in the blood.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs): To treat anemia.
Vitamin D supplements: To help regulate calcium levels.
Immunosuppressants: To treat certain types of glomerulonephritis.
Antibiotics: To treat kidney infections. Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and a healthcare professional should determine the appropriate medications for each individual case.
Is Communicable
Kidney disease itself is generally not communicable (not spread from person to person). However, some of the underlying causes of kidney disease, such as certain infections, may be communicable.
Precautions
Precautions to protect your kidneys and prevent kidney disease include:
Managing diabetes and high blood pressure.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Eating a healthy diet low in sodium, processed foods, and saturated fats.
Staying hydrated.
Avoiding excessive use of NSAIDs and other medications that can harm the kidneys.
Getting regular checkups, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
Promptly treating urinary tract infections.
Quitting smoking.
Limiting alcohol consumption.
How long does an outbreak last?
Kidney disease is not an "outbreak" in the traditional sense of an infectious disease. Acute kidney injury (AKI) can develop over a few hours or days. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops slowly over months to years.
How is it diagnosed?
Kidney disease is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:
Blood tests: To measure creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and other markers of kidney function.
Urine tests: To check for protein, blood, and other abnormalities in the urine.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Estimate of kidney filtering rate based on age, sex, race, and creatinine.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the kidneys and identify any structural abnormalities.
Kidney biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine the cause of kidney damage.
Timeline of Symptoms
Early stages: Often asymptomatic or with vague symptoms like fatigue.
Moderate stages: Increased fatigue, swelling in ankles/feet, changes in urination, high blood pressure may develop.
Advanced stages: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe swelling, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, itching.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD): Life-threatening buildup of toxins; requires dialysis or kidney transplant. The timeline can vary significantly depending on the cause of kidney disease and individual health factors.
Important Considerations
Early detection and management of kidney disease are crucial to slow its progression and prevent complications.
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease should be screened regularly.
Kidney disease can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease, anemia, and bone disease.
Treatment options for advanced kidney disease include dialysis and kidney transplant.
Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, can help manage kidney disease.
Regular follow-up with a nephrologist (kidney specialist) is essential.