Kidney diseases are a broad group of conditions that affect millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, they often develop without obvious symptoms, so that they are often diagnosed too late, when kidney damage is already advanced. In this article we will try to introduce the topic of kidney diseases, explain what they are, their causes, symptoms and how they can be prevented.
What are kidneys and what functions do they perform?
The kidneys are an even organ located on either side of the spine, in the lumbar region. Their main function is to filter the blood, remove unnecessary metabolic products and maintain the body’s water and electrolyte balance. The kidneys also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production and calcium metabolism.
Types of kidney disease
Kidney diseases can be divided into many categories, depending on the cause, the location of the damage and the severity. The most common distinctions are:
- Chronic kidney disease (PChN): This is progressive damage to the kidneys that leads to kidney failure. The most common causes of PChN are diabetes, hypertension, urinary tract diseases and some autoimmune diseases.
- Acute renal failure (ARF): This is a sudden deterioration of kidney function that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as dehydration, infections, poisoning, myocardial or kidney damage.
- Kidney stones: This involves the formation of stones in the kidneys or urinary tract. Kidney stones can cause severe pain, hematuria and difficulty urinating.
- Urinary tract infections: Can affect both the kidneys and the urinary tract. They are most often caused by bacteria, less often by viruses or fungi.
Causes of kidney disease
There are many causes of kidney disease. The most common are:
- Diabetes: High blood glucose levels damage blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to gradual damage.
- Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure damages blood vessels in the kidneys, which over time leads to kidney failure.
- Urinary tract diseases: Infections, kidney stones, tumors can lead to kidney damage.
- Autoimmune diseases: diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic scleroderma can cause nephritis.
- Medications: Some drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can damage the kidneys.
- Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals, contrast agents or certain chemicals can lead to kidney damage.
- Birth defects: Some people are born with defects in the structure of the kidneys that predispose them to the development of kidney disease.
Symptoms of kidney disease
In the early stages of kidney disease, the kidneys often produce no symptoms. It is only when the damage is advanced that the following symptoms may appear:
- Changes in urination: frequent or infrequent urination, nocturnal polyuria, pain during urination, hematuria, foaming of urine.
- Swelling: especially around the eyes, ankles and legs.
- Fatigue and weakness: caused by anemia and electrolyte imbalance.
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting: associated with water-electrolyte disorders.
- Pain in the lumbar region: may indicate kidney stones or nephritis.
- High blood pressure: difficult to control with medication.
- Itchy skin: caused by mineral disorders.
Diagnosis of kidney disease
Diagnosis of kidney disease is based on medical history, physical examination and laboratory and imaging results. The most important tests are:
- General urinalysis: detects the presence of protein, blood, bacteria and other abnormalities in the urine.
- Creatinine and urea testing: allows assessment of renal filtration function.
- Urine screening for microalbuminuria: can detect early kidney damage in people with diabetes and hypertension.
- Ultrasound of the kidneys: allows assessment of the size, shape and structure of the kidneys and detection of the presence of kidney stones or other lesions.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR): allow for more detailed images of the kidneys and urinary tract.
- Kidney biopsy: is an invasive test that involves taking a small piece of kidney tissue for thorough histopathological evaluation.
Treatment of kidney disease
Treatment of kidney disease depends on the type of disease, its stage and cause. In the treatment of PChN, drugs are used to lower blood pressure, slow the progression of the disease, and anticoagulants. For kidney stones, stone-dissolving drugs, shock wave or surgery are used. Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. In advanced stages of kidney failure, treatment with dialysis or kidney transplantation is necessary.
Prevention of kidney disease
Although some kidney diseases are hereditary, many can be prevented or slowed by a healthy lifestyle. One should:
- Control diabetes and hypertension: measure blood sugar and blood pressure regularly and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Maintain a healthy weight: obesity increases the risk of many diseases, including kidney disease.
- Get regular physical activity: exercise helps lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Eat healthily: reduce your intake of salt, animal fats and processed foods, increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of water: adequate hydration helps flush toxins from the body.
- Do not smoke: smoking increases the risk of many diseases, including kidney disease.
- Get regular checkups: especially if you have a family history of kidney disease.
Summary
Kidney diseases are serious conditions that can lead to many complications and even death. Unfortunately, they often develop without obvious symptoms, which is why regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are so important. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of life and prolong the survival of patients.
Note:
The above article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for visiting a doctor. If you have any doubts about your health, consult a specialist.
