Sudden loss of kidney function, often reversible if treated promptly.
Long-term condition where kidney function gradually declines over time.
Inflammation of the kidney's glomeruli affects the kidney's ability to filter waste.
A disorder causing the kidneys to excrete too much protein in the urine.
A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys.
Kidney damage resulting from long-term diabetes affects kidney filtration.
Kidney damage caused by chronic high blood pressure.
A type of urinary tract infection that reaches the kidneys.
Hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys.
Narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the kidneys.
Inflammation of the kidney’s interstitial tissue, often due to infections or drugs.
The most common type of kidney cancer originates in the renal tubules.
A genetic condition affecting the kidneys, ears, and eyes, leads to progressive kidney disease.
Kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
A congenital disorder characterized by cysts in the kidney’s tubules.
A condition where cysts form within the kidneys, potentially impacting function.
An autoimmune disorder that affects both the kidneys and lungs.
A disease-causing nephrotic syndrome, with minimal kidney changes visible under a microscope.
A condition where abnormal proteins build up in organs, including the kidneys.
Scarring of some of the glomeruli in the kidney affects filtering ability.
A condition often caused by E. coli infections, leading to kidney damage.
A kidney disease caused by the buildup of IgA antibodies in the kidneys.
A kidney disorder resulting in thickened glomerular basement membranes.
Accumulation of calcium salts in the kidney tissue.
A condition where urea and other waste products build up in the blood due to kidney failure.
A disorder where kidneys fail to properly acidify urine, leading to blood acidity.
A chronic kidney disease found in certain regions of the Balkans is possibly linked to environmental toxins.
Death of kidney tissue due to interrupted blood supply.
Kidney damage is caused by high levels of uric acid.
A condition where tubular cells in the kidney are damaged, often due to lack of oxygen.
Blockage in the urinary tract that affects urine flow and kidney function.
A congenital condition where the kidneys are fused at the lower end.
Kidney damage caused by long-term use of pain-relieving drugs.
Excessive oxalate in the urine can lead to kidney stones and damage.
A group of rare disorders affecting the kidneys' ability to reabsorb sodium.
A genetic disorder causing issues with salt reabsorption in the kidneys.
A genetic disorder causing kidney tubule damage and leading to kidney failure.
A condition where one or both kidneys fail to develop.
Abnormal kidney development in the womb.
A disorder affecting the kidneys' ability to reabsorb essential substances.
A genetic disorder that can cause kidney disease due to enzyme deficiencies.
A blood clot in the renal vein can affect kidney function.
The absence of both kidneys at birth is typically fatal.
A rare kidney cancer primarily affects children.
A condition where one kidney is malformed and contains multiple cysts.
Underdeveloped kidney, often congenital.
A condition where the kidney descends more than normal when standing up.
A genetic disorder causing severe hypertension and affecting kidney function.
A rare type of kidney cancer with a better prognosis than most renal cell carcinomas.
A rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer, associated with sickle cell disease.
A genetic disorder leads to cysts and tumors in various organs, including the kidneys.
A condition with the presence of nephroblasts (embryonic kidney cells) that can develop into Wilms’ tumor.
A congenital disorder characterized by small and malformed kidneys.
A rare kidney tumor primarily affects infants.
A benign kidney tumor composed of blood vessels, muscle, and fat.
A benign kidney tumor that typically doesn’t spread to other parts of the body.
A rare genetic disorder that can include kidney problems among other symptoms.
Excessive calcium in the urine, leads to kidney stone formation.
Rare kidney condition where cortical tissue dies, often due to severe injury.
A condition where light chains from antibodies deposit in kidneys, affecting function.
Genetic disorders lead to excessive oxalate production, causing kidney damage.
A disorder where kidneys fail to respond to antidiuretic hormone, leading to excessive urination.
A genetic disorder leads to excessive cystine in the urine, forming cystine stones.
A genetic disorder causes benign tumors in multiple organs, including kidneys.
Cancer forms in the renal pelvis, where urine collects before moving to the bladder.
Chronic kidney disease is linked to certain environmental factors in the Balkans.
A disorder where kidneys fail to respond to aldosterone, leading to salt loss.
A genetic condition causing thinning of the glomerular basement membrane.
A kidney that has lost all function often requires removal.
A form of renal tubular acidosis where the kidneys fail to properly acidify urine.
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CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function over time. This can lead to waste and fluid buildup in the body, potentially resulting in various health problems.
Common causes include:
● Diabetes
● High blood pressure
● Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units)
● Polycystic kidney disease
● Long-term use of certain medications (such as NSAIDs)
● Kidney infections and obstructions
Symptoms may not appear until kidney function is significantly impaired. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
● Fatigue
● Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
● Shortness of breath
● Nausea and vomiting
● Loss of appetite
● Difficulty sleeping
● Muscle cramps
CKD is typically diagnosed through:
● Blood tests (to check creatinine and eGFR levels)
● Urine tests (to detect protein or blood)
● Imaging tests (like ultrasounds)
● Kidney biopsy (in some cases)
CKD is divided into five stages based on the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate):
● Stage 1: Normal kidney function but with some signs of kidney damage
● Stage 2: Mild reduction in kidney function
● Stage 3: Moderate reduction in kidney function
● Stage 4: Severe reduction in kidney function
● Stage 5: Kidney failure (end-stage renal disease)
Treatment depends on the stage and cause but may include:
● Medication to control blood pressure and diabetes
● Diet and lifestyle changes
● Regular monitoring and blood tests
● Dialysis or kidney transplant in advanced stages
There is no cure for CKD, but its progression can be slowed or managed through early detection, lifestyle changes, and treatment.
● Following a kidney-friendly diet (low in salt, potassium, and phosphorus)
● Managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels
● Exercising regularly
● Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
● Staying hydrated
Individuals at high risk (such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease) should be tested annually. Those with known kidney problems may need more frequent testing.
Dialysis is one treatment option for end-stage CKD. Other options include kidney transplantation. In earlier stages, lifestyle changes and medication can help manage the condition.
While some causes of CKD are genetic and cannot be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk. This includes controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, and avoiding nephrotoxic substances (like certain medications and excessive alcohol).
Diet is crucial in managing CKD. A kidney-friendly diet often involves limiting sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus intake to reduce the strain on the kidneys.
In the early stages, CKD might have minimal impact on daily life. However, as the disease progresses, it may affect energy levels, diet, and the need for medical treatments.
If you suspect you have symptoms of CKD or are at risk, consult a healthcare provider for testing and advice on how to manage the condition.