Nephrology - Kidney Treatment & Support

Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.


What are the types of kidney conditions & symptoms?

1. Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) or Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic Nephropathy is a chronic loss of kidney function in those with diabetes and may progress to severe complications, including renal failure.

This condition decreases the kidneys’ ability to effectively remove waste products and extra fluids from the body.

Symptoms include:

  • Swelling of feet, ankles, or hands.
  • Increased urge to urinate
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Persistent itching
  • Fatigue
2. Glomerulonephritis

As the blood vessels in the kidney become inflamed, blood is inefficiently filtered. It may occur on its own or secondary to other diseases such as infections, lupus, and diabetes. If left untreated, glomerulonephritis can result in complete kidney damage.

The most common symptoms are:

  • Blood in the urine (haematuria)
  • Foamy urine
  • Decreased urine output
  • Swelling of hands, face, and feet due to fluid retention
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue
3. Fluid and Electrolyte Abnormalities

This condition may be associated with kidney disease.

Depending on the type, symptoms can include fluid retention, swelling, pain in the face and limbs, dehydration, thirst, weakness, and light-headedness.

For example, changes in natural potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium levels may impact muscle strength, heart rhythm and other body functions.

Similarly, fluid and electrolyte imbalance could show up as oedema, causing swelling and pain in arms, legs, feet, and hands. On the other hand, symptoms of dehydration include weakness, excessive thirst, light-headedness, fainting, and dark-coloured and foul-smelling urine.

4. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Acute kidney injury is a sudden and temporary loss of kidney function. It can be a minor loss of kidney function or kidney failure.

Symptoms include:

  • Reduction in urine production
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
  • Fatigue
  • Breathlessness
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Dehydration
  • Drowsiness

AKI can be fatal if not urgently treated. In the absence of prompt treatment, it can affect other organs.

5. End-stage kidney disease

End-stage kidney disease is also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is the last stage of chronic kidney disease when your kidneys can no longer support your body’s needs.

Symptoms for this condition may vary. However, the most common ones include the following:

  • Fatigue and shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Unbearable itching
  • Poor appetite
  • Abnormally light or dark skin
  • Bad breath
  • Excessive thirst
  • Weigh loss
  • Persistent headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Confusion and lack of alertness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Easy bruising
  • Amenorrhea

Find out more about the five stages of kidney failure which can be determined through specific tests. The treatment methodology will depend on the patient’s stage of kidney failure.

6. Proteinuria

Proteinuria is high levels of protein in your urine. Proteins are filtered by glomeruli (tiny loops of capillaries) in the kidneys. However, when the glomeruli are damaged, there is no reabsorption of proteins, and the excess flows into the urine.

This condition is often seen in those with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Symptoms include:

  • Foamy urine
  • Puffiness and/or swelling of the face and/or limbs
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle cramps
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Nausea
7. Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell cancer (also known as kidney cancer or renal cell adenocarcinoma) is a disease characterised by the presence of cancerous cells in the tubule lining of the kidney.

The early stages may be asymptomatic. However, symptoms appear as the tumour grows. The symptoms include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Noticeable lump in the kidney area or abdomen
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Anaemia
  • Pain in the side of the abdomen
8. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes the growth of cysts in the kidneys. Cysts caused by PKD can alter the shape of your kidneys, including making them significantly larger.

PKD is a type of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that diminishes kidney function and may result in renal failure.

Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the abdomen, back or flank
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Blood in the urine
  • Increased abdomen s

What are the screening tests for kidney conditions?

Those who are at high risk due to existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or have a family history of kidney problems are advised to undergo regular screening tests.

When diagnosed at an early stage, options for early treatment often have a positive outcome, and the progression of the disease may also be slowed.

Screening tests can be done by a team of dedicated and highly trained healthcare professionals at Pantai Hospital.

  • Blood tests – an increase in creatinine in the blood signals an impaired kidney function
  • Urine test – the presence of protein in the urine signals a problem in the filtration capacity of the kidneys
  • Blood pressure measurement – increased blood pressure can be an indicator of renal dysfunction
  • Kidney biopsy

How are kidney conditions diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made based on various investigations. Your doctor will first evaluate your medical history and symptoms before conducting a physical examination.

  • Blood and urine tests – to identify abnormalities in renal function related to the glomerular filtration rate or protein in urine
  • Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan
  • Kidney biopsy

How are kidney conditions & diseases treated?

1. Lifestyle changes

To ensure the optimal health of you and your kidneys, lifestyle changes may be recommended to help control and relieve any symptoms.

These could also include dietary changes such as diets lower in sodium, protein, and potassium. You may also be asked to monitor your fluid intake levels carefully.

Additionally, your doctor may advise you to take certain supplements such as calcium and Vitamin D.

2. Medication

Some medications may help treat any underlying causes, such as diabetes or hypertension, thus helping to relieve your symptoms and slow disease progression.

These include medicines in the categories of Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and diabetic medications.

Your doctor may also prescribe certain medicines to help your body to produce erythropoietin (a chemical required to make red blood cells).

3. Dialysis

Typically recommended when chronic kidney disease has reached an advanced stage, a machine will be used to replicate the functions of the kidney.

4. Kidney transplant

A complete kidney transplant may be the most suitable option for patients with advanced kidney disease. However, this treatment needs to consider various factors like the availability of a donor kidney, general health, patient age and finances.

A successful transplant indicates that the patient will not require to be on dialysis support in future. However, certain medications may be needed to be taken even after the transplant.


How to take care of your kidneys

Speak to your doctor if you or your loved ones have symptoms of kidney conditions and diseases. The caring team of healthcare professionals are available for consultation and to provide the best care. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.

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