Hematuria, proteinuria and hypertension are red flags for kidney disease. When these symptoms are in combination, doctors immediately begin the diagnostic process for determining what type of kidney disease is present. In some instances, such as diabetes, the diagnostic protocol does not involve anything more than blood work to diagnose diabetes. In other instances, ultrasound or renal biopsy may be necessary to determine the cause.
Diabetes
As the incidence of diabetes continues to skyrocket in the first decade of the second millennium, the incidence of diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease caused by diabetes skyrockets as well. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diabetes was the leading cause of renal failure in the United States in 2005. Because these figures are so ominous, doctors of diabetic patients routinely test for hematuria and proteinuria.
Fortunately, diabetic patients can prevent diabetic nephropathy or minimize the chances it will develop into more serious kidney problems by controlling their blood sugar. Patients should work with their doctor and comply with the recommended diet to prevent this serious problem.
Hypertensive Nephropathy
Hypertension alone can cause kidney disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hypertension alone accounted for 26.8 percent of all renal failure in the United States in 2005.
If hypertension has been out of control for an extended period of time, proteinuria and hematuria can occur, signaling that hypertension has damaged the kidneys. Even if the damage is severe, it is still worth lowering blood pressure through the use of drugs and lifestyle changes to get every bit of renal function out of the kidneys as possible.
Glomerular Disease
Glomerular diseases are diseases that involve the filters of the kidneys, known as glomeruli. These are often immunologically mediated diseases, such as IgA nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS. Immunologically mediated diseases involve the deposition of specific immune proteins on different parts of the glomeruli. Renal biopsy is the only way to determine what type of glomerular disease is present. These diseases can often be slowed down by controlling blood pressure and proteinuria.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Kidney Disease of Diabetes
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Glomerular Disease
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: IgA Nephropathy
- Foundation for IgA Nephropathy: The Foundation for IgA Nephropathy
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease
