The kidneys have a critical role in filtering the blood, regulating electrolyte levels and making urine. Renal disease can impair kidney function, causing toxins to build up in the blood or creating severe electrolyte imbalances. Kidney disease can occur suddenly or over time and can be progressive, ultimately leading to renal failure.
Chronic Disease
Chronic renal disease describes any form of kidney disease that progresses slowly. The most common causes of chronic kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, are diabetes and high blood pressure. Some kinds of chronic kidney disease, such as polycystic kidney disease, are congenital and develop gradually.
Acute Disease
Some kinds of renal problems can come on suddenly. Physical trauma, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, can cause acute renal damage. Some toxins can also cause abrupt kidney failure. Patients who lose a lot of blood may also experience acute renal failure. Finally, sometimes urinary tract infections can travel to kidneys, causing a condition known as pyelonephritis.
Symptoms
The early stages of renal disease often have no symptoms. Patients may develop changes in urination. Swelling of the lower body, hands and face can also occur if fluid accumulates in the body. Patients may also feel nauseated and fatigued. They can develop skin rashes, get a metallic taste in their mouths, feel cold, develop shortness of breath, pain in their legs or flanks or become dizzy.
Diagnosis
Several different blood and urine tests can be done to evaluate kidney problems, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. The urine can be tested for the presence of protein, including the protein albumin. Protein in the urine is an early sign of renal disease. Renal function can also be assessed by measuring the amount of a substance called creatinine in the blood, which allows physicians to determine the rate at which the kidneys are processing blood. Ultrasound, CT scans and biopsies can be done to identify the nature of renal disease.
Treatment
If renal disease is identified early, it can be treated before it progresses into kidney failure. Disease caused by chronic conditions can be treated using medications such as ACE inhibitors. On the other hand, if the damage to the kidneys is severe and permanent, the kidneys ultimately will fail. Kidney failure requires the patient to go through dialysis to replace the filtering capabilities of the kidneys. Kidney failure can also be treated with a kidney transplant.
