Renal Diseases (Kidney Diseases)

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease or nephropathy, is a broad term for conditions that cause damage to the kidneys and impair their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. This damage can range from mild to severe and, if left unmanaged, can progress to complete kidney failure.

Types of Kidney Disease: Nephritis vs. Nephrosis

Kidney diseases are often categorized by the presence or absence of inflammation:

  • Nephritis: This refers to kidney diseases characterized by inflammation. This inflammation can affect different parts of the kidney, leading to various conditions (such as glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis). Nephritis is often associated with nephritic syndrome, which may involve symptoms like blood in the urine and high blood pressure.

  • Nephrosis (or Nephropathy): This term describes non-inflammatory kidney diseases that primarily damage the kidney’s filtering units. This damage often leads to nephrotic syndrome, characterized by high levels of protein in the urine, low blood protein levels, and significant swelling.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Kidney damage can result from a variety of causes, including:

  • Autoimmune conditions: Such as IgA nephropathy, where immunoglobulin A deposits build up in the kidney’s filters (glomeruli).

  • Toxicity: From long-term use of certain medications (e.g., analgesics like NSAIDs), chemotherapy drugs, or prolonged exposure to heavy metals like lead.

  • Genetic disorders: Such as xanthine oxidase deficiency.

  • Other common underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are also major contributors to chronic kidney disease.

Progression and Treatment

Chronic kidney disease is often progressive, meaning it can worsen over time. The most advanced stage is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where the kidneys have lost nearly all their function. At this stage, life-sustaining treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant are necessary.

The Role of Diet in Management

A cornerstone of managing kidney disease is dietary modification. The goal is to reduce the workload on the kidneys and slow the progression of the disease. Working with a renal dietitian is crucial. They typically recommend a personalized plan that may involve carefully monitoring and limiting:

  • Protein: To reduce waste buildup in the blood.

  • Sodium: To help control blood pressure and fluid retention.

  • Potassium and Phosphorus: As impaired kidneys can’t properly remove these minerals, and high levels can be dangerous.

This nutritional approach is a powerful tool to help patients maintain better health, manage symptoms, and improve their quality of life.

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Mahdi Ghazi

Mahdi Ghazi

Urologist

Dr. Mahdi Ghazi is a highly skilled urologist and surgeon based in Mashhad, Iran, with international training and decades of […]

Iran, Mashhad
Koosha Kamali

Koosha Kamali

Kidney Transplant

Dr. Koosha Kamali is a distinguished urologist based in Tehran, Iran, affiliated with Hashemi Nejad Hospital, one of the leading […]

Iran, Tehran
Farshad Namdari

Farshad Namdari

Kidney Transplant

Dr. Farshad Namdari is a prominent urologist based in Tehran, Iran, specializing in urology and male infertility. His extensive education […]

Iran, Tehran
Shahrzad Ossareh

Shahrzad Ossareh

Internist

Dr. Shahrzad Ossare is a highly accomplished nephrologist in Tehran and professor of medicine, currently serving as the head of […]

Iran, Tehran
Sara Keshtkari

Sara Keshtkari

Internist

Dr. Sara Keshtkari is a distinguished nephrologist in Tehran, specializing in kidney diseases and hypertension, with extensive expertise in dialysis […]

Iran, Tehran
Shahdak Dadashpour

Shahdak Dadashpour

Internist

Dr. Shahdak Dadashpour is a highly accomplished nephrologist based in Tehran, Iran, with a distinguished academic and professional background. She […]

Iran, Tehran
Minoo Haghshenas

Minoo Haghshenas

Internist

Dr. Minoo Haghshenas is a distinguished internal medicine specialist with board certification from Tehran’s prestigious Shahid Beheshti University. With comprehensive expertise […]

Iran, Tehran
Ana Garmroudi

Ana Garmroudi

Internist
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Dr. Ana Garmroudi is an accomplished internist based in Tehran, Iran, providing a wide range of medical services to address […]

Iran, Tehran
Parisa Hajizadeh SalmanAbad

Parisa Hajizadeh SalmanAbad

Internist

Dr. Parisa Hajizadeh is a highly skilled internist practicing in Tehran, Iran. A graduate of Tehran University, she brings years of specialized experience […]

Iran, Tehran
Ahmadreza Rafati

Ahmadreza Rafati

Endourologist

Dr. Ahmadreza Rafati is a leading urologist and male infertility specialist in Tehran, recognized for his expertise in endourology, laparoscopy, and reproductive urology. With international […]

Iran, Tehran
Babak Javanmard

Babak Javanmard

Kidney Transplant

Dr. Babak Javanmard is a distinguished urologist and kidney transplant surgeon in Tehran, renowned for his expertise in complex urological surgeries and renal transplantation. […]

Iran, Tehran