🫘Kidney Conditions & Treatments

Kidney function – overviews

Filters waste, balances fluids and electrolytes, regulates blood pressure, supports overall health

Effects of poor kidney function

Can lead to hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Kidney stones – definition

Hard mineral deposits formed in the urinary tract, often due to concentrated urine or diet

Kidney stones – symptoms

Severe pain in back or side, blood in urine, frequent urge to urinate

Kidney stones – causes

Dehydration, concentrated urine, diets high in oxalates (spinach, nuts)

Kidney stones – palliative treatment

Oral analgesics to manage mild to moderate pain

Kidney stones – procedural treatment

Lithotripsy uses sound waves to break up larger stones

Kidney stones – prevention

Stay hydrated, reduce salt, avoid oxalate-rich foods, use mineral/vitamin supplements as needed.

Kidney damage and hypertension – relationship

Kidney damage causes high blood pressure, which worsens kidney function, creating a vicious cycle

Kidney failure – fluid effects

Leads to fluid overload, peripheral edema, ascites, and increased risk of heart failure or MI

Treatment for kidney-related hypertension and edema

Diuretics reduce blood volume and pressure by promoting fluid loss

Diabetes – impact on kidneys

Can cause diabetic nephropathy, high blood sugar lvls : damaging kidney filters, causing proteinuria, progressing to ESRD.

Diabetic kidney disease – risk factors

Family history of ESRD, poor diet, high blood glucose, high blood pressure, non-compliance with treatment

Diabetic kidney disease – lifestyle prevention

Manage blood sugar, follow a healthy diet, exercise, attend regular checkups

Diabetic nephropathy – medications

ACE inhibitors and ARBs protect kidney function and control blood pressure

ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) – definition

Final stage of chronic kidney disease where the kidneys fail to function adequatel

Treatment options for ESRD

Dialysis (external blood filtration) or kidney transplant