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Common Kidney Diseases – Types, Symptoms, and Management

Common Kidney Diseases – Types, Symptoms, and Management

The kidneys are responsible for waste products, excess water, and other impurities from the blood. They help regulate pH, salt, and potassium levels in the body. The kidneys also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells. Lastly, they are also responsible for activating a form of Vitamin D that helps in the absorption of calcium. Healthy kidneys are essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Kidney disease, however, is very common across the country. Over 37 million adults in the country suffer from kidney complications that can limit their functioning.

Common kidney diseases
Damage to the kidneys could be triggered by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions. Lack of adequate treatment may result in complications such as weak bones, nerve damage, and malnutrition. The most common types of kidney diseases are:

Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is a condition caused by high blood pressure, and it does not improve over time. Over time, high blood pressure increases the pressure on tiny blood vessels in the kidneys called glomeruli. This pressure can damage the blood vessels, causing kidney function to decline. In some situations, this deterioration may cause the kidneys to stop functioning, and a person would need to be put on dialysis to filter extra fluid and waste out of the blood. In extreme situations, a kidney transplant may be required.

Symptoms:  Symptoms of chronic kidney disease include vomiting, nausea, fatigue, weakness, frequent urination, chronic muscle cramps, high blood pressure, dry and itchy skin, and sleep issues.

Management:  Chronic kidney disease generally has no cure. Treatments usually involve controlling signs and symptoms, reducing complications, and slowing down the progression of the disease. These involve treatments to control blood pressure and cholesterol and treatments to relieve swelling and treat anemia. Supplements like Vitamin D and calcium may also be prescribed to protect the bones, and doctors may recommend eating less protein to reduce waste products in the blood. For people experiencing near-complete kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be advised.

Kidney stones
Kidney stones occur when minerals and other substances in the blood form solid crystals in the body. These usually come out of the body during urination. While passing kidney stones can be painful, they rarely cause any serious problems.

Symptoms:  The main symptoms of kidney stones are severe, sharp pain in the side and back, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity, and pain or burning sensation while urinating. Other symptoms include pink, red, or brown urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and constant urination.

Management:  Small kidney stones with minimal symptoms can generally be resolved without invasive treatments. This process can be aided by drinking a healthy amount of water, consuming pain relievers, or taking treatments like alpha-blockers. For larger stones, doctors may prefer using sound waves to break up the stones or suggest a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy to remove the stones surgically. A ureteroscope may also be used for removing stones. Parathyroid gland surgery may be necessary for stones caused by overactive parathyroid glands. The risk of kidney stones can be reduced by lifestyle changes such as drinking water throughout the day, eating fewer oxalate-rich foods, consuming less salt and animal protein, and exercising caution with calcium supplements.

Glomerulonephritis
The inflammation of the glomeruli is known as glomerulonephritis. It can be caused by infections or congenital abnormalities and often gets better on its own.

Symptoms:  Signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis may include pink or cola-colored urine (hematuria), foamy or bubbly urine (proteinuria), high blood pressure, fluid retention with evident swelling, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, and urinating less than usual.

Management:  Treating glomerulonephritis can involve prescribing treatments such as immunosuppressants, dialysis, etc. It may also involve treatments such as ACE inhibitors to reduce blood pressure. Depending on the severity, plasmapheresis or dialysis may be recommended. People diagnosed with glomerulonephritis must get their kidneys checked regularly. Doctor’s advice and prescriptions must be followed thoroughly to manage the disease. They may also be asked to limit the amount of salt, protein, and potassium they consume to ease the stress on the kidneys.

Polycystic kidney disease
This is a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts can interfere with kidney function and cause renal failure.

Symptoms:  Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include high blood pressure, back or side pain, blood in the urine, feeling of fullness in the abdomen, enlarged kidneys, headaches, kidney stones, kidney failure, and urinary tract or kidney infections.

Management:  Treating polycystic kidney disease involves managing its various signs, symptoms, and complications. Kidney cyst growth can be managed with pain relievers or cyst removal, and high blood pressure may require ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Acetaminophen may be prescribed to manage pain, while infections may require antibiotic intervention. In case of kidney failure, dialysis or a transplant may be recommended. Reducing sodium and fat consumption may help control symptoms such as high blood pressure.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are bacterial infections in any part of the urinary system. When left untreated, these can spread from the bladder and urethra to the kidneys, causing kidney failure.

Symptoms:  UTIs may not always cause symptoms. However, sometimes symptoms may include a strong urge to urinate that does not go away, a burning feeling when urinating, often urination, passing small amounts of urine, cloudy-looking urine, blood in the urine, strong-smelling urine, or pelvic pain.

Management:  To treat simple UTIs, antibiotics may be prescribed. For those suffering from frequent UTIs, healthcare providers may recommend low-dose antibiotics, self-diagnosis, and treatment, or vaginal estrogen therapy (for menopausal women). In case of severe UTIs, IVs may be required. To ease discomfort during a UTI, it is important to drink plenty of water, avoid drinks (such as citrus juices or coffee) that may irritate the bladder, and use a warm heating pad.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Causes, Types, and Management of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affects the nerve cells in one's brain stem and spinal cord. Such a hereditary condition severely deteriorates muscular activity, including walking, talking, sitting, and even breathing. According to SMA Foundation, this rare neuromuscular disease affects one in 6,000 to 10,000 individuals. Approximately 6 million people in the country are carriers of the defective SMA gene. Here, we discuss the causes, signs, and management methods to tackle this condition better. Causes Spinal muscular atrophy is passed to children through their parents' genes. People suffering from it commonly have a missing or defective survival motor neuron-1 gene (SMN1). This defect leads to insufficient production of the SMN protein, which affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord responsible for sending signals to the muscles. SMA usually starts early in life and mainly affects the trunk, upper leg, and arm muscles. Less common types of spinal muscular atrophy include the mutation in the VAPB gene, the DYNC1H1 gene, the BICD2 gene, and the UBA1 gene on chromosomes 20, 14, 9, and X, respectively. Based on the type of defect, the symptoms, severity of muscle weakness, and prognosis can change. In some cases, the types may even overlap. Types and Symptoms As motor neurons shrink or die, the brain loses control over the body. An early sign of SMA is a gradual loss of control over physical movements, mainly of the neck, arms, legs, and head. One can also develop a curve or bend in the spine. Generally, SMA can be divided into four types, as given below: Type 1 Also known as infantile-onset SMA, Type 1 is a severe condition where infants younger than six months find it difficult to sit, suckle, breathe and swallow. As a result, their muscles weaken significantly and may develop skeletal abnormalities. They may also suffer from lung collapse and respiratory infections. Type 2 A child with a Type 2 or intermediate SMA shows early symptoms between 6 and 18 months. They can sit down but cannot walk due to weakened lower limbs. They also face respiratory problems like hypoventilation. Type 2 is relatively less deadly than Type 1, and youngsters have a chance to live into adolescence or young adulthood. Type 3 Also known as Juvenile-onset SMA, it is comparatively milder and develops in children after 18 months. Children with Type 3 SMA experience mild muscle weakness but can walk independently. They may find it difficult to get off a chair, run, or climb stairs. If left untreated, they can develop scoliosis or the chronic shortening of tendons around joints. Common disease-modifying treatments can help manage it. Type 4 This type of spinal muscular atrophy is a rare condition in adults that develops after age 21 and accounts for a low percentage of all cases. As far as symptoms are concerned, one may experience mild to moderate muscle weakness. The majority of SMA types impact men and women equally. According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, men are more likely to get SMA only in the case of a UBA1 gene mutation on the X chromosome. This occurrence is because men do not carry the second X chromosome that females do, which protects them from experiencing the full effect of the mutation. Diagnosis and Management SMA can be diagnosed with conventional blood tests that detect gene mutations. The tests can also show if a relatively healthy person is a defective gene carrier. If blood tests or a person's family history do not give a necessary diagnosis, a doctor may use muscle biopsy, nerve conduction velocity studies, or electromyography. These tests help in recording a person's muscle and neurological activity. Although there is currently no cure for SMA, gene replacement therapies allow one to control the symptoms and live healthier lives. They replace the missing SMN1 gene with a functioning one and are suitable for kids below two years. In addition, other disease-modifying therapies focus on boosting the production of the SMN protein. They are ideal for kids between 2 and 12. Apart from the treatments mentioned above, here are a few home remedies that can support healing. Breathing Assistance Devices Those with compromised respiratory function may use a special mask or mouthpiece to strengthen breathing. One can also use an at-home breathing machine if the issue persists or worsens. Light Exercises Occupational and physical therapies can help with posture, protect joints, and slow down muscular atrophy and weakness. For instance, a doctor may recommend simple, light exercises and stretching to keep one's mobility intact, improve range of motion, and maintain blood circulation. Using Support If walking proves excruciating, one can use additional support like a walker or wheelchair. Foods to Have and Avoid SMA may lead to muscle weakness in the throat and mouth, so eating foods that are easy to chew and swallow is necessary. For example, one may opt for smoothly mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, juices, pureed food, and other thickened liquids. Avoiding high-fat foods like meat with tendons or cartilage, bread, and sticky food like rice is a must. Those who cannot chew or swallow may need a feeding tube in severe cases. Long-term neuromuscular diseases like spinal muscular atrophy gradually worsen with time. Those with this condition may also require intensive care from various medical specialists. If the symptoms prevail, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Families and friends are the best physical and emotional support for them. So, near and dear ones are urged to discuss and prepare for potential medical emergencies.

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