Nephrology

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the tiny filters in kidneys (glomeruli). Glomeruli remove excess fluid, electrolytes and waste from your bloodstream and pass them into your urine. Glomerulonephritis can come on suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Symptoms and Sign : Fatigue High blood pressure Swelling of the face, hands, feet, and belly Blood and protein in the urine (hematuria and proteinuria) Decreased urine output Causes: The acute disease may be caused by infections such as strep throat. It may also be caused by other illnesses, including lupus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Wegener's disease, and polyarteritis nodosa. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important to prevent kidney failure. Treatment : Diet less protein, salt and potassium. Corticosteroids such as prednisone. Dialysis, which helps clean the blood, remove extra fluid and control blood pressure. Diuretics (water pills) to reduce swelling.

An infection in any part of the urinary system, the kidneys, bladder or urethra. Urinary tract infections are more common in women. They usually occur in the bladder or urethra, but more serious infections involve the kidney. Pain areas: in the bladder, groin, lower abdomen, or pelvis. Symptoms : Pain circumstances: can occur during urination or during sexual intercourse Urinary: foul smelling urine, frequent urination, bladder spasm, cloudy urine, dark urine, persistent urge to urinate, sense of incomplete bladder emptying, or blood in urine Whole body fatigue, fever, or malaise Also common: cramping or vaginal irritation Treatment : Common treatment is with antibiotics. Self-care Urinating after sexual intercourse

A small, hard deposit that forms in the kidneys and is often painful when passed. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and acid salts that stick together in concentrated urine. They can be painful when passing through the urinary tract, but usually don't cause permanent damage. Symptoms : The most common symptom is severe pain, usually in the side of the abdomen, that's often associated with nausea. Diagnosis : Radiological investigation includes Ultrasound of kidney and urinary tract and X-ray Others: urine examination Treatment: Fluid therapy - antibiotics, anti-spasmodic and surgical intervention

Acute kidney disease occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop functioning for a short period of time. This can range from one day to a few weeks. The lack of blood filtration leads to the accumulation of toxins and electrolytes in the body which can be severe. Also known as acute kidney injury or acute kidney failure, the condition can be reversible, although it may require immediate treatment. Diagnosis of the condition is done through blood and urine tests. Causes: Obstruction in the urinary tract Blood loss Sudden and severe infection Dehydration Liver failure Toxicity from certain medications Autoimmune kidney disorders Blood clots Treatment of Acute Kidney Disease: After a definite diagnosis of acute kidney failure, the treatment options are recommended depending on the underlying cause. The treatment options for acute kidney failure include: Medication that can control minerals in the blood Adopting a diet which has less potassium and salt Hemodialysis

Also known as chronic kidney failure, chronic kidney disease is the loss of function of the kidneys over a long period of time. If the problem is not addressed earlier, then the patient may suffer permanent kidney failure, which is not reversible. Chronic kidney disease can go undiagnosed for a long period of time due to the minimal symptoms it presents. It only becomes apparent when the symptoms become quite severe due to the impairment of the kidney functions. Causes High blood pressure Polycystic kidney disease: This is a genetic condition that occurs as a result of cysts in both kidneys. Diabetes: Type 1 or type 2 Obstruction of the urinary tract due to kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate Kidney stones: This is a very common kidney condition that occurs when substances in the blood form stones in the kidneys. These stones are usually passed out during urination. Cardiovascular disease Genetics: History of kidney disease in the family Aging Symptoms Low urine output Blood in the urine Persistently itchy skin Tiredness Swollen feet and ankles Nausea Loss of appetite High blood pressure Breathlessness Trouble sleeping Muscle cramps Chronic kidney disease is usually diagnosed through blood and urine tests, imaging, and through a biopsy. Treatment: At the moment, there is no one particular cure of chronic kidney disease, but there are treatment options for the symptoms. These include: Taking an array of medications including antihistamines for itchy skin, iron supplements and blood transfusion for anemia, blood pressure medications, anti-nausea medications, and home remedies including a diet low in proteins and phosphates. If the kidneys have reached the end-stage, which means they are functioning at less than 15% capacity, the patient would need to undergo routine dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), or a kidney transplant in order to live.