Early kidney disease is typically detected through routine blood and urine tests, as well as monitoring for symptoms and risk factors.
One common test used to detect early kidney disease is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test, which measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. Another test is the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) test, which measures the amount of a protein called albumin in the urine. An elevated ACR can be a sign of kidney damage .
People who are at higher risk of kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, may be recommended to have these tests more frequently.
Urinary tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTIs are typically caused by bacteria, although other pathogens such as viruses or fungi can also cause them.
Symptoms of a UTI can vary depending on which part of the urinary system is affected, but commonly include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back
UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, which are prescribed by a healthcare provider after testing to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can also help alleviate symptoms.
If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious complications such as kidney infection or even sepsis, so it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a UTI. Women are more likely to experience UTIs than men, and certain factors such as pregnancy, sexual activity, and use of certain types of birth control can increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Symptoms of kidney disease
Kidney disease in beginning may not produce any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, some of the common symptoms of kidney disease include:
- Fatigue and weakness: A feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
- Swelling: Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, and sometimes the face and hands, caused by fluid retention.
- Changes in urination: An increased or decreased frequency of urination, foamy urine, blood in the urine, or difficulty passing urine.
- Back pain: Pain in the back, just below the ribs, that may be dull or severe.
- Loss of appetite and nausea: A lack of interest in food, feeling full quickly, and/or feeling sick to the stomach.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common symptom of kidney disease.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or physical activity.
Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help prevent further kidney damage and improve overall health outcomes.
Types of Kidney Disease
There are many different types of kidney disease, each with their own causes and symptoms. Some common types of kidney disease include:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): A condition in which the kidneys gradually lose function over time. CKD is often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or glomerulonephritis .
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): A sudden and often reversible decline in kidney function, often caused by a sudden loss of blood flow to the kidneys or damage from toxins or medications.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A genetic condition in which cysts form in the kidneys, which can eventually lead to kidney failure.
- Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli), which can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or other conditions.
- Kidney stones: Small, hard deposits that can form in the kidneys and cause pain and discomfort as they pass through the urinary tract.
- Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidneys, often caused by bacteria that travel up the ureters from the bladder.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A group of symptoms caused by damage to the kidneys filtering units (glomeruli), which can lead to high levels of protein in the urine, swelling, and other complications.
Tests to diagnose kidney disease
There are several tests that can be done to diagnose kidney disease or to monitor its progression. Here are some of the common tests:
- Urine tests: These include a urinalysis to check for protein, blood, or other abnormalities in the urine, as well as a 24-hour urine collection to measure the amount of protein, creatinine, and other substances in the urine.
- Blood tests: Tests like Kidney Function Test or KFT measure the levels of waste products like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the blood. High levels of these waste products can indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): This is a blood test that measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood.
- Imaging tests: These include ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, which can help to visualize the kidneys and detect any abnormalities or blockages.
- Biopsy: This involves removing a small piece of kidney tissue to examine it under a microscope for signs of damage or disease.
These tests may be used alone or in combination to diagnose kidney disease, determine the stage of the disease, and monitor the progression of the disease over time.
