Kidney disease refers to any condition that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste, regulate fluid balance, and maintain electrolyte homeostasis. It ranges from acute injuries—often reversible—to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to end-stage renal failure without timely management.
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Early/CKD Stage 1–3: Often asymptomatic; may notice fatigue or mild swelling
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Advanced/CKD Stage 4–5:
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Edema: Swelling of ankles, feet, or around eyes
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Changes in Urination: Frequency, foamy urine, or reduced output
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Fatigue & Weakness: Due to anemia and toxin buildup
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Nausea, Loss of Appetite: Uremic symptoms
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Itching & Dry Skin: From waste-product accumulation
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Diabetes Mellitus: High glucose damages glomeruli (diabetic nephropathy)
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Hypertension: Chronic high pressure injures renal vessels
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Glomerulonephritis: Immune-mediated inflammation of filtering units
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Polycystic Kidney Disease: Genetic cyst formation and loss of tissue
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Obstruction: Stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate blocking urine flow
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Autoimmune Disorders: Lupus nephritis, vasculitis
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Dehydration & Volume Depletion: From vomiting, diarrhea, or diuretics
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Nephrotoxic Medications: NSAIDs, certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides), contrast dyes
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Severe Infection or Sepsis: Causes hypoperfusion and inflammatory injury
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Urinary Obstruction: Acute blockage by stones or clots
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Cardiac Events: Low cardiac output in heart failure
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Blood Tests:
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Serum Creatinine & BUN: Assess filtration efficiency
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eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Staging CKD
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Urinalysis: Proteinuria, hematuria, casts indicating glomerular damage
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Imaging: Renal ultrasound or CT to detect obstruction, cysts, or size changes
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Renal Biopsy: In select cases (e.g., glomerulonephritis) for definitive diagnosis
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Electrolyte Panel: Sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and acid–base status
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Blood Pressure Control:
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ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril), ARBs (e.g., Losartan) to reduce proteinuria and slow CKD
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Diuretics:
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Loop Diuretics (Furosemide), Thiazides for fluid overload and hypertension
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Electrolyte Management:
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Phosphate Binders (Sevelamer), Calcium Supplements to correct mineral bone disorder
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Sodium Bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis
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Anemia Therapy:
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Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agents (Epoetin alfa) plus iron supplementation
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Vitamin D & Mineral Support:
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Calcitriol or Calcitriol Analogues to manage secondary hyperparathyroidism
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Dietary & Lifestyle:
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Low-sodium, protein-controlled diet; fluid management; glycemic control in diabetics
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Renal Replacement:
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Dialysis or Transplant for end-stage disease when conservative measures are insufficient
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Q1: Can CKD be reversed?
A: Early-stage CKD can be stabilized or its progression slowed with tight blood pressure and glycemic control, but advanced damage is generally irreversible.
Q2: How often should I check my kidney function?
A: In CKD stages 1–3, assess every 6–12 months; in stages 4–5 or after AKI, monitor every 1–3 months per nephrologist guidance.
Q3: Are ACE inhibitors safe with reduced kidney function?
A: Yes—they’re foundational in CKD care, though dosing and potassium levels must be monitored closely.
Q4: What diet changes support kidney health?
A: Limit sodium, moderate protein intake, and control potassium and phosphorus based on lab results and dietitian advice.
Q5: When is dialysis indicated?
A: Dialysis is considered when eGFR falls below ~10–15 mL/min/1.73 m² or when uremic symptoms (e.g., severe fatigue, nausea) arise despite medical therapy.