Kidney Diseases: Know the 5 Most Common Types

In India, one in ten Indians suffer from kidney disease. Drinking more water and reducing salt content can avoid the problem.

The kidneys are responsible for controlling the elimination of fluids and excretions, as well as producing hormones that can interfere with blood pressure and red blood cell production. The malfunction of this organ so essential to the human body may be a sign of some kidney disease.

According to Dr. Vinant Bhargava, Nephrologist in Delhi, the most common kidney diseases are kidney stones, infections, cysts, tumors and loss of kidney function, better known as kidney failure.

Diseases settle from common habits in most people's lives and can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes. Examples are low fluid intake, salt and protein intake (including supplements), recurrent urinary tract infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high analgesic intake.

The most common types of kidney disease

1. Kidney stones (kidney stone)

According to the doctor for kidney in Delhi, kidney stones are mainly formed by low fluid intake (characterized by dark urine), high salt and protein intake, among other problems.

When stones move down the urethral canal, they cause a lot of pain due to obstruction of the urinary flow and dilation of the kidney. They can be complicated by urinary tract infection and can be life-threatening. Treatment may be drug or surgical, however, clearance of the kidney should be within the first 2 to 3 weeks to prevent permanent loss of renal function, suggests kidney specialist in Delhi.

2. Renal Infection or Pyelonephritis

It is usually caused by a bladder bacteria, cystitis, which eventually rises to the kidney, causing fever and pain on the compromised side. Treatment should be with antibiotic and often requires hospitalization. Sometimes it can complicate with pus accumulation in the kidney and may require drainage intervention.

3. Renal Cysts

They are "blisters" that form in the middle of the kidney. Very common after age 40, cysts are diagnosed by routine examinations and usually do not cause problems or symptoms or require treatment and may only be followed up by the best nephrologist in Delhi. They can sometimes be mistaken for kidney tumors, so tests are needed.

4. Tumor or kidney cancer

Rare, the tumor occurs due to the high frequency of renal cysts. It is very common to have to order diagnostic imaging exams for the correct exclusion of this possibility. Tumors are solid lesions different from cysts that contain fluid inside. They are often malignant, but if treated early, there is a good chance of cure. Treatment is almost always surgical and most often with kidney preservation and less invasive surgery, says the best kidney specialist in Delhi.

5. Loss of renal function (renal failure)

Renal insufficiency occurs when the kidney loses the ability to filter waste, salts and fluids from the blood. Diseases such as diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure may lead to progressive renal deterioration and eventually the need for hemodialysis and/or transplantation for its treatment. Therefore, individuals with these disorders should have strict follow-up and treatment, suggests nephrologist in Delhi.