Your Complete Guide to Kidney Disease: Causes, Symptoms & How to Prevent It
Know about the kidney disease, their roles and functions in body, warning signs and symptoms on kidney disease, how we can prevent it and diagnosis.
Written by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 23rd Sep, 2025
Introduction
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped, fist-sized organs working tirelessly 24/7 to keep your body in balance. Often overlooked until a problem arises, they are critical to your overall health. Kidney diseases are frequently called "silent" conditions because symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other issues until significant damage has occurred. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about kidney diseases—from understanding their vital functions and recognising the early warning signs to the most effective, evidence-based strategies for prevention.
Why Your Kidneys are Your Body's Silent Superheroes
Think of your kidneys as your body's most sophisticated water filtration plant. Every day, they process about 150 quarts of blood to sift out about 1-2 quarts of waste and extra water, which becomes urine.
The Master Filtration System
This intricate process occurs in tiny units called nephrons. Each kidney contains about a million nephrons, each consisting of a filter (glomerulus) and a tubule. The glomerulus acts like a sieve, allowing water and small waste products to pass through while keeping blood cells and essential proteins in the bloodstream. The tubule then reabsorbs necessary minerals and water back into the blood, leaving the waste behind to be excreted.
Consult Top Nephrologist for Personalised Advice
More Than Just Filtration: Other Vital Roles
Their job doesn't stop at waste removal. Kidneys are multifunctional powerhouses that:
Regulate Blood Pressure: They release hormones that constrict blood vessels and manage fluid balance, directly impacting blood pressure.
Produce Red Blood Cells: They secrete erythropoietin, a hormone that tells your bone marrow to make red blood cells.
Strengthen Bones: They activate Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
Maintain Electrolyte Balance: They carefully regulate levels of critical minerals like sodium, potassium, and phosphate.
Common Types of Kidney Diseases You Should Know About
Kidney disease isn't a single condition. It's an umbrella term for several disorders that can damage these organs and impair their function.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): This is the most prevalent form, a long-term condition where kidney function gradually declines over months or years. It's often a result of diabetes or high blood pressure.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): This is a sudden episode of kidney failure or damage that happens within a few hours or days. It can be caused by severe infection, dehydration, or certain medications.
Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause excruciating pain when they move through the urinary tract.
Glomerulonephritis: This is inflammation of the kidney's tiny filtering units (glomeruli). It can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other unknown factors.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): This is a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys, leading to enlarged kidneys and loss of function over time.
Don't Ignore the Signs: Early Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Early detection is crucial for managing kidney disease effectively. Unfortunately, the early signs of kidney failure can be vague.
The Subtle Early Warnings
Fatigue and Trouble Concentrating: A buildup of toxins can make you feel tired, weak, and unable to focus.
Trouble Sleeping: When kidneys aren't filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood, which can disrupt sleep.
Dry and Itchy Skin: Healthy kidneys maintain the right balance of minerals. Itchy, dry skin can be a sign of mineral and bone disease.
Swelling around the Eyes and Ankles: Protein leaking into the urine (proteinuria) can cause puffiness, especially around the eyes in the morning and in the ankles later in the day.
Symptoms of Advanced Kidney Disease
As the function worsens, symptoms become more pronounced:
Increased or Decreased Urination: Changes in frequency, especially needing to urinate more often at night.
Blood in Urine (Hematuria): A sign that the kidney filters are damaged.
Foamy Urine: Excessive bubbles indicate protein in the urine.
Persistent Puffiness: Severe fluid retention (oedema).
Muscle Cramps: Electrolyte imbalances can cause painful cramping.
If you experience a combination of these symptoms persistently, it is crucial to consult a doctor. You can book an online consultation with a nephrologist on Apollo24|7 for a preliminary evaluation.
Are You at Risk? Key Risk Factors for Kidney Problems
Certain conditions and lifestyle choices significantly increase your risk of developing kidney disease.
Medical Conditions
Diabetes: The leading cause of CKD. High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the kidneys over time.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The second leading cause. High pressure can strain and damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys.
Lifestyle and Genetic Factors
Heart Disease: A history of heart disease is a major risk factor.
Family History: A family history of kidney disease increases your susceptibility.
Age: Kidney function naturally declines as we age.
Obesity: Excess weight forces the kidneys to work harder and is linked to diabetes and hypertension.
Smoking: Damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the kidneys.
How is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is straightforward and relies on simple, non-invasive tests.
Simple Tests: Your First Line of Defense
Blood Tests: The Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product, in your blood. This value is used to calculate your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which is the best measure of overall kidney function. A low eGFR indicates reduced function.
Urine Tests: The Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) test checks for albumin, a type of protein, in your urine. Healthy kidneys don't allow albumin to pass into the urine. Its presence is an early sign of damage.
These tests are readily available. Apollo24|7 offers convenient home collection for these crucial kidney function tests, making it easy to monitor your health.
Imaging and Advanced Diagnostics
If initial tests are abnormal, a doctor may recommend an ultrasound or CT scan to get a picture of the kidneys' structure, or in some cases, a kidney biopsy.
Your Action Plan: Effective Strategies for Kidney Disease Prevention
The good news is that many kidney diseases are preventable. Here is your actionable kidney disease prevention plan.
Manage Underlying Health Conditions
This is the single most important step. Work closely with your doctor to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure within your target ranges. This dramatically reduces the strain on your kidneys.
Adopt a Kidney-Healthy Diet
Reduce Sodium: High salt intake raises blood pressure. Aim for less than 2,300 mg per day.
Watch Your Protein: Excessive protein can make kidneys work harder. If you have early signs of CKD, your doctor may recommend moderating intake.
Limit Processed Foods: They are often high in sodium, phosphorus, and other additives that stress the kidneys.
Stay Hydrated (The Right Way)
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys clear sodium, urea, and toxins from the body. Aim for 6-8 glasses a day, unless you have a condition that requires fluid restriction. Water is always the best choice.
Exercise Regularly and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Regular physical activity helps control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, two of the biggest risk factors for kidney disease.
Use Medications Wisely (Beware of NSAIDs)
Long-term or excessive use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can cause kidney damage. Use them only as directed and avoid them if you already have kidney issues.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking slows blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their function. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and add extra calories, leading to weight gain.
Conclusion
Your kidney health is fundamental to your overall well-being. While kidney diseases can be serious, they are often manageable and, in many cases, preventable. By understanding the functions of these incredible organs, recognising the early warning signs, and adopting a proactive, healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember, small, consistent choices—like choosing water over soda, taking a daily walk, and managing your blood pressure—have a profound cumulative effect on your renal function. Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health today. If you have any of the risk factors mentioned, especially diabetes or hypertension, speak to a doctor on Apollo24|7 about getting your kidney function tested. It's a simple step that could save your health in the long run.
Consult Top Nephrologist for Personalised Advice
Consult Top Nephrologist for Personalised Advice
Dr Gayatri Pegu
Nephrologist
15 Years • MD (General Medicine) DM(Nephrology)
Guwahati
Apollo Clinic Guwahati, Assam, Guwahati
Dr Ch Sashidhar
Nephrologist
20 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB, Nephrology
Secunderabad
Apollo Hospitals Secunderabad, Secunderabad
Dr Praveen Kumar Etta
Nephrologist
10 Years • MBBS,MD DM(SGPGI) FORMER ASST(PIMS)
Hyderabad
Apollo Spectra Ameerpet, Hyderabad
Dr. Pardha Saradhi
Nephrologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD-DNB (Gen. Med.), DNB (Nephro)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals D R D O kanchanbagh, Hyderabad
(75+ Patients)
Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma
Transplant Specialist Surgeon
39 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB, FRCS (Glas), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (General Surgery), MSc Medical Education
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
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