The kidneys act as the body’s regulatory organs. They regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, hormone levels, and acid-base balance. It is therefore easy to see that kidney disease affects the body in many different ways. But what types of kidney diseases—also known as nephropathies—are there, and how are they diagnosed and treated? Learn more about this below.
What are the different types of kidney disease?
When the kidneys stop functioning, it leads to chronic or acute kidney failure, also known in medical terms as renal insufficiency. The acute form of renal insufficiency develops within a few hours or days. It is reversible, meaning it can be reversed. The chronic form of kidney failure, on the other hand, develops over a longer period of time. It can be halted with appropriate treatment, preventing the symptoms from progressing further.
In addition to insufficiency, the kidneys are also affected by inflammation in some cases. This inflammation is localized either in the glomeruli (glomerulonephritis), in the renal pelvis (pyelonephritis), or in the kidney tissue.
In addition, cysts as well as benign or malignant tumors (kidney cancer) occasionally develop in the kidneys, although the latter are relatively rare. Kidney stones, on the other hand, form when substances in the urine do not dissolve completely and instead form crystals.
One of the kidneys’ functions is to produce erythropoietin for blood formation. If the kidneys are diseased, a deficiency often results. The consequence is renal anemia, i.e., anemia caused by kidney disease.
What causes kidney disease?
The various kidney diseases can be attributed to different causes. For example, kidney cysts are usually hereditary. Possible causes of kidney inflammation, on the other hand, include:
- existing diabetes
- infectious diseases such as hepatitis or endocarditis
- certain medications
- Cancer
- immune system antibodies that accumulate in the kidneys
- Autoimmune diseases
Common symptoms
You can recognize kidney disease by changes in your urine. These may include, among other things, a significantly reduced or increased urine output. In addition, kidney disease affects the color and clarity of the urine. For example, cloudy urine indicates the presence of protein, which results from inflammation of the kidneys. Blood in the urine is also a sign of inflammatory reactions in the kidneys.
Sudden high blood pressure, edema, headaches, vision problems, and a susceptibility to infections are also symptoms of kidney failure. Since the kidneys have a major impact on various bodily functions, nonspecific symptoms may also occur. These include, among others, pallor, fatigue, weight gain, or general malaise.
How a Doctor Diagnoses Kidney Disease
If you suspect you have kidney disease, see your primary care physician first. A blood test provides the first indications of actual kidney disease.
Among other things, this test can determine the glomerular filtration rate. This indicates how quickly and effectively the kidneys filter urine. In cases of kidney insufficiency, this value is usually reduced. Inflammation markers (white blood cell count) and the creatinine level in the blood are also key indicators when kidney disease is suspected. In addition, your blood pressure will be measured, and a urine test will be ordered at the lab.
If the initial suspicion is confirmed, consult a nephrologist. This is a specialist who focuses on kidney diseases.
What treatments does a nephrologist prescribe?
Treatment depends on the nature of the disease. In many cases, appropriate medications are the treatment of choice. In cases of severe kidney inflammation, the nephrologist usually prescribes glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants to suppress the body’s inflammatory response.
If medication is not effective, dialysis may be necessary. In this procedure, the blood is artificially purified and toxins are removed. For high blood pressure, the doctor will prescribe an antihypertensive medication at their discretion. ACE inhibitors have proven effective in this context.
Take Care of Your Kidneys
As you can see, the kidney is a complex organ with many functions. If it becomes diseased, a nephrologist can help with a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
To protect your kidneys as a preventive measure, consume salt and fat only in moderation. If you have an existing kidney condition, follow a low-protein diet. If necessary, controlled fluid intake may be required.
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