Cysts in kidneys are seen in many conditions and also in varied age group of people.
Most of the cystic kidney diseases are hereditary. Most commonly seen are polycystic kidney disease in Adults and acquired cystic kidneys. Cystic kidney disease can be seen congenitally. Once cystic kidney disease is diagnosed, patient’s family members should be screened for cysts in kidney and may also require genetic testing.
Cystic kidney diseases are diagnosed incidentally on abdominal scan for some other reason. Patients with this disease can present with Hypertension, Kidney failure, Increase in Uric Acid and Electrolyte disturbances. Patients with severe renal failure may require dialysis.
Acute Kidney Injury is defined as sudden onset Kidney failure. Patient presents with increase in Creatinine and reduced urine output. AKI may be caused because of Infection, Sepsis, Poisoning commonly.
Symptoms in patients:
Patients with these symptoms should consult Nephrologist immediately and get treated.
In severe AKI, patients may require hospital admission and dialysis.
CYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Cysts in kidneys are seen in many conditions and also in varied age group of people.
Most of the cystic kidney diseases are hereditary. Most commonly seen are polycystic kidney disease in Adults and acquired cystic kidneys. Cystic kidney disease can be seen congenitally. Once cystic kidney disease is diagnosed, patient’s family members should be screened for cysts in kidney and may also require genetic testing.
Cystic kidney diseases are diagnosed incidentally on abdominal scan for some other reason. Patients with this disease can present with Hypertension, Kidney failure, Increase in Uric Acid and Electrolyte disturbances. Patients with severe renal failure may require dialysis.
NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
Nephrotic syndrome means losing protein in Urine. Most common in children, usually identified by their mother. Nephrotic syndrome can also be seen in Adults. Patients with Nephrotic syndrome present with pedal oedema and Facial puffiness. Patients with these features need to consult Nephrologist and undergo laboratory evaluation and may require Kidney biopsy. Cause of Nephrotic syndrome can be identified by Biopsy and in most cases it is treatable.
DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Diabetes mellitus is most common cause for Chronic Kidney disease. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect multiple organs in body. Kidneys are also affected where patient present with recurrent urinary tract infection, pedal oedema, facial puffiness, reduced urine output. Patient with diabetes have to consult physician and have strict control of blood sugars.
Regular checks of kidney function test and urine analysis are advised.
PREGNANCY AND KIDNEY DISEASE
Kidneys are sometimes affected during pregnancy due to various causes. Causes include Urinary tract infection, Glomerular diseases, hypertension during pregnancy. Post-delivery causes include blood loss during delivery, infections and vascular diseases.
Regular ante-natal visits and check of blood pressure is advised for all pregnant women. Control of blood pressure during pregnancy is advised. Severe kidney injury may require dialysis.
POISON AND KIDNEY INJURY
Poisoning with Paraquat, Organophosphorous compound, Rat killer paste can cause kidney damage requiring dialysis. Dialysis may also help in removing posion content from blood.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Chronic kidney disease means irreversible damage of kidneys. The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Diabetes causes damage to many organs including the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, eyes and nerves. Hypertension can be a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, heart disease and strokes. Many other conditions can harm the kidneys. These include:
Risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease causes fluid overload status, muscle cramps, hypertension, anemia, weak bones-mineral bone disorder, anorexia, altered sensorium, pruritus, insomnia, nocturia, poor nutritional health.
Prevention:
Treatment:
Chronic kidney disease may progress slowly over a long time. If it is diagnosed and treated early, it can be slowed down or could be stopped. It will need treatment like dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Most people do not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease gets worse. However you may:
· Have muscle cramps at night
· Have swollen feet and ankles
· Have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning
· Feel more tired
· Have less energy
· Have trouble thinking clearly
· Have a poor appetite
· Have trouble sleeping
· Have dry, itchy skin
· Need to urinate more often, especially at night.
If at increased risk but not yet have chronic kidney Disease?
You should visit your doctor or clinic for regular checkups and tests for chronic kidney disease. You should also ask your doctor what you can do to lower your chances of developing kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you to:
· Carefully follow prescribed treatments to control diabetes and high blood pressure
· Lose excess weight by following a healthy diet and regular exercise program
· Stop smoking if you are a smoker
· Avoid taking pain relievers
· Make some changes in your diet, such as eating less salt and less protein.
· Limit your intake of alcohol
If i have chronic kidney disease, can i keep it from getting worse?
Most likely Early detection and treatment can often slow or stop chronic kidney disease. How well your treatment can achieve this goal depends on:
What happens if kidney failure occurs?
If chronic kidney disease gets worse and kidney failure occurs, two successful treatments can be done (dialysis or a kidney transplant). These treatments can help you stay healthy and continue your daily activities. Dialysis is a type of treatment that removes wastes and excess fluid from your blood. Two forms of dialysis may be done i.e. haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. A kidney transplant is an operation to place a new kidney in your body to take over the work of your failed kidneys. The kidney may come from someone who has died or from a living donor (close relative).
