Kidney Disease

What Do Your Kidneys Do?

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are located towards the back, on either side of the spine and underneath the rib cage. The kidneys are essential organs responsible for maintaining the body’s overall balance and health. They filter waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, regulate electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, and help control blood pressure through hormone production. Additionally, the kidneys support red blood cell formation by releasing erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. It also promotes bone health by activating vitamin D. Proper kidney function is critical, as any impairment can have widespread effects on multiple bodily systems.

What Causes Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged and are not able to filter the blood. With chronic kidney disease, the damage occurs over the course of several years.

Two of the common causes of chronic kidney disease include-

• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.

Other causes and conditions that affect kidney function and cause chronic kidney disease include-

• Glomerulonephritis- This is a kidney disorder that involves damage to the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidney.
• Polycystic kidney disease- It is a genetic disorder that causes many fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidney, thus reducing the ability of the kidney to function.
• Chronic Infections- Repeated urinary tract infections or persistent kidney infections can lead to long-term damage.
• Obstructions in the Urinary Tract- Kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or other blockages can affect urine flow and harm the kidneys.
• Long-term Medication Use- Long-term use of certain painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications can damage kidney tissues.
• Lifestyle Factors- Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and diets high in salt or processed foods increase the risk of kidney disease.

Symptoms And Warning Signs

The early stages of kidney disorder do not show noticeable symptoms. As the condition worsens, the symptoms may include-

• Shortness of breath.
• Frequent urination.
• Puffy eyes.
• Loss of appetite.
• Tiredness, weakness, low energy level.
• Muscle cramps.
• Darkening of skin.
• High blood pressure.
• Numbness.
• Dry and itchy skin.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Swelling of your hands, feet, and ankles.

Types Of Kidney Disease

The type of kidney disease includes-

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

A long-term condition where kidney function gradually declines, often caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other underlying health issues.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden loss of kidney function, usually triggered by severe dehydration, infections, trauma, or certain medications.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

A genetic disorder where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, leading to enlargement and reduced function over time.

Kidney Stones

Hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys may block urine flow, causing pain and potential kidney damage if untreated.

Urinary Tract Obstructions

Conditions such as an enlarged prostate, strictures, or tumors that block the flow of urine and harm kidney health.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

The final stage of chronic kidney disease is when the kidneys lose nearly all function, often requiring dialysis or a transplant.

Chronic Kidney Disease Stages

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is divided into five stages, based on how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. These stages are determined using blood and urine tests, particularly the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These test measures how efficiently the kidneys are removing creatinine and other waste products.

Stage	GFR (mL/min)	What It Means
Stage 1 Kidney Disease	90 and higher	The kidneys are working well, but have signs of mild kidney damage.
Stage 2 Kidney Disease	60 to 89	The kidneys are working well, but have more signs of mild kidney damage.
Stage 3a	45 to 59	The kidneys aren’t working as well as they should and show mild to moderate damage.
Stage 3b	30 to 44	The kidneys show moderate damage and don’t work as well as they should.
Stage 4 Kidney Disease	15 to 29	Sign of very poor kidney function. Show kidneys are severely damaged and close to not working.
Stage 5 Kidney Disease	Less than 15	The kidneys are close to failing or have stopped working.

Who Is At Risk For Chronic Kidney Disease?

Anyone can suffer from a kidney disorder. However, the following people are at a higher risk of experiencing the disorder.

• Have high blood pressure.
• Have diabetes.
• Have diabetes.
• Have heart disease.
• Are over 60 years old.
• Have a family history of kidney disease.

Diagnosis And Tests

Detecting kidney disease early is essential to prevent complications and slow its progression. Healthcare providers use a combination of tests to assess kidney function and identify underlying causes.

Blood Tests

• Serum Creatinine- Measures the level of creatinine in the blood to estimate kidney function.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)- Calculated from creatinine levels to determine how well the kidneys filter waste.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)- Evaluates the amount of urea nitrogen, another waste product, in the blood.

Urine Tests

• Urinalysis- Detects protein, blood, or other abnormalities in the urine.
• Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)- Measures protein leakage in urine, an early marker of kidney damage.

Imaging Tests

Ultrasound or CT Scan- Provides images of kidney size, structure, and any obstructions such as stones or cysts.

Kidney Biopsy

Involves removing a small tissue sample from the kidney for microscopic examination, helping identify the specific cause of kidney damage.

Treatment Options

The treatment approach for kidney disease depends on its cause, stage, and severity. Early detection and proper management can slow progression and protect overall health. Common treatment options include:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Follow a kidney-friendly diet low in sodium, processed foods, and excess protein.
• Staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking or alcohol.
• Ensuring proper hydration.

Medications

• Blood Pressure Medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs)- They help protect the kidneys and reduce further damage.
• Diabetes Medications- Control blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes-related kidney disease.
• Cholesterol-lowering medicines- They reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.
• Phosphate Binders & Vitamin D Supplements- Support bone and mineral balance in advanced stages.

Dialysis

• It is required when the kidneys can no longer remove waste and excess fluids effectively.
• Includes hemodialysis (using a machine to filter blood) and peritoneal dialysis (using the lining of the abdomen as a filter).

Kidney Transplant

In end-stage kidney disease, a transplant may be recommended, replacing the damaged kidney with a healthy one from a donor.

Preventive Measures

Some of the preventive measures to help prevent and lower the risk of kidney disorder include-

• Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure- Keep blood pressure within the recommended range to prevent stress on the kidneys.
• Control Blood Sugar Levels- Proper diabetes management lowers the risk of kidney damage.
• Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol- Both habits damage blood vessels and reduce kidney efficiency.
• Exercise Regularly- Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and supports overall organ function.
• Use Medications Wisely- Avoid long-term or excessive use of painkillers and consult a doctor before taking new medicines.

Medicines For Kidney Health Available At GTC Meds

At GTC Meds, we offer trusted options for patients with kidney-related conditions:

Epoetin Alfa (Ceriton Epo 10000 IU/1 ml Injection)

Epoetin Alfa is commonly prescribed to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. It works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, helping to reduce fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms linked to low hemoglobin levels.

Keto Analogues of Amino Acids (Ketosteril Tablet)

Ketosteril is used as a supportive therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease. It provides essential amino acid keto analogues that help reduce the buildup of toxic waste products in the blood.

These medications are part of a comprehensive management plan for kidney disease and should be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.