Renal Diseases

Overview

The kidneys are similar to the size and shape of two beans and about as small as your fist. Although small, the kidneys play a vital role in removing waste and fluid in excess from the body. Furthermore, the kidneys are responsible for flushing acid from the bodily cells in order to maintain a healthy balance of salts, water and minerals (calcium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus). In addition, the kidneys secrete essential hormones that produce red blood cells, regulate blood pressure and maintain the strength and durability of the bones.

 

Nephrons are extremely small filtering units found in each kidney (about a million of them). Inside each nephron is a filter (a glomerulus and tubule) that works by cleaning the blood and returning the much-needed substances into the bloodstream. Whatever is left of the fluid and waste remains in the tubule and flows out of the body as urine.

Unfortunately, kidney disease hinders the functionality of the kidneys, preventing the removal of waste and the return of nutrients.

Types of Renal Diseases

Types of kidney disease include the following:

  • Chronic kidney disease
    Chronic kidney disease is a lifelong illness that hinders the kidneys’ function. When this occurs, the kidneys lose the ability to filter toxins and waste from the body. However, when the kidneys no longer function optimally, the condition progresses to renal failure or end-stage kidney disease.
  • Fabry disease
    Fabry disease is an uncommon genetic disorder that affects specific organs in the body like the brain, heart and kidneys. The disorder primarily affects blood supply, which can lead to chronic kidney disease.
  • Cystinosis
    Cystinosis is another rare kidney disease that allows the chemical cysteine to accumulate in the body, leading to serious health complications. Cystinosis causes kidney damage and can lead to renal failure.
  • Glomerulonephritis
    Glomerulonephritis affects the tiny filtration system within the kidneys (the glomeruli). Unfortunately, when the glomeruli become damaged, they are unable to filter waste and fluid from the blood efficiently.
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
    Renal failure is the kidneys' inability to excrete waste and fluid from the bloodstream. As a result, these types of toxins accumulate in the body. Depending on your diagnosis, one or both kidneys may not be able to function optimally
 

Treatment 

Dialysis is a process that involves replicating the kidneys' function by means of an external filtration system. Dialysis is normally considered when the kidneys have deteriorated significantly. In the initial stages of kidney disease, you can preserve the health of the organs by introducing healthy lifestyle changes such as diet and regular exercise to reduce the risk of complications.

Dr Kapp may prescribe medications to treat complications such as elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

FAQ

  1. What are the initial signs of renal disease?
    • Nausea/vomiting
    • Poor appetite
    • Tiredness
    • Insomnia
    • Trouble urinating
    • Muscle pain

  1. Can you cure kidney disease?
    Unfortunately, kidney disease remains incurable, and symptoms can only be managed

  1. Are there certain types of food that can affect the health of my kidneys?
    Avoid foods high in phosphorus, potassium and sodium, such as:
    • Bananas
    • Brown rice
    • Cool drink
    • Heavily processed meat
    • Dried fruit