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Kidney Disease

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Understanding

Kidney Disease

At Preeti Kidney Hospitals, we are committed to providing expert care and innovative treatment options for individuals with kidney disease.

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Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, encompasses a range of conditions that impair the kidneys' ability to function effectively. The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and excess fluids from the blood to form urine. When the kidneys are damaged, they can no longer perform this essential function properly, leading to a buildup of waste products in the body.

Types & Stages

Causes & Symptoms

Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

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  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

  • High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can damage the kidneys' blood vessels, reducing their ability to function.

  • Genetic Factors: Inherited conditions like PKD.

  • Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus that can attack the kidneys.

  • Infections and Toxins: Bacterial infections or exposure to certain drugs and toxins.

Early stages of kidney disease may not present noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

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  • Fatigue and Weakness: Due to a buildup of waste products in the body.

  • Swelling (Edema): Especially in the legs, ankles, feet, or around the eyes.

  • Changes in Urination: Such as increased frequency, foamy urine, or blood in the urine.

  • Shortness of Breath: Due to fluid buildup in the lungs.

  • Nausea and Vomiting: Resulting from the accumulation of waste products.

  • Loss of Appetite: Leading to unintended weight loss.

  • Muscle Cramps: Often caused by electrolyte imbalances.

Diagnosing Kidney Diseases

Treatment Options

To diagnose kidney disease, your doctor may recommend:

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  • Blood Tests: To measure levels of waste products like creatinine and urea.

  • Urine Tests: To detect abnormalities such as protein or blood in the urine.

  • Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the kidneys.

  • Kidney Biopsy: Removing a small sample of kidney tissue for examination.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of kidney disease and may include:

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Lifestyle Changes

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  • Dietary Modifications: Reducing sodium, protein, and phosphorus intake.

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity to maintain overall health.

  • Quit Smoking: To improve kidney function and overall health.

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Medications

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  • Blood Pressure Medications: To control hypertension and slow disease progression.

  • Diuretics: To help reduce swelling.

  • Medications to Control Blood Sugar: For individuals with diabetes.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. It often involves diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned.

Kidney Transplant

Kidney transplant is a surgery done to replace a diseased or injured kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. The kidney may come from a from a living donor. Family members who are a good match may be able to donate one of their kidneys.

Preventing Kidney Disease

While not all cases of kidney disease can be prevented, certain steps can reduce your risk:

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  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in sodium and unhealthy fats.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

  • Monitor Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar: Regular check-ups and management.

  • Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Both can harm the kidneys.

  • Regular Exercise: To maintain a healthy weight and improve overall health.

Book An Appointment

There are several types of kidney disease, including:

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  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function over time. It's often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.

  • Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden loss of kidney function, often due to injury, infection, or certain medications.

  • Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units, often due to autoimmune diseases or infections.

  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys.

  • Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Bacterial infections that can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys.

Kidney disease is typically classified into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures kidney function:

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  • Stage 1: Normal or high GFR (90+). Kidney damage with normal kidney function.

  • Stage 2: Mildly decreased GFR (60-89). Kidney damage with mild loss of function.

  • Stage 3: Moderately decreased GFR (30-59). Moderate loss of kidney function.

  • Stage 4: Severely decreased GFR (15-29). Severe loss of kidney function.

  • Stage 5: Kidney failure (GFR <15). End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation.

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