What is kidney trouble?
Kidney trouble, also called kidney disease or renal disease, refers to a range of conditions that affect the structure or function of the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. They play a crucial role in filtering waste products, excess water, and toxins from the blood, and regulating the body's fluid balance and electrolyte levels.
Kidney trouble can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening. Some kidney problems are acute (sudden onset) and may resolve on their own or with treatment, while others are chronic (long-term) and may gradually worsen over time, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Common causes of kidney trouble include:
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function.
- High blood pressure: Consistently elevated blood pressure can put strain on the kidneys and damage their filtering units (nephrons).
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys that remove waste products from the blood.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the tissue between the tubules (tiny tubes) in the kidneys.
- Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic condition characterized by the growth of multiple cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the kidneys, leading to progressive kidney damage.
- Kidney stones: Hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys and can block the flow of urine, causing pain and kidney damage.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Untreated or severe UTIs can spread to the kidneys and cause kidney infection (pyelonephritis), leading to scarring and reduced kidney function.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause kidney damage, especially when used excessively or in people with underlying kidney problems.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus and vasculitis can affect the kidneys, leading to inflammation and damage.
- Congenital abnormalities: Some people may be born with kidney abnormalities, such as horseshoe kidney, double kidneys, or kidney agenesis (absence of one or both kidneys), which can affect kidney function.
Symptoms of kidney trouble can vary depending on the underlying cause and stage of the condition. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Changes in urine output (too much or too little urine)
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, hands, or face
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty sleeping
If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your kidney health, it's important to consult a doctor for evaluation and appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and management of kidney trouble can help slow or prevent progression of the condition and reduce the risk of complications.