Browsemedic - Online HealthCare Information

Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease is a chronic condition that is often not detected early. Persons suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes or heart disease are susceptible to develop chronic kidney disease. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure. Glomerulonephritis or kidney stones or enlarged prostate can lead to kidney disease. Repeated episodes of UTI can lead to kidney disease. Congenital kidney disease occurs due to any malformation of the urinary tract.

A person suffering from chronic kidney disease is likely to feel fatigue and have trouble concentrating. There is puffiness around the eyes, feet and ankles. There might be muscle cramping at night. Kidney disease can lead to anemia and deficiency of Vitamin D. Kidney disease may bring about constant itching in the patient. It can lead to depression and sexual dysfunction.

Blood tests for urine and serum creatinine indicate any possible kidney disease. A patient suffering from kidney disease must make changes in the diet that include reduction of salt as well as reduced intake of potassium and protein. Patients suffering chronic kidney disease may need Vitamin D supplements. Antihistamines can help control itching associated with this disease. Dialysis is the treatment for patients suffering from kidney disease.

Acute Glomerulonephritis

Acute glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that arises from inflammation of the glomerulus. The glomerulus is a small condensed group of blood vessels that filter the blood. A compromised kidney function or overt kidney failure can lead to Acute glomerulonephritis.

The post-streptococcal form of glomerulonephritis is being discussed here, though there are other causes too. You can read up more on rheumatic fever. Glomerulonephritis, that occurs post-streptococcal infection is usually the result of an untreated bacterial throat infection (strep throat) or scarlet fever. There are special quick tests to diagnose strep throat and suitable antibiotics are prescribed. Rheumatic fever occurs largely due to the body's abnormal immunologic reaction to the bacteria.

Patients suffering from Glomerulonephritis will notice smoky coloured urine, declined urine output, facial and body swelling and increased blood pressure. A kidney profile along with a blood test and examination of the status of electrolytes will allow a doctor to assess the extent of damage to the kidneys and what portion of the kidney functions are not affected. Urinalysis and 24 hour urine collection for creatinine aid in the diagnosis. When there is a doubt about the diagnosis, a kidney biopsy may be necessary.

A Nephrologist or Internist is best equipped to handle this medical condition. Additional information on kidney disease can be perused along with suggestions for an appropriate kidney disease diet.

Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a major problem afflicting one out of four adults in the United States alone. It is a precursor to other serious health complications - kidney disease, atherosclerosis, stroke and eye damage to name a few.

Normal Blood Pressure

For normal adults normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. In other words, the systolic pressure (when the heart pumps) should be below 120 and the diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes) should be below 80. A reading between 120/80 and 140/90 might be seen as pre hypertension stage and in some cases may indicate the need for further investigation.

A reading above 140/90 indicates hypertension and requires a thorough investigation into the cause and treatment.

Cause of HyperTension

Many factors have been implicated in the development of hypertension - obesity, genetics, sodium sensitivity, glomerulonephritis and other kidney diseases, among other etiologies. Elevated levels of blood pressure can be also due to drug interactions. There are 2 kinds of hypertension - the primary hypertension where it occurs due to unknown etiology and the secondary hypertension which is the result of another underlying condition.

Diagnosis: Blood tests:

Renal Function - Creatinine
Electrolytes Level
Glucose - Glucose Tolerance Test
Cholesterol Level

In addition ECG may be ordered to check for left ventricular hypertrophy.

Treatment Options

Diuretics: bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, hydrochlorothiazide
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: creatine captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, Monopril, lisinopril , quinapril, ramipril
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: telmisartan, irbesartan, losartan, valsartan, candesartan
Alpha blockers: prazosin, terazosin.
Beta blockers: atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol.
Calcium channel blockers: nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil
Direct renin inhibitors: aliskiren