The kidneys perform several essential functions that keep the body in balance. They filter waste products from the blood, regulate fluid levels, maintain electrolyte balance, help control blood pressure and contribute to healthy red blood cell and bone metabolism.
When kidney function or kidney structure becomes abnormal, a person may develop kidney disease.
Some kidney conditions are temporary and treatable, while others can become chronic and progressively reduce kidney function.
The common kidney diseases seen in clinical practice include chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease, kidney stones, urinary and kidney infections, glomerular diseases, polycystic kidney disease and acute kidney injury.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized evaluation and management for a wide range of kidney conditions.
1. Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when abnormalities of kidney structure or function persist over time.
CKD can have many causes, but diabetes and high blood pressure are among the leading causes.
Possible symptoms
Early CKD may cause no noticeable symptoms. As kidney function declines, symptoms can include:
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Tiredness
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Swelling of the feet or ankles
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Changes in urination
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Foamy urine
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Reduced appetite
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Nausea
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Itching
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Muscle cramps
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Sleep problems
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Breathlessness in advanced disease
Diagnosis
Doctors may use:
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Serum creatinine
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eGFR
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Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio
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Urine examination
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Blood pressure measurement
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Kidney imaging when required
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and stage of CKD. It may involve blood-pressure control, diabetes management, kidney-protective medicines, dietary adjustments and regular monitoring.
Advanced kidney failure may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.
2. Diabetic Kidney Disease
Diabetes can gradually damage the tiny blood vessels and filtering structures within the kidneys.
Diabetic kidney disease may develop without obvious symptoms, making regular screening important for people with diabetes.
Warning signs
Possible findings include:
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Albumin or protein in urine
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Increasing creatinine
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Declining eGFR
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Swelling
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High blood pressure
Management
Treatment focuses on:
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Blood-glucose management
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Blood-pressure control
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Monitoring urine albumin
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Kidney-protective medicines when appropriate
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Lifestyle and dietary measures
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Regular kidney-function testing
Early management can help reduce the risk of progressive kidney damage.
3. High Blood Pressure-Related Kidney Disease
Long-standing uncontrolled hypertension can damage the blood vessels supplying the kidneys.
At the same time, kidney disease can itself contribute to high blood pressure, creating a cycle that may accelerate kidney damage.
What should be monitored?
People with hypertension should regularly monitor:
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Blood pressure
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Serum creatinine
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eGFR
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Urine albumin or protein
Keeping blood pressure within the target recommended by a healthcare professional is an important part of kidney protection.
4. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when certain substances in urine become concentrated and crystallize.
Some stones remain in the kidney without symptoms, while others can move into the ureter and cause severe pain.
Common symptoms
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Sharp pain in the side or back
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Pain spreading toward the lower abdomen or groin
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Blood in urine
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Burning during urination
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Frequent urination
A stone accompanied by fever or urinary obstruction can require urgent medical attention.
Treatment
Depending on stone size and location, treatment may include observation, medicines, shock-wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy or other procedures.
5. Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection can sometimes spread upward and involve the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.
Symptoms may include:
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Fever
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Chills
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Pain in the side or back
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Burning while urinating
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Frequent urination
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Nausea or vomiting
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Cloudy or abnormal-smelling urine
Kidney infections require appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. Untreated infection can become serious.
6. Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden reduction in kidney function.
Unlike chronic kidney disease, AKI develops over a short period.
Possible causes include:
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Severe dehydration
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Infection
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Low blood pressure
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Blood loss
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Certain medicines
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Urinary obstruction
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Major surgery
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Severe illness
AKI can sometimes be reversible when its underlying cause is treated promptly.
7. Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis refers to inflammation or injury involving the kidney's filtering units, called glomeruli.
It can develop from immune-related disorders, infections or other medical conditions.
Possible signs
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Blood in urine
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Protein in urine
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Swelling
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High blood pressure
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Reduced kidney function
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Foamy urine
The evaluation may involve blood and urine testing, imaging and, in selected patients, a kidney biopsy.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
8. Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder in which multiple fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys.
Over time, cysts can enlarge and affect kidney function.
Patients may experience:
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High blood pressure
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Flank or abdominal discomfort
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Blood in urine
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Recurrent urinary infections
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Kidney stones
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Progressive reduction in kidney function
Management involves monitoring kidney function and blood pressure, treating complications and using disease-specific therapy when appropriate.
9. Kidney Cysts
Simple kidney cysts are relatively common, especially with increasing age.
Most simple cysts do not cause symptoms or require treatment.
However, complex cysts may need additional imaging and specialist assessment to determine their nature.
The appropriate management depends on the appearance and characteristics of the cyst on imaging.
10. Inherited Kidney Diseases
Some kidney conditions are passed through families.
Examples include:
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Polycystic kidney disease
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Alport syndrome
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Certain inherited disorders affecting kidney filtration
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Other genetic conditions affecting kidney structure or function
A family history of kidney disease at a young age may warrant specialist evaluation and, in selected cases, genetic counseling or testing.
11. Kidney Disease Caused by Obstruction
Urine needs to flow freely from the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder.
A blockage can cause pressure to build up in the urinary system and may damage kidney function.
Possible causes include:
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Kidney stones
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Enlarged prostate
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Tumors
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Blood clots
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Structural abnormalities
Treatment focuses on identifying and relieving the obstruction.
12. Kidney Failure
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer adequately perform their essential functions.
It can develop gradually from advanced CKD or occur as a severe complication of acute kidney injury.
Possible symptoms include:
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Severe fatigue
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea
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Swelling
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Breathlessness
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Changes in urine output
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Itching
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Confusion in advanced cases
Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include dialysis, kidney transplantation or comprehensive conservative kidney care.
Why Kidney Disease Can Be Difficult to Detect
One of the biggest challenges with kidney disease is that early disease may not cause obvious symptoms.
A person may feel completely well despite having:
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Elevated urine albumin
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Reduced eGFR
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Early diabetic kidney disease
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High blood pressure-related kidney damage
For people at increased risk, routine blood and urine testing can help identify kidney problems earlier.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease risk may be increased by:
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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Family history of kidney disease
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Obesity
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Cardiovascular disease
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Older age
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Recurrent kidney stones
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Recurrent urinary infections
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Smoking
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Previous acute kidney injury
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Certain medications
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Inherited kidney disorders
People with these risk factors may benefit from periodic kidney-health checks.
Common Tests Used to Check Kidney Health
A kidney evaluation may include several tests.
Blood Tests
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Serum creatinine
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eGFR
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Blood urea
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Electrolytes
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Hemoglobin
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Calcium and phosphate when appropriate
Urine Tests
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Urine routine examination
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Urine albumin
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Urine protein
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Urine culture when infection is suspected
Imaging
Ultrasound or other imaging may be used to assess:
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Kidney size
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Kidney structure
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Stones
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Cysts
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Urinary obstruction
Additional testing depends on the suspected condition.
Can Kidney Disease Be Prevented?
Not every kidney disease can be prevented, particularly inherited or certain autoimmune conditions.
However, several measures can help protect kidney health:
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Keep blood pressure controlled
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Manage diabetes effectively
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Avoid unnecessary use of potentially kidney-harming medicines
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Follow an appropriate diet
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Stay physically active
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Avoid smoking
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Drink fluids according to individual medical needs
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Treat urinary infections appropriately
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Monitor kidney function when at risk
People with established kidney disease should follow individualized advice rather than relying on general dietary rules.
When Should You See a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist should be considered when there is:
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Persistently elevated creatinine
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Reduced eGFR
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Protein or albumin in urine
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Blood in urine without a clear explanation
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Difficult-to-control hypertension
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Recurrent kidney problems
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Progressive CKD
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Repeated acute kidney injury
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Suspected glomerular disease
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Advanced kidney failure
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Kidney disease associated with diabetes
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A strong family history of kidney disease
Early specialist assessment can help identify the cause and establish an appropriate monitoring plan.
Kidney Disease Care at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides comprehensive evaluation and management for kidney disorders.
Depending on the patient's condition, care may involve:
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Chronic kidney disease evaluation
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Acute kidney injury management
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Diabetic kidney disease care
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Hypertension-related kidney disease
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Kidney stone-related medical evaluation
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Glomerular disease assessment
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Dialysis management
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Kidney transplant-related medical care
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Electrolyte and metabolic disorder management
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Long-term kidney-function monitoring
The treatment approach is based on the individual's diagnosis, laboratory results, imaging and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Kidney Diseases
What is the most common kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most important and widespread kidney conditions. Diabetes and hypertension are major contributors to CKD.
What are the early signs of kidney disease?
Early kidney disease may cause no symptoms. Protein or albumin in urine, high blood pressure and abnormal kidney-function tests can sometimes be the first indications.
Can kidney disease be cured?
It depends on the condition. Some acute kidney problems and infections can improve significantly with appropriate treatment. Established chronic kidney damage generally requires long-term management.
Are kidney stones the same as kidney disease?
Kidney stones are a kidney and urinary tract condition, but they are different from chronic kidney disease. Recurrent or complicated stones can sometimes affect kidney function.
Can diabetes cause kidney failure?
Yes. Long-standing diabetes can damage the kidneys and may eventually lead to advanced CKD and kidney failure in some patients.
When should I get my kidneys checked?
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, a family history of kidney disease or other risk factors should discuss appropriate kidney screening with their healthcare professional.
Conclusion
There is no single condition called “kidney disease.” The kidneys can be affected by numerous disorders, ranging from kidney stones and infections to chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease, glomerular disorders, inherited conditions and kidney failure.
Because several kidney diseases can remain silent during their early stages, appropriate blood and urine testing can be valuable for people at increased risk. Identifying the underlying cause is equally important because treatment varies considerably between conditions.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized care for patients with a broad range of kidney disorders, from early kidney-function abnormalities to advanced kidney disease.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kidney disease has many different causes, and symptoms or treatment options can vary substantially between individuals. Do not diagnose yourself or start, stop or change medicines based on this article. A qualified healthcare professional should evaluate abnormal kidney tests, persistent urinary symptoms or other concerning signs. Seek urgent medical attention for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, very low or absent urine output, severe swelling, high fever with flank pain or rapidly worsening symptoms.
