The kidneys play an important position in sustaining the physique's general health by filtering waste merchandise, regulating electrolyte stability and producing hormones nevertheless, numerous kidney issues can disrupt these important features, resulting in vital well being issues. To assist perceive higher, we received a number of well being specialists on board to spotlight some frequent kidney issues, their causes, signs and out there remedy choices.

Common kidney issues

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Prashant Jain, Senior Consultant and Head of Department - General Urology and Andrology at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in New Delhi, echoed that kidneys are important organs that filter out waste and additional fluids from the physique and the frequent kidney issues that individuals face these days are

1) Kidney Stones that type when there's an excessive amount of buildup of sure substances within the physique, resulting in the formation of arduous deposits within the kidneys.

2) Chronic Kidney Disease that happens when the kidneys are broken and lose their capacity to perform correctly over time.

3) Urinary Tract Infections that happen within the urinary tract, which might embody the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

4) Glomerulonephritis, by which the tiny filters within the kidneys develop into infected and broken, resulting in decreased kidney perform.

Causes

According to Dr Prashant Jain, “The causes of kidney disorders include poor diet, dehydration, genetics, and medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. To take care of oneself in such situations, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and alcohol. It is also essential to manage any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, that may contribute to kidney problems.”

Symptoms

Common kidney ailments can current with quite a lot of signs and the precise signs can range relying on the sort and severity of the illness. Dr Prashant Jain revealed some frequent signs related to kidney illness -

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):

i. Fatigue and weak spot

ii. Swelling (edema) within the palms, ft, or ankles

iii. Frequent urination, particularly at evening (nocturia)

iv. Blood in urine (hematuria)

v. Foamy or bubbly urine

vi. Persistent itching

vii. High blood stress (hypertension)

viii. Loss of urge for food and unintended weight reduction

a) Severe ache within the again or facet (flank ache)

b) Pain radiating to the decrease stomach and groin

c) Blood in urine (hematuria)

d) Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

e) Frequent urination

f) Urgency to urinate

g) Inability to discover a comfy place as a result of ache

h) Nausea and vomiting

i) Fever and chills (if an an infection is current)

1. Blood in urine (hematuria)

2. Foamy urine (extreme protein)

3. Swelling (edema) within the face, palms, ft, or stomach

4. High blood stress (hypertension)

5. Reduced urine output

6. Fatigue and weak spot

7. Shortness of breath

8. Pallor (pale pores and skin)

9. Joint ache and swelling (in some autoimmune-related circumstances)

10. Symptoms of underlying infections or autoimmune issues (if related to glomerulonephritis)

Treatment

Bringing his experience to the identical, Dr Sujit Chatterjee, CEO at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, supplied an summary of remedy choices out there for frequent kidney issues, specializing in power kidney illness (CKD), kidney stone and glomerulonephritis. He elaborated -

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

i. Medications: Medications are prescribed to regulate hypertension, handle underlying situations (corresponding to diabetes), cut back proteinuria (extreme protein in urine), and tackle particular signs. Examples embody angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, and erythropoietin-stimulating brokers (ESAs) to handle anemia.

ii. Diet and life-style modifications: A kidney-friendly weight-reduction plan, low in sodium, protein, and phosphorus, is beneficial. Limiting fluid consumption could also be mandatory in superior phases of CKD. Regular train, weight administration, smoking cessation, and avoiding extreme alcohol consumption contribute to general kidney well being.

iii. Dialysis: Dialysis is a life-saving remedy for people with end-stage kidney illness. It entails eradicating waste merchandise and extra fluid from the blood by both hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Dialysis schedules and modalities are tailor-made to particular person wants.

iv. Kidney Transplantation: A kidney transplant is taken into account one of the best long-term remedy choice for end-stage kidney illness. It entails surgically changing a failed kidney with a wholesome kidney from a residing or deceased donor. Transplant recipients require lifelong immunosuppressive medicines to stop organ rejection.

a) Conservative Management: Small kidney stones typically cross spontaneously with elevated fluid consumption and ache administration. Over-the-counter ache relievers could also be used to alleviate discomfort throughout passage.

b) Medical Procedures: Larger stones could require intervention to facilitate their elimination. Common procedures embody extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), which makes use of sound waves to interrupt up stones, ureteroscopy, the place a skinny tube is inserted to take away or break up stones, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a minimally invasive surgical procedure to take away bigger stones.

1. Medications: Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying trigger and managing signs. Medications could embody corticosteroids, immunosuppressive medicine, and medicines to regulate blood stress and cut back proteinuria.

2. Diet Modifications: Limiting sodium and protein consumption could also be beneficial to scale back fluid retention and handle kidney perform.

3. Management of Underlying Conditions: Treating infections, autoimmune issues, or different systemic ailments related to glomerulonephritis is significant in managing the situation”.

He concluded, “The treatment options for common kidney disorders are multifaceted, aiming to slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and preserve kidney function. Treatment plans are individualised based on the specific disorder, stage and severity of the condition. Consulting with healthcare professionals, including nephrologists, urologists and primary care physicians, is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With proper management, individuals with kidney disorders can lead fulfilling lives and minimize complications associated with these conditions.”