In the United States, kidney disease is one of the top ten causes of death. Each year, over 500,000 people are diagnosed with kidney failure. And although kidney disease can affect anyone, it is more common in African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. The good news is that many cases of kidney disease are treatable. Ghayyath Sultan, M.D., a kidney disease specialist, recommends seeing a doctor once you notice any symptoms associated with kidney disease. In this article, we look at some of the different types of kidney disease.
Acute Kidney Disease
Acute kidney disease is a sudden and rapid loss of kidney function. This type of kidney disease can occur due to an infection, a blocked urinary tract, or certain medications. Acute kidney disease often causes swelling in the hands and feet, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Acute kidney disease may also cause high blood pressure, a build-up of fluid in the lungs, and changes in urine output. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that causes gradual loss of kidney function. This type of kidney disease often goes unnoticed until it has progressed to kidney failure. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease include tiredness, weakness, changes in urine output, swollen hands, feet, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to heart disease, stroke, and death.
You can develop chronic kidney disease due to many different causes, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and long-term use of certain medications. Treatment for chronic kidney disease depends on the underlying cause. However, most people with chronic kidney disease will need to take medication and make lifestyle changes to slow the progression of the disease.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a condition that causes inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys. This can lead to a build-up of fluid in the body and changes in urine output. Glomerulonephritis may cause symptoms such as swelling in the hands and feet, high blood pressure, and fluid build-up in the lungs.
Glomerulonephritis can be caused by many different conditions, such as infection, autoimmune disease, and diabetes. Treatment for glomerulonephritis depends on the underlying cause. However, most people with glomerulonephritis will need to take medication and make lifestyle changes.
End-Stage Renal Disease
End-stage renal disease is the most advanced stage of kidney disease. This stage occurs when the kidneys have stopped working and can no longer remove waste and excess fluid from the body. As a result, people with end-stage renal disease often need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. End-stage renal disease is a serious condition and requires lifelong treatment. Treatment options include dialysis and kidney transplant. Dialysis is a procedure that uses a machine to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. A kidney transplant is a surgery to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from another person.
In summary, kidney disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people in the United States. There are many different types of kidney disease, and the treatment depends on the underlying cause. If you experience any symptoms associated with kidney disease, see a doctor right away.
