Kidney diseases

Гінекологія Urology
Consultation of an urologist
770
UAH
Follow-up consultation of an urologist
600
UAH
Consultation of an urologist in English
1 200
UAH
Follow-up consultation of an urologist in English
1 100
UAH
Online consultation of an urologist
690
UAH
Online consultation of an urologist in English
1 200
UAH
Prostate massage (1 session)
450
UAH
Instillation of urethra/urine bladder (without cost of medications)
330
UAH
Intracavernous injection (without cost of medication)
660
UAH
Blockade of the spermatic cord
770
UAH
Urethral bougienage
990
UAH
Cystostoma changing (without cost of catheter)
990
UAH
Urine bladder catheterization (without cost of catheter)
440
UAH
Post-surgery bandage (urology)
450
UAH
Foreskin sanation for boys
450
UAH
Diagnostic cystoscopy
3 170
UAH
Material collection procedure from urogenital tract
150 UAH

Kidney diseases are always serious and dangerous conditions, the progression of which leads to damage to kidney tissue and the collecting system (calices and pelvis).

The peculiar thing is that the kidneys themselves rarely get sick, typically kidney diseases develop as a result of other pathologies. However, this doesn't make it any easier for the patients, as kidney pathology, without qualified assistance, can lead to acute or chronic kidney failure.

Causes 

External and internal factors play a role in the development of kidney diseases. Externally, infections can penetrate kidney tissue (a typical example is poorly treated cystitis). Endogenous factors are related to the main (but not the only) function: blood filtration to remove toxins and waste.

Common causes of kidney diseases include:

  • Infectious conditions (pyelonephritis, tuberculosis). 

  • Inflammatory processes (glomerulonephritis). 

  • Blood system disorders (myeloma, thrombotic microangiopathy). 

  • Congenital or acquired structural abnormalities of the organs. 

  • Exposure to toxins (certain antibiotics, industrial poisons). 

  • Autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, lupus). 

  • Diabetes (microangiopathy). 

  • Urological conditions (urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis). 

  • Hypertension. 

  • Liver pathologies.

Additionally, primary kidney diseases can be attributed to genetic syndromes such as polycystic kidney disease, tuberous sclerosis, and other pathologies.

Most often, infections (pyelonephritis), glomerulonephritis, and kidney pathology due to diabetes or hypertension are reasons to consult a urologist.

Symptoms

Here's the problem: kidney diseases, regardless of the cause, rarely manifest at an early stage. This is because kidney tissue lacks pain receptors. Pain occurs only when the urinary tract or the organ's capsule is involved.

As a result, it's important to pay attention to symptoms that may indicate kidney pathology:

  • Changes in urine color, which can become red, cloudy, or appear as bloody urine. Increased frequency of urination (polyuria) or, conversely, a reduced volume of urine. Morning swelling in the face, cheeks, and eyelids. 

  • Discomfort in the lower back, below the ribs on one or both sides of the spine. Increased urine output (polyuria) or a decrease to 200-500 ml per day (oliguria). 

  • No urination for 12-24 hours (anuria). 

  • Frequent nighttime awakenings to urinate (nocturia). 

  • Elevated blood pressure, headaches. Anemia, pallor. Unexplained skin itching. Weakness, fatigue.

Fever and chills are typical for infectious processes (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis).

The listed symptoms can occur in both acute and chronic kidney diseases. Even one of these signs, especially in people with diabetes or hypertension, should raise concern, and regular check-ups with a urologist or nephrologist are recommended to detect pathological changes in the body in a timely manner.

Diagnosis 

Comprehensive kidney disease diagnosis is impossible without instrumental methods. When a patient presents with suspected kidney disease, treatment is only initiated after a thorough examination.

The diagnostic algorithm includes:

  • Clinical and biochemical blood tests. 

  • Comprehensive urine analysis. 

  • Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. 

  • Radiographic techniques with contrast media introduced into the blood or urinary tract, CT. Endoscopic examination. 

  • MRI, radioisotope methods.

A Universum Clinic doctor will help you undergo a complete examination of the urinary organs. Modern equipment allows us to detect any kidney diseases at an early stage. Based on the diagnosis, we create an individual treatment and prevention plan for kidney diseases for each patient.

Treatment 

The issue is complex and multifaceted. The problem is the extremely complex structure of kidney tissue and the fact that it is not capable of regeneration. Because of this, it is critical to start treating the pathology in the bud before it has caused irreparable damage.

Treatment for kidney diseases may involve a variety of medications:

  • Metabolism regulators. 

  • Medications to improve microcirculation. 

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs, including those of hormonal origin. 

  • Spasmolytics. 

  • Cytostatics. 

  • Phytotherapeutic remedies. 

  • Medications to stabilize urine pH. 

  • Specific medications with nephroprotective properties.

Antibiotics are only used in the case of pyelonephritis and sometimes to combat infection in glomerulonephritis.

Surgical methods are often necessary. For example, lithotripsy for breaking down kidney stones or large cyst puncture.

A very unfavorable outcome is chronic kidney disease. When it reaches the fifth stage, patients require hemodialysis (replacement therapy) or transplantation.

Prevention

There is no universal method to protect yourself from kidney diseases. The only thing that can help is to take care of your health. To do this, it is recommended to:

  • Lead a healthy lifestyle. 

  • Strengthen your immune system. 

  • Treat underlying conditions (diabetes, hypertension, chronic infections). 

  • Be very cautious with alcohol consumption. 

  • Drink plenty of clean, low-mineral water. 

  • Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections.

And most importantly, if you experience any symptoms that may indicate possible kidney pathology, seek help from a urologist.

Experts at Universum Clinic have the necessary experience and qualifications to detect and treat kidney diseases at early stages.

Rehabilitation and Diet

The course of the recovery period depends on the diagnosis. A urologist at Universum Clinic develops a rehabilitation plan for each patient individually.

After a course of therapeutic treatment, maintenance therapy, physiotherapy, and phytotherapy are prescribed. Recommendations will be different after surgical interventions or lithotripsy.

An important aspect is diet. A proper diet for kidney diseases can contribute to faster recovery and prevent recurrences.

The menu composition depends on the diagnosis, but the main principles are as follows:

  • It is necessary to give up alcohol, at least for the period of treatment. Otherwise, the effect of therapy will be minimal.

  • Ensure a normal level of protein intake. 

  • Provide an optimal amount of carbohydrates. 

  • Reduce the intake of animal fats and prefer plant-based fats. 

  • Limit fluid intake only when edema or its risk appears.

It is necessary to refrain from alcohol, at least during the treatment period. Otherwise, the therapy's effectiveness will be minimal.

Individual dietary recommendations are provided to each patient at the clinic, as a one-size-fits-all approach in such cases can be counterproductive.

Sources

  1. Pahari D. Global burden of kidney diseases. J Indian Med Assoc. 2013 Aug;111(8):512-3. PMID: 24783387.
  2. Rastogi A, Linden A, Nissenson AR. Disease management in chronic kidney disease. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. 2008 Jan;15(1):19-28. doi: 10.1053/j.ackd.2007.10.011. PMID: 18155106.
  3. Himmelfarb J et al. Evaluation and initial management of acute kidney injury. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008 Jul;3(4):962-7. doi: 10.2215/CJN.04971107. Epub 2008 Mar 19. PMID: 18354074; PMCID: PMC2440262.
  4. Metcalfe W, Dudley C. Multisystem diseases and the kidney. Clin Med (Lond). 2002 May-Jun;2(3):188-91. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.2-3-188. PMID: 12108464; PMCID: PMC4954027.
  5. Eknoyan G. Kidney disease: wherefore, whence, and whereto? Kidney Int. 2007 Mar;71(6):473-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.ki.5002171. PMID: 17344892.

Rate the article:

Rating: 4,15/5
Number of ratings: 87

F. A. Q.
How can I tell if I have kidney problems?
  • Changes in urine color. 

  • Increased or decreased frequency of urination. 

  • Frequent nighttime urination. 

  • Morning swelling in the face. 

  • Elevated blood pressure. 

  • Weakness and fatigue. 

  • Discomfort or pain in the lower back. 

  • High fever in the case of pyelonephritis. 

  • Kidney stones causing acute kidney colic. 

  • The best way to detect kidney problems is through a comprehensive examination at a clinic.

What kidney diseases are there?
  • Pyelonephritis. 

  • Glomerulonephritis. 

  • Kidney stones. 

  • Hydronephrosis. 

  • Nephrosclerosis. 

  • Amyloidosis. 

  • Benign and malignant tumors. 

  • And other, less common, conditions.

Where does it hurt with kidney inflammation?
  • The pain is often located to the right or left of the spine, below the ribs. 

  • Sometimes it can be radiating, bilateral, or extending down to the genital area. Typically, it has a dull, dragging character. 

  • Acute pain is more common in the case of kidney colic.

Sign up for the Urologist