Kidney disease, also known as renal disease or nephropathy, involves damage to or disease of the kidneys. It includes conditions like nephritis, which is an inflammatory disease of the kidneys and can be diagnosed through blood tests.
Nephritis comes in various forms depending on the inflammation site. Non-inflammatory kidney diseases are referred to as nephrosis. These conditions can lead to nephritic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome, respectively. Kidney disease often results in some loss of kidney function, which can progress to kidney failure, known as end-stage renal disease, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Causes include immunoglobulin A deposits in the glomerulus, long-term use of analgesics, xanthine oxidase deficiency, chemotherapy toxicity, and prolonged exposure to lead.
Managing kidney disease involves dietary modifications to reduce kidney strain, with dietitians recommending controlled intake of protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus to slow disease progression and promote health.
