Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.
It is a chronic loss of kidney function in those with diabetes and may progress to severe complications, including renal failure. The kidneys’ ability to effectively remove waste products and extra fluids from the body is decreased in this condition.
The most common symptoms are:
In glomerulonephritis, blood is inefficiently filtered because the blood vessels in the kidney become inflamed. This condition may occur on its own or secondary to other diseases such as infections, lupus, and diabetes.
The most common symptoms are:
Glomerulonephritis can result in complete kidney damage if left untreated.
Changes in natural potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium levels may impact muscle strength, heart rhythm and other body functions. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance could show up as oedema, causing swelling and pain in arms, legs, feet, and hands.
On the other hand, symptoms of dehydration include weakness, excessive thirst, light-headedness, fainting, and dark-coloured, and foul-smelling urine.
Also known as AKI, acute kidney injury is a condition of sudden and temporary loss of kidney function. It can be a minor loss of kidney function or kidney failure.
The most common symptoms are:
AKI can be fatal if not urgently treated. In the absence of prompt treatment, it can affect other organs.
End-stage kidney disease or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the last stage of chronic kidney disease when your kidneys can no longer support your body’s needs.
The most common symptoms are:
Find out more about the five stages of kidney failure that are determined via tests, and each stage calls for a different kind of treatment.
Proteinuria is high levels of protein in your urine. This condition is often seen in those with diabetes and high blood pressure.
Proteins are filtered by glomeruli (tiny loops of capillaries) in the kidneys. However, when the glomeruli are damaged, there is no reabsorption of proteins, and the excess flows into the urine.
The most common symptoms are:
Renal cell cancer, also known as kidney cancer or renal cell adenocarcinoma is a disease characterised by the presence of cancerous cells in the tubule lining of the kidney.
The early stages may be asymptomatic. However, symptoms appear as the tumour grows, such as:
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes the growth of cysts in the kidneys. Cysts caused by PKD can alter the shape of your kidneys, including making them significantly larger.
Symptoms include:
PKD is a type of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that diminishes kidney function and may result in renal failure.
High risk individuals due to existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or have a family history of kidney problems are advised to undergo regular screening tests.
When diagnosed at an early stage, options for early treatment often have a positive outcome, and the progression of the disease may also be slowed.
Diagnosis is made based on various investigations. Your doctor will first evaluate your medical history and symptoms before conducting a physical examination. Often kidney conditions can be hereditary, so reference to family history for genetic predispositions are often scrutinised.
Speak to your doctor to learn more about kidney diseases. The caring and multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are available for consultation and to provide the best care. Make a move towards improving your health and quality of life.
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