Common kidney disease

COMMON KIDNEY DISEASES

   The term kidney disease is related with any disease, disorder or condition, which affects the kidneys. The standard diagnostic workup of suspected kidney disease includes a medical history, physical examination, a urine test, and an ultrasound of the kidneys.

  Nephrolithiasis is the formation of crystal aggregates in the urinary tract results in kidney stones. The stones are usually formed by one of four substances: calcium, uric acid, magnesium ammonium phosphates, or cystine.

    Kidney stones typically form in the kidney and leave the body in the urine stream. A small stone may pass without causing symptoms. If a stone grows to more than 5 millimeters it can cause blockage of the ureter, resulting in severe pain in the lower back or abdomen. A stone may also result in blood in the urine, vomiting, or painful urination. Risk factors include family history, high urine calcium levels, obesity, certain foods, some medications, calcium supplements, and not drinking enough fluids.

   When a stone causes no symptoms, no treatment is needed. Otherwise, drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids are initially used to control pain. Larger stones may be helped to pass with an alpha blocker or may require procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

   Pyelonephritis is inflammation of the kidney, typically due to a bacterial infection, most commonly Escherichia coli. Less often infection occurs through the bloodstream. Symptoms most often include fever and flank tenderness. Other symptoms may include nausea, burning with urination, and frequent urination.  

   Pyelonephritis can be either acute or chronic. Acute pyelonephritis occurs rapidly and is a life-threatening infection of the kidneys that can lead to renal scarring. Chronic pyelonephritis is a permanent damage and scarring of the kidney due to repeated episodes of acute pyelonephritis or even a single episode of severe acute pyelonephritis.

   Acute pyelonephritis is generally treated with antibiotics. But in case there are stones or if there is complete obstruction of the urinary tract surgical intervention may be required.

   Glomerulonephritis (sometimes called nephritis or nephrotic syndrome) is a type of kidney disease, in which the glomeruli are damaged and cannot remove waste and fluid like they should. Glomerulonephritis may be caused by problems with the immune system. Often, the exact cause of this condition is unknown.

   Acute glomerulonephritis may appear suddenly, following a throat or skin infection. Symptoms include: puffiness of the face on waking up, urine that is brown or contains traces of blood, decreased urination, fluid in the lungs leading to coughing and shortness of breath, high blood pressure. Chronic glomerulonephritis develops over the years, often without symptoms. But complete kidney failure can result. Patients may experience: blood or protein in the urine, high blood pressure, swollen ankles or face, urinating often during the night, bubbles or foam in the urine, caused by excess protein.

   Treatment. Mild cases may not need any treatment. Treatment can be as simple as making dietary changes, such as eating less salt. Medication to lower blood pressure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, is commonly prescribed because they help protect the kidneys. If the condition is caused by a problem with the immune system, immunosuppressants may be used.

   Термин «заболевание почек» связан с любым заболеванием, нарушением или состоянием, которое влияет на почки.

   Стандартное диагностическое обследование при подозрении на заболевание почек включает сбор анамнеза, физикальное обследование, анализ мочи и ультразвуковое исследование почек.

  Нефролитиаз - это образование агрегатов кристаллов в мочевыводящих путях с образованием камней в почках. Камни обычно образованы одним из четырех веществ: кальцием, мочевой кислотой, фосфатом магния-аммония или цистином.

    Камни в почках обычно образуются в почках и покидают тело с потоком мочи. Небольшой камень может пройти, не вызывая симптомов. Если размер камня превышает 5 миллиметров, это может вызвать закупорку мочеточника, что приведет к сильной боли в пояснице или животе. Камень может также вызвать кровь в моче, рвоту или болезненное мочеиспускание. Факторы риска включают семейный анамнез, высокий уровень кальция в моче, ожирение, определенные продукты питания, некоторые лекарства, добавки кальция и недостаточное потребление жидкости.