Learning about Chronic Kidney Diseases

Why Are the Kidneys Important?

Most people know that a major function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. These waste products and excess fluid are removed through the urine. The production of urine involves highly complex steps of excretion and re-absorption. This process is necessary to maintain a stable balance of body chemicals.

Nephrology doctor in Jaipur underlines functions of kidneys like-

  • Removing waste products from the body
  • Balancing the level of body’s fluids
  • Releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure
  • Controlling the production of red blood cells

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

There are many causes of chronic kidney disease like-

Diabetes: It is a disease in which your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use normal amounts of insulin properly. This results in a high blood sugar level, which can cause problems in many parts of your body. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease.

High blood pressure: It is another common cause of kidney disease and other complications such as heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls increases. When high blood pressure is controlled, the risk of complications such as chronic kidney disease is decreased.

Glomerulonephritis: It is a disease that causes inflammation of the kidney’s tiny filtering units called the glomeruli.

Polycystic kidney disease: It is the most common inherited kidney disease. It is characterized by the formation of kidney cysts that enlarge over time and may cause serious kidney damage and even kidney failure.

Kidney stones: They are very common, and when they pass, they may cause severe pain in your back and side. There are many possible causes of kidney stones, including an inherited disorder that causes too much calcium to be absorbed from foods and urinary tract infections or obstructions.

Urinary tract infections: They occur when germs enter the urinary tract and cause symptoms such as pain and burning during urination and more frequent need to urinate. These infections most often affect the bladder, but they sometimes spread to the kidneys, and they may cause fever and pain in your back.

Treatment

According to Best nephrologist doctor in Jaipur, there are various kinds of diagnostic tests and procedures available in Nephrology department of Manglamplus Medicity Hospital.

Blood testing: Blood tests reveal the amount of calcium and uric acid in the blood. Blood test results help monitor the health of kidneys and checks other medical conditions.

Urine testing: The 24-hour urine collection test shows the amount of excretion of stone-forming minerals.

Imaging: Imaging tests shows kidney stones in urinary tract. High-speed or dual energy computerized tomography (CT) reveal tiny stones. Ultrasound, a non-invasive test that is quick and easy to perform, is another imaging option to diagnose kidney stones.