Guide To The Types Of Kidney Disease

Kidney Failure

As mentioned, the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and toxins from the blood, which individuals then excrete through urine. They are vital organs in the body. However, when they stop functioning well on their own, individuals are considered to have kidney failure. This means that one or both kidneys are not working. Some cases of kidney failure are sudden and temporary, but there are also chronic cases that worsen slowly over time. There are many risk factors and causes of kidney failure, including heart disease, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain medications. Patients with kidney failure often need to follow a low-sodium and low-potassium diet and receive dialysis. Eventually, some patients will need a kidney transplant.

Learn more about conditions that affect the kidneys now.

Renal Tubular Acidosis

Another condition that affects the kidneys is renal tubular acidosis. This disease happens when an individual's kidneys do not excrete acids into their urine. When this occurs, the acid will build up in the individual's blood, which means that it will stay too acidic. This kidney disease may lead to issues such as dehydration, calcium deposits in the kidneys, kidney stones, high or low blood potassium, and osteomalacia.

Symptoms of renal tubular acidosis often do not appear for an extended period. When they do, they vary based on the type and effects of the condition. Examples include muscle weakness and paralysis due to low potassium, as well as kidney stones and chronic kidney disease in type 1 renal tubular acidosis. In type 2, patients often experience osteomalacia, which carries bone pain and leg weakness as symptoms. Treatment depends on the type of renal tubular acidosis. They include potassium supplements, sodium bicarbonate solutions, and diuretics.