Procedural Guide For Kidney Diseases

Several types of kidney diseases exist, each with its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Among the most important types are:

1. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):
• What is it? A sudden loss of kidney function, often reversible if diagnosed and treated early.
• Causes:
• Reduced blood flow to the kidneys (e.g., dehydration, shock, severe bleeding).
• Direct kidney tissue damage (e.g., infections, toxins, medications).
• Urinary tract obstruction (e.g., kidney stones, tumors).
• Symptoms:
• Reduced or no urine output.
• Swelling in the legs and ankles.
• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Confusion.
• Treatment:
• Address the underlying cause.
• Dialysis (kidney washing) to remove excess waste and fluids.
• Medications to control blood pressure and fluid balance.
2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
• What is it? A gradual loss of kidney function over a long period, often caused by progressive kidney damage.
• Causes:
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtration units).
• Polycystic kidney disease.
• Genetic conditions.
• Symptoms:
• Early stages may show no symptoms.
• As the disease progresses: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, swelling in the limbs, and changes in urine color.
• Treatment:
• Manage underlying conditions.
• Medications to lower blood pressure and reduce kidney damage.
• Diet modification.
• Dialysis in advanced stages.
• Kidney transplantation.

Kidney Stones:

• These are mineral crystals that accumulate in the kidneys, leading to severe pain.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD):

• A hereditary condition in which cysts filled with fluid grow in the kidneys.