Understanding Kidney Disease: Causes, Types, Symptoms, and How to Protect Your Kidney Health

Types of Kidney Disease

What Happens When the Kidneys Stop Working Properly

There are several conditions that can affect how your kidneys function. Here’s what you need to know about the most common types:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease is the most common form of kidney disease and is the primary condition treated at our practice. CKD refers to a gradual loss of kidney function over time, often without symptoms in the early stages. It’s more common than many realize—affecting 1 in 7 adults in the U.S.—and often goes undiagnosed until later stages.

CKD progresses through five stages, based on how much kidney function remains. While early CKD is usually silent, later stages may bring:

• Swelling in the feet and ankles

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in urination

• High blood pressure

CKD is diagnosed through blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies. Managing CKD involves lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, medication, and regular monitoring by a nephrologist to help slow disease progression and maintain quality of life.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Unlike CKD, Acute Kidney Injury (also known as Acute Renal Failure) occurs suddenly—often over a matter of days. AKI can lead to a rapid buildup of waste and fluid, and may be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Common symptoms of AKI overlap with CKD but appear quickly, including:

• Decreased urine output

• Swelling

• Fatigue

• Confusion

• Shortness of breath

Most people recover from AKI with early treatment, though in severe cases, permanent damage may lead to the development of chronic kidney disease.

Glomerular Diseases

Glomeruli are tiny filters inside your kidneys that help remove waste while keeping important substances like protein and nutrients. Glomerular diseases damage these filters, causing protein loss, blood in the urine, swelling, and even kidney failure.

These diseases can be caused by:

• Autoimmune conditions like lupus or vasculitis

• Diabetes

• Infections or inherited disorders such as IgA nephropathy

Diagnosis often involves lab tests, imaging, and sometimes a kidney biopsy. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause, preserving kidney function, and preventing further damage.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys. These cysts can grow over time, leading to enlarged kidneys, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and potentially kidney failure.

PKD is typically diagnosed through bloodwork, imaging, and genetic testing. While there’s no cure yet, your nephrologist may prescribe medications to slow cyst growth, monitor kidney function closely, and manage related symptoms like pain and hypertension.

How Your Kidneys Work

Your kidneys are two fist-sized organs located just below your rib cage on either side of your spine. Though small, they play a vital role in keeping your body balanced and healthy.

Each kidney contains about one million filtering units called nephrons, which remove waste, excess fluid, and toxins from your blood. In addition to filtering, your kidneys help:

• Regulate blood pressure

• Balance electrolytes and fluids

• Stimulate red blood cell production

• Support bone health through hormone regulation

When kidney function begins to decline, these critical processes are disrupted—leading to a buildup of fluid and waste in the body that can cause serious complications.