What Causes Kidney Disease?

Description:

There are many known diseases that may be associated with the kidney. The main one is the chronic kidney disease and it is where an individual suffers from gradual and, mostly the permanent loss of the functions of the kidney after some time. The period of time may range from some months to even years.

Stages of Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease can be found in five different stages. The first stage is the slight kidney damage with increased or normal filtration. This stage has a GFR or the Glomerular Filtration Rate, which is measured in mL/min/1.73m², of more than 90. The second stage as the disease gradually advances is the mild decrease in kidney function. The GFR at this stage is 60 to 89. The moderate decrease of kidney function is the third stage, which exhibits a GFR of 30 to 59. The second last stage, or the fourth stage, is the severe decrease in the kidney functions, having a GFR of 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73m².

Treatment of Kidney Disease

The fifth and final stage is the kidney failure that has a GFR of less that 15. This stage thus requires dialysis or as a last option transplantation. Stage 5, the chronic kidney failure can also be called the end-stage renal disease, where there is near-total or total loss all the same of kidney function and this is the main reason why patients require a transplant or they need dialysis so that they may stay alive. It is also important to note that kidney failure is also referred to as renal failure. Although chronic kidney disease can sometime come about from the primary disease of the kidneys, the major causes of this condition are high blood pressure and diabetes. The Type 2 and type 1 of the disease diabetes mellitus may result in a condition, which is known as diabetic nephropathy. This condition is the leading cause of kidney disease in the United States.

Glomerulonephritis

High blood pressure or hypertension, which also causes kidney disease, can have some very damaging effects to the kidneys in time, if the condition is not controlled. The damage and inflammation of the filtration system of the kidneys can also cause the kidneys to fail. This condition is referred to commonly as glomerulonephritis. There are many causes that lead to this condition. Some of these are like; lupus and the post infectious conditions. There are many other possible causes of these disease and these are identified by their causes.