Disorders of Kidney
- S-2-Human-anatomy-and-physiology
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
Several kidney disorders can impair kidney function and overall health. Common kidney disorders include:
1) Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Cause: Sudden loss of kidney function due to factors like reduced blood flow, direct kidney damage, or urine flow blockage.
Key Points: Requires rapid intervention to prevent permanent damage.
2) Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Cause: Gradual loss of kidney function, often due to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or glomerulonephritis.
Key Points: Can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
3) Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the glomeruli, which can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other factors.
Glomerulonephritis can lead to proteinuria, hematuria, and reduced kidney function.
4) Kidney stones
Cause: Inflammation of the glomeruli, often caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other factors.
Symptoms: Can lead to proteinuria (protein in urine), hematuria (blood in urine), and reduced kidney function.
5) Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Cause: A genetic disorder that causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys.
Symptoms: Kidney enlargement, pain, and reduced kidney function.
6) Nephrotic syndrome
Cause: High protein loss in urine, low protein in blood, high cholesterol, and swelling, caused by various kidney disorders such as diabetic nephropathy or minimal change disease.
Symptoms: Proteinuria, edema, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
7) Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Cause: Bacterial infections of the urinary system, which can affect the kidneys (pyelonephritis), bladder (cystitis), or urethra (urethritis).
Key Points: If untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney damage.
8) Kidney Cancer
Cause: Most commonly renal cell carcinoma, originating in the renal tubules.
Key Points: Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.
Maintaining proper kidney health is essential through a healthy lifestyle, regular checkups, and prompt treatment of any kidney-related issues to prevent further complications.