Medical Alert: Understanding Kidney Diseases

by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023

Medical Alert

Kidney diseases (गुर्दे की बीमारियां) can be of varying levels of complexity and severity and require special care and attention. Kidney diseases can range from mild to extreme and can have serious implications on physical health and overall quality of life. It is therefore essential that people understand the underlying causes and symptoms of kidney diseases, in order to better diagnose and manage the condition. This article will provide an overview of the different types of kidney diseases, discuss potential causes and risk factors, and explore how to diagnose and treat them effectively.

What Are Kidney Diseases?

Kidney diseases are any illnesses or disorders involving the kidneys (गुर्दे), which are two small organs located in the lower abdomen. The kidneys are instrumental in regulating blood pressure, filtering toxins and waste from the bloodstream, and eliminating them from the body. Any disruption to the delicate balance of the renal system can lead to the development of kidney diseases, which can take a variety of forms.

Types of Kidney Diseases

The two main categories of kidney diseases are acute and chronic. Acute kidney diseases are often caused by infection or injury and result in rapid deterioration of kidney function. Chronic kidney diseases, on the other hand, are often caused by an underlying condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, and progress slowly over time.

Kidney Disease Category	Description
Acute	Often caused by infection or injury and result in rapid deterioration of kidney function
Chronic	Often caused by an underlying condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, and progress slowly over time

The most common types of kidney diseases include:

Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease (क्रोनिक गुर्दे की बीमारी) is a progressive decline in kidney function over time, usually resulting from long-term damage to the kidney.
End Stage Renal Disease: End stage renal disease (ESRD) (अंतिम दिशा में रीनल डिजीज) is the most serious form of kidney disease, where the kidneys are unable to adequately filter toxins from the bloodstream. ESRD requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to replace the lost kidney function.
Acute Kidney Injury: Acute kidney injury (AKI) (एक्यूट गुर्दे की अस्थमा) is a sudden or abrupt decline in kidney function, typically caused by an infection or injury. AKI can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Nephrotic Syndrome: Nephrotic syndrome (नेफ्रोटिक सिंड्रोम) is a group of symptoms that occur when the kidneys are not functioning properly. Common symptoms include swelling, proteinuria, and abnormal amounts of water and electrolytes in the bloodstream.
Kidney Stones: Kidney stones (गुर्दे में पत्थर) are crystalized deposits of minerals or salts that form in the urine and can cause pain and difficulty urinating.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: Polycystic kidney disease (पॉलिसीस्टिक गुर्दे की बीमारी) is an inherited condition that causes numerous cysts to form in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function.

Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Diseases

The exact cause of kidney diseases can vary depending on the type. In general, some of the most common causes and risk factors for developing kidney diseases include:

High blood pressure (उच्च रक्तचाप)
Diabetes (मधुमेह)
Family history of kidney diseases
Excessive alcohol consumption (अत्यधिक शराब की गर्मियाँ)
Obesity (मोटापा)
Exposure to toxins (विषैले पदार्थों से संवाद)
Infections (संक्रमण)
Certain medications (कुछ दवाएं)

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Diseases

The signs and symptoms of kidney diseases depend on the type and severity, but generally, the following symptoms can be present:

Frequent urination (हरी पेशाब)
Pain in the lower abdomen or side (कमर के नीचे या तरफ में दर्द)
Nausea and vomiting (उलटी और उल्टी)
Swollen ankles or feet (उधेड़े पैर या पैर)
Fatigue (थकान)
Decreased appetite (भूख कम होना)
Itchy skin (खिलखिला त्वचा)
High blood pressure (उच्च रक्तचाप)

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek advice from a medical professional as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Kidney Diseases

Kidney diseases can be diagnosed with a variety of tests, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common tests used to diagnose kidney diseases include:

Urine tests (मूत्र पर परीक्षण)
Blood tests (रक्त पर परीक्षण)
Imaging tests (X-ray, ultrasounds, CT scans) (इमेजिंग परीक्षण (X-ray, अल्ट्रासाउंड्स, CT स्कैन))
Biopsy (बायोप्सी)