For the body to stay healthy, it needs to be in a state of chemical balance and free of waste and toxins. Kidneys, a pair of fist-size organs, help the body remove excess fluids and filter waste through the urine. However, kidneys may stop working at their optimum capacity when affected by diseases or abnormalities, leading to waste and toxin buildup. To prevent these issues, one should know the signs and risk factors for kidney problems. 

Understanding kidney diseases
According to a study published in the Kidney International Supplements Journal, nearly 800 million people around the world suffer from chronic kidney disease. Each kidney has millions of nephrons, also known as filtering units of the body. Nephrons filter almost 200 quarts of fluid daily and remove it from the body in the form of urine, optimizing renal function. When the kidneys experience a gradual loss of function over time, it leads to chronic kidney or renal disease characterized by poor waste removal. The accumulated waste harms not only the kidneys but also other organs in the body. Unchecked chronic kidney disease may lead to kidney failure or complete loss of function of this organ.

What causes kidney issues?
Several factors put one at a higher risk of developing kidney diseases. These include environmental and genetic factors that hamper the functioning of the organs. Some of the most common causes of kidney problems are:

Diabetes: According to the Journal of Nephropharmacology study , kidney disease is a serious complication of diabetes, affecting 20–40% of people with diabetes. This condition affects the blood circulation within the kidneys and leads to problems in filtration systems.

High blood pressure: This condition weakens the blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their ability to remove toxins and wastes from the body.

Glomerular disease: This condition leads to inflammation in the kidney’s filtration units, known as glomeruli. It may lead to waste and protein buildup resulting in increased stress on the two organs.

Congenital conditions: These are birth defects that cause problems with the functioning and form of the kidneys.

Polycystic kidney disease: This is an inherited disease that leads to the formation of cysts in the kidneys. The cysts often multiply and become huge, interfering with the normal functioning of the organs.

Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus nephritis attack the body’s defense system leading to inflammation of the blood vessels in the kidney. This impacts their ability to filter waste.

Other causes and risk factors: Certain unhealthy lifestyle habits, age, kidney stones, and dependence on prescription treatments can damage the kidneys in the long run.

Signs of a kidney disease
People experiencing the early stages of kidney issues may not exhibit any symptoms or may confuse them with the signs of other diseases. This is why most people get referred to a nephrologist only after their kidney function seems to have significantly declined. So, it is extremely important to recognize the early signs of such issues and immediately consult the doctor.  Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, b lood in the urine, f oamy urine, t rouble sleeping, f atigue, l ow energy levels, t rouble focusing, p uffiness around the eyes, s wollen ankles and feet, m uscle cramps, p oor appetite, d arkening skin, h igh blood pressure, n ausea and vomiting, i tchiness, and s hortness of breath.

Diagnosis
People affected by diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions are usually monitored for kidney diseases. Everyone else should consider getting regular health checkups while also keeping an eye out for the warning signs and common symptoms. Doctors usually diagnose kidney issues using methods like a  physical examination, b lood and urine tests to check for excess proteins, electrolytes, and wastes, i maging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasound, and n eedle or open biopsy.

Treatment
While there is no permanent cure for serious issues like chronic kidney disease, certain conditions can be managed through treatment. If one’s declined renal function is a result of another health condition, the nephrologist will focus on treating that health problem. For instance, doctors may prescribe t reatment for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, d iuretics to relieve swelling in the body and eliminate excess fluids, and v itamin D supplements to prevent bone loss.

For those experiencing advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, i.e., kidney failure, doctors opt for the following treatment options:

Dialysis: This is a process of expelling waste from the body using a machine.

Transplant: Here, a healthy kidney is placed into the patient’s body after being removed from the body of a living or deceased donor.

Preventive measures
Kidney problems not only lead to discomfort but also pose a serious health risk to the other organs in the body. Some complications that may arise from this condition include heart disease, anemia, weakened bones, low fertility levels, and poor immunity. There are many ways to prevent kidney disease and the serious health concerns associated with it. Here are some of them:

Maintaining a healthy body by regulating eating habits and exercising regularly

Reducing salt and protein in one’s meals

Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and heart problems, if any

Increasing water intake to at least 2–3 liters every day

Managing stress and getting a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep daily

Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Getting bladder infections treated as soon as possible

Limiting one’s dependence on prescription treatment options and supplements

One’s renal function is related to much more than just the expulsion of waste from the body. The kidneys also regulate blood pressure and red blood cells and help synthesize vitamin D for strong bones. Any damage to these organs leads to serious repercussions for one’s health. Understanding preventive measures and recognizing the signs of kidney disease can help one ensure that their kidneys stay healthy and disease-free.