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Understanding Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD

Medically reviewed by Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD, Harvard Medical School | Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit, MI on April 5th, 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • Chronic kidney disease affects 37 million Americans, with stages 1-2 showing minimal symptoms while stages 4-5 require dialysis preparation as kidney function drops below 30%.
  • Diabetes and hypertension cause 75% of cases—uncontrolled blood sugar above 180 mg/dL and blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg accelerate kidney damage over years.
  • Creatinine levels above 1.2 mg/dL in women and 1.4 mg/dL in men indicate reduced filtration, while protein in urine (proteinuria) often appears before other symptoms.
  • ACE inhibitors or ARBs are first-line treatments that can slow progression by 30-50% when started early, even in patients without high blood pressure.
  • Regular screening every 1-2 years catches disease early in high-risk patients—waiting until symptoms appear often means 60-70% of kidney function is already lost.

Kidney disease is a condition that affects your body's ability to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. When your kidneys are damaged, it can lead to a buildup of waste products and fluid in your body, causing various symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications. In this article, we'll discuss the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments of kidney disease to help you better understand this condition.

Types of Kidney Disease

There are two main types of kidney disease:

  1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A gradual loss of kidney function over time, often due to diabetes or high blood pressure.

  2. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden loss of kidney function, usually caused by a specific event such as dehydration, blood loss, or exposure to toxins.

Causes of Kidney Disease

Some of the most common causes of kidney disease include:

  • Diabetes (types 1 and 2)

  • High blood pressure

  • Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units)

  • Polycystic kidney disease (an inherited disorder causing fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys)

  • Prolonged use of certain medications, such as NSAIDs

  • Exposure to toxins and heavy metals

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

In the early stages of kidney disease, you may not experience any symptoms. As the condition progresses, you may notice:

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Changes in urination (more or less frequent, foamy, or bloody)

  • Difficulty concentrating or confusion

Understanding Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Diagnosing Kidney Disease

To diagnose kidney disease, your doctor may perform the following tests:

  • Blood tests to measure waste product levels

  • Urine tests to check for protein or blood

  • Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, to visualize your kidneys

  • Kidney biopsy to determine the cause of your kidney problems

Treating Kidney Disease

Treatment for kidney disease depends on the underlying cause and the stage of the condition. Some common treatments include:

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of kidney disease. These may include:

  • Managing diabetes and high blood pressure

  • Quitting smoking

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Eating a balanced, low-sodium diet

  • Staying physically active

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage your kidney disease, such as:

  • ACE inhibitors or ARBs to control blood pressure and reduce protein in urine

  • Diuretics to help remove excess fluid

  • Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to treat anemia

  • Phosphate binders to control phosphorus levels

Dialysis

If your kidneys are no longer able to filter waste and excess fluid effectively, you may need dialysis. There are two main types of dialysis:

  1. Hemodialysis: Your blood is filtered through a machine to remove waste and excess fluid.

  2. Peritoneal dialysis: A special fluid is introduced into your abdominal cavity to absorb waste and excess fluid, which is then drained out.

Kidney Transplant

For some people with end-stage kidney disease, a kidney transplant may be the best treatment option. This involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into your body to take over the function of your damaged kidneys.

If you suspect you may have kidney disease or are at risk for developing it, talk to your doctor. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve your overall health and quality of life.

For more information on kidney disease, visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases or the National Kidney Foundation.

The Bottom Line

Early detection through routine blood and urine tests is critical since most kidney damage occurs silently over years before symptoms develop. Managing diabetes and blood pressure aggressively, combined with appropriate medications, can significantly slow progression and delay the need for dialysis. If you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination, Doctronic can help you get the testing and answers you need quickly.

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