Types of Kidney Diseases: Symptoms and Risk Factors

by Apollo Hospitals Delhi Touching Lives

Kidneys are two of fist-sized organs at the bottom of an individual’s rib cage. On each side of the spine, there is one kidney. It is a vital organ that is majorly responsible for maintaining a healthy body. This is because kidneys execute some of the most crucial functions of the body like filtering waste, excessive water, and other impurities from the blood. These toxins are removed from the body through urine. Kidneys also help in regulating the pH, salt, and potassium levels in the body.

There might be an underlying condition if kidney(s) are unable to carry out these functions properly. Treatment of such conditions is extremely important as it may lead to other health problems, including weak bones, nerve damage, malnutrition or permanent kidney damage. So, here are a few common types of kidney diseases that will help you get a better idea

Types of Kidney Diseases

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are one of the most common types of kidney-related conditions. Kidney stones refer to the minerals and other substances in the blood that crystallize in the kidneys that form solid masses. Kidney stones typically exit the body through the urinary tract.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis refers to the inflammation of the glomeruli. Glomeruli are small structures found in the kidneys that are responsible for filtering the blood. Inflammation of these structures can be caused due to the consumption of certain drugs, infections, or congenital abnormalities (deformities that arise during or shortly after birth).

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that can result in numerous cysts that are usually small sacs of fluid that grow in the kidneys. These cysts can hinder the functioning of the kidney and may even lead to kidney failure. Also, it must be noted that individual kidney cysts can be quite common and might not prove to be harmful. While on the other hand, polycystic kidney diseases can be quite serious.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are referred to the bacterial infections in the urinary system. Some of the most common urinary tract infections are in the bladder and urethra. UTIs can be treated easily and only rarely causes any other severe health-related issues. Nevertheless, if left untreated, urinary tract infection can spread to the kidneys and may even lead to kidney failure.

Symptoms

Some of the most common types of symptoms that one might observe in case of any aforementioned kidney diseases are:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Reduced amount of urine
• Fluid retention
• Anaemia (decrease in the level of red blood cells)
• Sudden rise in potassium levels (hyperkalaemia)
• Inflammation of the pericardium (a fluid-filled sac that covers the heart)

Risk Factors

Some individuals can be at a higher risk of developing kidney diseases. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history of chronic kidney disease
• Old age
• Being an African, Hispanic, Asian, or American descent

So, these are some crucial information about various kidney-related diseases. It is advised that one should only visit the best kidney hospital in Delhi or other cities in case they observe any aforementioned symptoms.

 

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Created on Jun 16th 2020 00:29. Viewed 548 times.

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