Common Kidney Diseases and Urinary System Conditions

Common Kidney and Urinary System Disorders

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation that affects the glomeruli. It is typically caused by an immune reaction to a toxin released by streptococcal bacteria, which has infected another part of the body, usually the pharynx (throat). As a result, the urine contains many red blood cells and large amounts of protein.

Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of one or both kidneys, affecting the nephrons and the renal pelvis.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder wall, usually caused by bacterial infections. The most common symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, urgency, and frequent urination.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic Syndrome is characterized by the presence of significant amounts of protein in the urine, which causes edema (swelling) and hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids in the blood).

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a condition where the kidney tissue contains numerous cysts that increase in size, compressing normal tissue and eventually causing kidney failure.

Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by the excretion of large amounts of very dilute urine, accompanied by extreme thirst. The cause is either a defect in the production of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) or the insensitivity of the principal cells in the renal collecting ducts to ADH stimulation. Treatment typically involves the administration of ADH via a nasal spray.

Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones are caused by the crystallization of salts in the urine. Conditions that can lead to stone formation include:

• Excessive intake of calcium
• Increased uric acid in the blood
• Decreased water intake
• Abnormally acidic or basic urine
• Hyperactivity of the parathyroid glands

Renal Impairment (Kidney Failure)

Renal impairment is a decrease or interruption of kidney function. It can be acute or chronic.

Acute Renal Failure

Acute renal failure is an abrupt cessation of kidney function, resulting in azotemia (an accumulation of nitrogenous waste products in the blood) and a shortage of urinary flow. Causes may include inadequate blood flow to the kidneys, diseases affecting the glomeruli or renal tubules, and kidney stones.

Chronic Renal Failure

Chronic renal failure is a progressive and usually irreversible decline in the glomerular filtration rate. It may result from chronic pyelonephritis or polycystic kidney disease and typically develops in three stages:

1. Decreased renal reserve: This stage involves the destruction of nephrons.
2. Renal insufficiency: The glomerular filtration rate decreases, and plasma levels of nitrogenous waste products and creatinine increase.
3. End-stage renal disease: Plasma levels of waste products increase further, oliguria (low urine output) occurs, and the patient becomes a candidate for a kidney transplant.

The most frequent effects of chronic renal failure include:

• Edema due to salt and water retention.
• Acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to excrete acidic substances.
• Elevated potassium levels, which can cause cardiac arrest.

Hemodialysis (Artificial Kidney)

Dialysis allows for the separation of toxic substances from the blood. However, hemodialysis has several drawbacks:

• Blood cells can be injured.
• Anticoagulants must be added, which can cause bleeding.
• The technique is time-consuming.

Despite these challenges, this procedure allows many patients to achieve a relatively normal lifestyle.