Understanding the Various Types of Kidney Disease

 The kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body that help filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. Kidney diseases refer to conditions that damage the structure or function of the kidneys. There are various types of kidney diseases ranging from common ones like kidney stones to chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD).

According to estimates, about 10% of the world’s population is suffering from some form of kidney disease. Adhikari Lifeline Hospital’s Kidney Specialist in Boisar firmly believe that an early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of kidney disease. In this blog, we will understand the different types of kidney diseases and some important tips to promote kidney health.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over some time. CKD happens when the kidneys are damaged and can no longer properly filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. There are 5 stages of CKD ranging from kidney damage with a normal or high (glomerular filtration rate) to kidney failure where the kidneys function at less than 15% of their normal capacity. 

CKD has no early symptoms and is usually diagnosed through routine blood and urine tests. If left untreated, CKD can eventually lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Some of the leading causes of CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis and polycystic kidney disease. Early diagnosis and treatment focused on controlling underlying conditions can help prevent or delay CKD progression.

Different Types of Kidney Diseases

Some of the common kidney diseases include:

Kidney Stones: Hard, crystal-like minerals that form inside the kidneys from substances in the urine. They can grow in size and block the flow of urine, causing severe pain in the back, abdomen or groin.

Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder characterized by numerous fluid-filled cysts that develop in both kidneys, causing them to enlarge over time and lose function. 

Glomerulonephritis: Refers to inflammation of the glomeruli or small filtering units within the kidneys that can damage and scar the filters, reducing the kidney’s ability to filter blood.

Acute Kidney Injury: A sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage for hours or a few days. Commonly caused by decreased blood flow, medications, toxins or infections.  

Diabetic Nephropathy: One of the complications of diabetes where persistently high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, causing the organs to weaken over many years.

Lupus Nephritis: Inflammation and subsequent damage to the kidneys caused by the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus which can affect multiple organs.

Reflux Nephropathy: Scarring and loss of function in kidneys due to chronic backflow of urine from the bladder into the kidneys in children, often due to faulty valves in ureters.

Tips to Promote Kidney Health

• Maintain a healthy weight and control blood pressure and sugar levels through diet and exercise.
• Drink enough water and limit soda, processed food and excess salt intake.
• Avoid over-the-counter pain relievers if possible as they can stress kidneys in long-run. 
• Quit smoking which constricts blood vessels and increases the risk of kidney damage.
• Get routine health checkups done to screen for kidney diseases and monitor kidney function. 
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques as high cortisol levels can raise blood pressure.
• Consult Kidney Specialist in Boisar immediately for signs of kidney injury or infection like blood in urine. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, kidney diseases can seriously impact our health if not managed properly. Creating awareness about different types of kidney diseases and focusing on lifestyle management is important for kidney health. Early diagnosis and timely treatment as per expert medical advice can help prevent the progression of kidney conditions to advanced stages. 

Hospitals like Adhikari Lifeline offer comprehensive nephrology care and should be the preferred choice for kidney disease treatment in the region.

Consult The Best Nephrologist in Boisar- Get Dialysis Treatment

Adhikari Lifeline Hospital, the best multispeciality hospital in Boisar, Palghar provides exemplary treatment for kidney diseases.  Our state-of-the-art Nephrology department is headed by an experienced Nephrologist in Boisar. 

Our hospital has the best dialysis centre in Boisar equipped with the latest machines and expert staff. We offer dialysis for patients with end-stage kidney disease as well as advanced treatments. At Adhikari Lifeline Hospital, we ensure the best quality of care to patients from screening and diagnosis to management of kidney diseases and related complications. Book your appointment today!