Nephrology

Introduction

Kidney disease refers to damage or impairment of the kidneys, leading to reduced filtration and removal of waste/excess fluids from the body, potentially causing serious health issues. In this article, we aim to provide information on the causes of kidney diseases, some types of kidney diseases, and available treatments.

What are Kidney Diseases

Kidneys, which are bean-shaped organs located just below the ribcage, are essential for excreting harmful wastes and excess fluid from the body. These are also beneficial to the body's electrolyte equilibrium.

When the kidney's ability to remove wastes from the body is reduced, it may indicate that the kidneys have begun to fail. This ability may deteriorate with time, leading to a variety of kidney-related diseases. These conditions can be acute or chronic. Left untreated, kidney diseases can lead to kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or transplantation for survival. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing severe complications.

Types of Kidney Diseases

Chronic kidney disease

Long-term kidney damage affecting filtration and waste removal.

Nephritis

Inflammation of kidney tissue causing pain and dysfunction.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Kidney disorder causing protein leakage and swelling.

Urinary tract infections

Bacterial infections in the urinary system, often causing discomfort.

Urolithiasis

Formation of urinary tract stones, leading to painful blockages.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Diseases

Fatigue

Kidneys reduced function leads to anemia, causing fatigue due to lower oxygen-carrying red blood cells.

Swelling (Edema)

Kidneys weakened filtration results in fluid build-up, leading to edema in the limbs and face.

Shortness of breath

Anemia and fluid retention cause oxygen deprivation and difficulty breathing.

Changes in urination

Kidney damage disrupts urine regulation, causing frequency, colour, and volume variations in urine.

High blood pressure

Kidneys play a role in blood pressure regulation; dysfunction can lead to hypertension.

Nausea and vomiting

Accumulation of waste products triggers gastrointestinal distress.

Itching and dry skin

Buildup of waste in the blood can lead to skin irritation and itching.

Muscle Cramps

Electrolyte imbalances due to kidney issues can cause muscle cramps.

Dizziness and trouble concentrating

Anemia and toxin build-up can affect brain function, leading to these symptoms.

Causes of Kidney Diseases

Diabetes

Prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys filtration units, causing diabetic nephropathy.

Hypertension

Persistent high blood pressure strains blood vessels, harming the kidneys filtering capabilities over time.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammatory conditions damage the glomeruli, affecting filtration and causing kidney inflammation.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Genetic disorder causing fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys, impairing their function.

Infections

Bacterial or viral infections can harm kidney tissue, leading to acute or chronic kidney disease.

Medications

Certain drugs and toxins may damage the kidneys, resulting in drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

Kidney Stones

Crystal buildup in the urinary tract can obstruct urine flow and damage kidney tissue.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like lupus or vasculitis trigger the immune system to attack the kidneys.

Dehydration

Insufficient fluid intake can strain the kidneys, potentially leading to acute kidney injury.

Understanding Kidney Diseases in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, kidney disease occurs due to an imbalance in the body's doshas, primarily related to the vital elements of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Imbalances in these doshas can affect the functioning of the kidneys and their ability to filter waste and maintain overall health. Poor dietary habits, toxins, stress, and inadequate hydration are believed to contribute to dosha imbalances, ultimately leading to kidney problems. Let's delve into this perspective

Vata Imbalance

Excess Vata can disrupt kidney function, leading to irregular urine flow, dehydration, and kidney stress.

Pitta Imbalance

Elevated Pitta may cause inflammation and heat, potentially harming kidney tissues and impairing filtration.

Kapha Imbalance

Imbalanced Kapha can result in fluid retention, leading to swelling, and congestion.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options for kidney diseases aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. These can include:

Hemodialysis

This procedure involves running blood through a hemodialyzer (artificial kidney machine) to remove waste, chemicals, and extra fluid, before returning it to the body.

Kidney transplant

This procedure involves removing a damaged kidney and replacing it with a matching donor kidney.

Palliative Care provided by SGP’s PSA is an important aspect of disease management and focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals living with kidney disease.

It involves:

Symptom management

Palliative Care provided by SGP’s PSA aims to alleviate symptoms of pain, nausea, tiredness, and difficulty breathing through the use of medication, physical therapy, etc.

Emotional and psychological support

Counselling, therapy, and support groups assist individuals and their families in managing the psychological and emotional consequences of disease diagnosis and treatment.

Supportive care

Palliative care teams collaborate with healthcare providers to address the overall well-being of individuals, ensuring comprehensive support for physical, emotional, and social needs.

Conclusion

Kidney disease is a serious and often silent health condition that can lead to significant complications if left untreated. Early detection, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical care are crucial in managing and mitigating its impact, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle. Treatment for kidney disease should be tailored to the individual, depending on the type and severity of renal disease, the patient's overall health and preferences.

FAQs about Kidney Diseases

Is kidney disease more common in certain age groups?

It can affect people of all ages, but it is more prevalent in older individuals due to age-related changes in kidney function.

How does chronic kidney disease affect bone health?

It can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures due to imbalances in calcium and phosphorus levels.

What is peritoneal dialysis, and how does it differ from hemodialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis is a type of dialysis that uses the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) to filter blood, whereas hemodialysis uses an artificial kidney machine.

Are there any side effects of dialysis?

Patients on dialysis may experience complications such as arrhythmia, intradialytic hypotension or hypertension, air embolism, bleeding, seizures, etc.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help manage kidney disease progression?

Yes, lifestyle changes such as limiting salt intake, staying active, and quitting smoking can slow the progression of kidney disease.