Renal Diseases Overview

Common Forms of Kidney Disease

• Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder causing fluid-filled cysts to grow on kidneys, impairing waste filtration.
• Lupus Nephritis: Autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy kidney cells.
• Interstitial Nephritis: Caused by adverse reactions to medications, affecting kidneys' toxin filtration; often reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.
• Glomerulonephritis (Glomerular Disease): Inflammation of glomeruli, leading to compromised kidney function; can occur post-streptococcal infection.
• Long-lasting Viral Illnesses: Conditions like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C can lead to kidney damage.
• Pyelonephritis: A urinary tract infection affecting the kidneys that may cause scarring and repeat infections can result in kidney damage.

Glomerulonephritis

• Inflammation and scarring of kidneys' filters (glomeruli) gradually hamper waste removal, impacting urine production.

Causes of Glomerulonephritis

• Factors include toxins, viral infections (HIV, hepatitis B/C), IgA nephropathy, lupus-induced kidney inflammation, and bacterial infections like strep or staph.

Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis

• Symptoms may not appear until significant kidney damage occurs, which may include fatigue, high blood pressure, facial and limb swelling, hematuria and proteinuria, and decreased urine output.

Treatment for Glomerulonephritis

• Treatments aim to slow disease progression and prevent complications, including:
  • Blood Pressure Medications: ACE inhibitors help protect renal blood flow.
  • Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation causing scar tissue.
  • Diuretics: Promote excess fluid removal via urine.
  • Dietary Changes: Lower protein, sodium, and potassium intake.
  • Dialysis: Removes waste and fluid when kidney function fails.
  • Kidney Transplant: Replaces diseased kidneys with healthy donor kidneys.

Definition and Impact of Kidney Disease

• Kidney disease impairs blood filtration, fluid regulation, blood pressure control, red blood cell production, and vitamin D metabolism essential for bone health.

Kidney Anatomy

• Humans are born with two kidneys located above the waist, flanking the spine.

Consequences of Kidney Damage

• Kidney damage leads to waste product and fluid accumulation, causing symptoms like swelling, nausea, weakness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath; untreated damage can lead to life-threatening kidney failure.

Functions of Healthy Kidneys

• Maintain water and mineral balance, filter blood waste, produce renin for blood pressure regulation, produce erythropoietin for red blood cell formation, activate vitamin D, and filter all body blood every 30 minutes.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• CKD is a progressive condition where kidneys fail to filter toxins/fluid; untreated, it leads to End-Stage Renal Disease requiring dialysis or transplant. Major causes include diabetes and high blood pressure.

This quiz provides an overview of various renal diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, lupus nephritis, and interstitial nephritis. Test your knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and effects of these conditions on kidney function.