Kidney disease is a severe health condition that can lead to kidney failure. The organ helps to refine and remove waste products from the blood. When kidney disease occurs, it can damage different organs of the body and lead to serious health problems. This condition causes toxins to accumulate in the blood, causing kidney damage and impairing their function, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

What are the causes of kidney disease?

High blood pressure
Elevated blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time by causing them to lose their ability to filter toxins and fluids from the bloodstream properly.

Diabetes
Diabetes increases your risk for kidney disease because it damages the blood vessels in your body, including those that supply blood to the kidneys.

Pyelonephritis (a type of urinary tract infection)
This can cause inflammation and scarring in the renal tissue, leading to kidney failure.

Vesicoureteral reflux
This is when urine backs up into the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the bladder to the outside world. It often leads to renal failure if it’s not treated on time.

Interstitial nephritis
This is an inflammation of the kidney cells that results in decreased function or even loss of kidney function over time. It can be caused by various factors, such as infection with bacteria or viruses, exposure to toxins or chemicals, and autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Glomerulonephritis
It is an inflammation of the glomeruli (small cells in the renal pelvis that filter waste from the blood). It can be caused by infection, injury, or autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), and it often progresses slowly over time.

Autoimmune diseases
These involve your immune system attacking your body tissues (including your kidneys). This damage can lead to a gradual decline in kidney function over time, even without apparent symptoms.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
It is a genetic disorder resulting in kidney cysts. These cysts can grow large and eventually lead to kidney failure. PKD is a progressive disease, meaning that it typically gets worse. There is no cure for it, but there are treatments that can help slow its growth and enhance the quality of life for those affected by it.

How does kidney disease progress?
Kidney disease progresses in stages, and each stage has its own symptoms. Early-stage kidney disease is characterized by mild to moderate symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle cramps, vomiting, anemia, nausea, and easy bruising.

As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or stool, swelling in the legs or feet due to fluid accumulation (edema), and a decrease in appetite. Advanced kidney disease can lead to kidney and liver failure if left untreated. You have been having difficulty urinating or passing urine. This could be due to many reasons, such as an infection or blockage in the urinary tract.

Your blood pressure may increase significantly over time, even though you’re taking your prescribed treatments. This may indicate kidney disease and require further evaluation from a doctor.

You may also experience recurrent episodes of extreme fatigue that last for more than two days at a time and cannot be relieved by rest or sleep alone. This could also indicate kidney disease and warrant professional attention. If you’re experiencing any signs and symptoms of early-stage kidney disease, you must get screened for the condition as soon as possible. Getting screened early on can help prevent further disease progression and improve your chances for a successful outcome.

What are the complications involved with chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious condition that can lead to decreased kidney function and, eventually, renal failure. While there are many complications associated with CKD, some of the most common include:

Chronic pain due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
A low red blood cell count can result in anemia.
Swollen feet and ankles due to edema (fluid retention).
High blood pressure due to hypertension (high blood pressure).
Heart problems because of an increased risk for heart failure.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues result from feeling isolated or helpless.

Diagnosis of kidney disease
The first step in diagnosing kidney disease is getting a urine test. This will check for abnormalities, including proteinuria (a high level of protein in the urine) and blood in the urine. If there are any signs of kidney damage, your doctor may also recommend an imaging test, like an ultrasound. This test can help determine if the organs are healthy or damaged by checking the structure and size of your kidneys.

A blood test to measure creatinine levels (a waste product produced by the body as part of its normal functioning) and urea nitrogen levels (another waste product). Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.

Treatment of kidney disease
Many options are available for people with kidney disease, including surgery and transplantation. One of the most common treatments for kidney disease is dialysis. This treatment helps to remove toxins and waste from your bloodstream, which can improve your overall health and quality of life. Luckily, if the condition is diagnosed at an early stage, it can be treated fully or managed for a long time.

How to prevent kidney disease?
While the condition can affect anyone at any age, there are a few things individuals can keep in mind to prevent their susceptibility to the condition. One of the most crucial things to do is exercise consistently. This will help improve your cholesterol levels, a risk factor for developing kidney disease. Additionally, it’s essential to have healthy blood pressure levels and keep your BMI under control. If you’re at risk for kidney disease, talk to your doctor about what you should do to protect yourself and start your treatment.