9 common kidney diseases you should know

The kidneys may be small, but they perform some of the body’s most important functions. They filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, help regulate blood pressure, maintain the balance of minerals in the body and support the production of red blood cells.

When the kidneys are damaged or urine cannot flow properly, these functions can be affected. Some kidney conditions develop slowly over several years, while others can cause a sudden decline in kidney function. Kidney problems may also go unnoticed in their early stages because some people have few or no obvious symptoms.

In this article , Tribune Online highlights nine common kidney diseases and conditions you should know.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when certain substances in the urine become concentrated and form crystals.Some stones are small enough to pass through the urinary tract without causing major problems. Larger stones, however, can become stuck and cause severe pain in the side, back or lower abdomen.

A person may also experience nausea, vomiting, pain while urinating or blood in the urine. Some stones pass naturally, but larger stones or those causing an obstruction may require medical treatment. Drinking adequate fluids can help reduce the risk of some types of kidney stones.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease occurs  when the kidneys become damaged and gradually lose their ability to function properly. The condition can develop over months or years and may eventually lead to kidney failure if it becomes severe.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are major causes of chronic kidney disease. Other causes include certain kidney disorders, inherited conditions and repeated damage to the kidneys. Because early CKD may produce no obvious symptoms, people at increased risk should have their kidney function checked regularly.

Kidney infection

A kidney infection is usually caused by bacteria that enter the urinary system and travel upwards to one or both kidneys. It can develop from a urinary tract infection that has not been treated or has spread to the upper urinary tract.

Symptoms may include fever, chills, pain in the side or back, nausea, vomiting and painful or frequent urination. Kidney infections should be treated promptly because the infection can become severe and may spread into the bloodstream.

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Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder in which numerous fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can enlarge the kidneys and interfere with their normal function. The condition can also be associated with high blood pressure, kidney stones and other complications.

Because PKD can run in families, people with a strong family history of the condition may need medical assessment. The severity varies, but regular monitoring can help doctors manage complications and protect kidney function for as long as possible.

Acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury , or AKI, is a sudden decline in kidney function that can occur over a short period. It can happen when the kidneys do not receive enough blood, when the kidneys are directly damaged or when urine is blocked from leaving the body. Severe dehydration, serious infections, major blood loss, certain medicines and urinary obstruction are among the possible causes. 

Unlike some forms of chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury can sometimes improve considerably when the underlying problem is identified and treated quickly. A sudden reduction in urine output, swelling, weakness, confusion or nausea in someone who is acutely ill should be assessed urgently.

Glomerulonephritis

The kidneys contain millions of tiny filtering units called glomeruli. These structures help remove waste and excess fluid from the blood.

Glomerulonephritis occurs when the glomeruli become inflamed or damaged. Depending on the cause and severity, it may lead to blood or protein in the urine, swelling, high blood pressure and reduced kidney function.

Infections, autoimmune disorders and other medical conditions can trigger different forms of glomerulonephritis. Because treatment depends on the underlying cause, persistent blood or protein in the urine should be medically investigated.

Diabetic kidney disease

Diabetes can gradually damage the kidneys, particularly when blood sugar remains poorly controlled for a long period. The high blood sugar associated with diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels and filtering structures within the kidneys. This may eventually reduce kidney function.

One early sign can be increased levels of albumin, a type of protein, in the urine.

People with diabetes should therefore have regular checks for kidney damage. Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure can help reduce the risk of kidney complications.

Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis occurs when urine cannot drain normally from a kidney and begins to build up, causing the kidney to swell.

It is usually a result of an obstruction somewhere in the urinary tract rather than a disease on its own. Kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, narrowing of the urinary tract and other blockages can cause the condition.

Some people may have no obvious symptoms, while others can experience pain, difficulty urinating, nausea or repeated urinary tract infections. Treatment focuses on finding and removing the obstruction so urine can flow normally and further kidney damage can be prevented.

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome occurs when damage to the kidney’s filtering system causes large amounts of protein to be lost through the urine.

The loss of protein can lead to fluid accumulation in the body, causing swelling around the eyes, feet, ankles or legs. Foamy urine can also occur because of the increased amount of protein in the urine.

Nephrotic syndrome can result from several different diseases, including diabetes, certain kidney disorders, infections and autoimmune conditions. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medicines and other measures to reduce protein loss, control blood pressure and manage swelling.