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Kidney Diseases: What are the Causes, Types and Diagnosis?

Ultrasound Scans
Kidney and Urinary Tract Ultrasound

Kidneys are pear-shaped body internal organs and are responsible for regulating potassium, salt, pH, etc. Some potential factors can cause harmful effects on kidneys and impact their function. They are located at the bottom of the rib cage. They are responsible for filtering waste products, impurities, and excess water in the blood. Urination helps to remove these toxins in the bladder. The other functions of kidneys include the production of hormones that regulate blood pressure and control red blood cell production. The kidneys activate vitamin D, which aids your body in calcium absorption. When a kidney does not function properly, it brings on multiple symptoms. To evaluate the condition, your doctor suggests a Kidney and Urinary Tract Ultrasound for assessment of the kidneys, bladder, etc.

Untreated kidney diseases or conditions can cause other health complications, such as nerve damage, weak bones, malnutrition, etc. Let’s explore more about kidneys and its diagnosis:

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease?

Sometimes, you may not experience symptoms at first, but they can get severe and appear after some time. But if you experience the following symptoms or signs, you seek medical help. 

  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Muscle Cramping
  • Puffiness Around The Eyes In The Morning
  • Scaly Skin
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Poor Appetite
  • Frequent Urination
  • Fatigue

When the disease develops more, it can bring on more symptoms or lead to kidney failure. Severe conditions can cause the following symptoms:

  • Anemia
  • Sudden Potassium Level Rise
  • Inflammation Of The Pericardium
  • Fluid Retention
  • Change In Urine Output
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

What are the Causes and Types of Kidney Diseases?

Kidney Stones

One of the most common kidney problems is kidney stones. When minerals and other substances in the blood crystallize in the kidneys, these substances form solid masses, which are known as kidney stones. Renal ultrasound helps to detect kidney stones. They come out of the body during urination. They can cause severe pain or lead to less pain in some cases. 

Chronic Kidney Diseases

It is a long-term condition that needs proper treatment. Chronic kidney disease develops due to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is not good for kidneys as it boosts the pressure on the glomeruli. They are the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that are responsible for blood cleaning. When there is high pressure, it can damage vessels and affect kidney function. It may lead to kidney failure which may need dialysis for filtering fluid and waste out of the blood. For more severe conditions, your doctor may suggest a kidney transplant.

Urinary Tract Infections

Some bacterial infections in any part of the urinary system can lead to urinary tract infections and UTIs. The most common parts that get affected are the bladder and urethra, but they are treatable. Early treatment can bring more positive outcomes. 

Polycystic Kidney Disease

It is a genetic disorder that leads to multiple cysts growth in the kidney. The growth of these cysts can affect kidney function and lead to its failure. 

Glomerulonephritis

It is an inflammation of the glomeruli, which are small structures inside the kidneys that filter our blood. Drugs, infections, or other disorders can cause this condition. Sometimes, it does not require treatment.

How to Diagnose Kidney Disease?

If you experience symptoms of kidney disease or any condition, make sure you visit your nephrologist. You may be asked about what symptoms you have been experiencing and how you feel while urinating. To diagnose the causing factor, your doctor may ask for a Kidney and Urinary Tract Ultrasound. A transducer is used to send the sound waves inside your body. Your technician will apply a gel on your abdomen, as it prevents air formation between the transducer and your skin. The sound waves bounce back when they are hit by dense objects inside your body and produce real-time images on a computer screen. It helps doctors to evaluate the conditions of the kidneys and urinary tract. An ultrasound is beneficial to assess the location, shape, and size of the kidneys. It also allows you to analyze the ureters and bladder. An ultrasound helps to detect fluid collection, kidney infections, and cysts, according to NCBI

Your doctor may recommend more tests, such as kidney biopsy, glomerular filtration rate, blood creatinine test, urine test, etc.

NOTE: Managing your diabetes, reducing salt intake, limiting cholesterol, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of kidney diseases or conditions.

The Bottom Line

Untreated kidney conditions or diseases can cause serious health complications. If you experience any symptoms related to bladder, kidneys, and uterus, visit a nephrologist. A kidney and urinary tract ultrasound helps to see the kidney and how it functions. Changes in lifestyle choices can help to improve your overall health. RIZ Ultrasound offers quality services of Kidney & Urinary Tract Ultrasound in Glasgow. You can book your appointment anytime!

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