Did you know that kidney disease is a serious health concern faced by people? Kidney disease has also been increasing globally.

It is an alarming fact that kidney disease often goes undetected. Most often, people do not realise they are having a kidney issue.

Curious about the types of kidney diseases? Their symptoms, and possible treatments for them? Want to be informed about them to avoid any sort of delay in detection, diagnosis, and treatment?

No worries. Mykare Health is here to give answers to all your queries.

What Are The Types Of Kidney Diseases?

There are several types of kidney diseases. It includes a diverse range of conditions. Let’s look at an introduction to some of the common types of kidney diseases.

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder. It is the development of fluid filled cysts in the kidneys. This will result in the enlargement of kidneys. The cysts will restrict the kidney from filtering waste materials form the body. The kidney will start to dysfunction.

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD affects the kidney gradually. It will lead the kidney to not be able to perform its functions properly. This will lead to kidney failure. Without the waste fluids getting filtered, it gets accumulated in the body. It causes further complications.

• Acute kidney injury (AKI): Acute kidney injury happens rapidly. It causes a sudden dysfunction of the kidneys. However, it can be cured easily since its effects are short term.

• Glomerulonephritis: There are small filters in the kidney called glomeruli. Glomerulonephritis occurs when there is inflammation in these glomeruli. It interrupts kidney function. It will then result in kidney failure.

• Kidney stones: Kidney stones are the most common among kidney diseases. They are hard clumps that form in the kidneys. It differs in size and shape. Some kidney stones will get removed on their own. Some may need surgery. Please link this to other Kidney stones article

Causes Of Kidney Disease

Here are the common causes of kidney disease that you must be cautious of

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Infections
• Inherited kidney diseases
• Immune system disorder
• Rare genetic conditions
• Problems in urinary tract

Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

There are symptoms that can occur at an early and advanced stage. Symptoms may not always be there in the early stages. Unless diagnosed during checkups, it cannot be identified.

Let’s discuss some of the common symptoms that are associated with kidney disease.

• Weakness and fatigue: Constant fatigue and weakness can be a symptom of kidney disease. It can be due to the insufficient production of red blood cells. It happens as a result of kidney dysfunctioning.

• Blood in urine: The presence of blood in urine indicates kidney disease. You might find drops of blood while urinating. You should get it checked to find the issue.

• Changes in urination patterns: If you have kidney disease, there will be changes in your urination pattern. You may experience a constant need to pee. It can also be the opposite. You may find it difficult to pee.

• Swelling or edema: The presence of fluid in the kidneys may lead to swelling. It could occur in legs, ankles, or feet. You may also notice swelling on your hands in some cases.

• Nausea and vomiting: Constant feeling of nausea with vomiting can be due to kidney related issues. This issue can be due to the buildup of waste elements in the kidney. This indicates an issue with the kidney.

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing can be a symptom. It may be due to the waste fluids that build up around the lungs. Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite is also a common symptom which indicates that you have kidney related issues. It can be constant. You may not feel the need to eat any food.

What Are The Treatments?

Before delving into the specifics of available treatments, be aware that not all kidney disorders have a cure. There are some really complex conditions. They cannot be healed. But these disorders can be stopped from getting worse.

However, there is a range of available options for treating kidney diseases. Let’s dive into them.

• Medications: Medications are the most common treatment option for kidney disease. Healthcare professionals may suggest medications according to individual conditions.

The medications will help in controlling blood pressure. It can slow down the growth of kidney disease. It will also help in improved blood flow. Edema can also be controlled by medications.

• Dialysis: If the kidney disease is at a very complicated state, dialysis is the option. Dialysis is the process of removing waste fluids from the blood using an external machine. It is done when the kidneys are unable to do it.

Dialysis is of two types. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis uses a machine to filter the blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses peritoneum for filtration.

Hemodialysis is done three times a week. The other one can be done daily.

• Kidney Transplant: Transplant is another treatment option. It is suggested when your kidney disease is at an advanced state. In kidney transplant, your damaged kidney will be replaced by a healthy kidney.

Kidney transplant is only suggested when an individual’s condition is that bad. In addition, finding a perfect donor for kidney transplant is also difficult in some cases.

Age and other medical conditions are considered before transplant is suggested, as it is a complex surgery. Even after successful kidney transplant, you may have to undergo regular treatments.

Now that you know the basics of kidney diseases, we hope it will empower you to detect any signs you notice and do not delay in reporting the same to your doctor.

Late detection can make the condition worse. Hence, read our blog to know about the condition and get your treatment started as early as possible.