Kidney diseases

Acute and chronic kidney failure

🔴 Symptoms

Sudden decrease in urine output (or complete stoppage)
Severe fatigue and shortness of breath
Swelling of the legs, ankles, or face
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Nausea, vomiting
High blood pressure
Muscle cramps or itching

🛡️ Prevention

Regular monitoring of blood pressure and diabetes
Adequate hydration, especially in case of heat or fever
Avoid overuse of kidney-toxic medications (anti-inflammatories, certain antibiotics)
Consult a doctor in case of repeated urinary tract infections
Regular medical follow-up for people at risk

📌 Summary

Definition: Acute kidney failure is a sudden and abrupt loss of kidney function, while chronic kidney failure is a progressive and irreversible decline in this function. The kidneys are no longer able to properly filter waste from the blood.
Affected population: Elderly adults, people with diabetes or high blood pressure, and patients in intensive care are most at risk. The chronic form affects millions of people worldwide, often without symptoms in the early stages.
Common causes: Poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, severe urinary tract infections, prolonged use of nephrotoxic medications (anti-inflammatories, certain antibiotics), severe dehydration, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus).

🩺 Treatment

Hospitalization to monitor vital functions
Treatment of the cause (infection, obstruction, toxins...)
Control of blood pressure and fluid balance
Temporary or permanent dialysis depending on the case
Kidney transplant in case of end-stage renal failure

Diabetic nephropathy

🔴 Symptoms

Presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria)
Swelling of the feet, ankles, or face
Chronic fatigue
High blood pressure
Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
Nausea or vomiting in advanced stages

🩺 Treatment

Strict control of blood glucose levels
Treatment of hypertension with appropriate medications (ACE inhibitors or ARBs)
Low-salt and low-protein diet
Regular follow-up with a nephrologist
Dialysis or kidney transplant in case of progression to end-stage renal disease

📌 Summary

Definition: Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive complication of diabetes that affects the kidneys. It results in deterioration of the glomeruli, the microscopic filters of the kidneys, leading to protein loss in the urine and, eventually, kidney failure.
Affected population: Mainly people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, especially when blood sugar and blood pressure have been poorly controlled for several years.
Common causes: Prolonged hyperglycemia, uncontrolled hypertension, genetic predisposition, high salt intake, smoking, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity.

🛡️ Prevention

Optimal diabetes control (stable blood sugar levels)
Regular blood pressure monitoring
Annual kidney function tests (creatinine, albuminuria)
Healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, physical activity
Quitting smoking

Glomérulonéphrite

🔴 Symptoms

Blood in the urine (dark or red urine)
Presence of proteins in the urine (foamy urine)
Edema (swelling of the face, legs, feet)
High blood pressure
Fatigue, shortness of breath
Reduced urine output

🩺 Treatment

Rest and reduction of salt in the diet
Medications to control blood pressure
Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants depending on the cause
Antibiotics if the origin is infectious
Monitoring of kidney functions
Dialysis in severe cases or acute kidney failure

📌 Summary

Definition: Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units. It can be acute or chronic and often leads to impaired kidney function, edema, high blood pressure, and the presence of blood or proteins in the urine.
Affected population: Children and adults, with a higher incidence in people with recent streptococcal infections, autoimmune diseases, or a family history of kidney disease.
Common causes: Bacterial infections (e.g., streptococcus), lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, autoimmune diseases, viral hepatitis, exposure to certain toxins or medications.

🛡️ Prevention

Prompt treatment of throat or skin infections (e.g., streptococcus)
Blood pressure control
Medical follow-up in case of autoimmune disease or diabetes
Avoid kidney toxins (unprescribed medications, chemicals)
Healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, physical activity

Kidney stones (renal lithiasis)

🔴 Symptoms

Intense and sudden pain in the lower back or flank
Pain radiating to the groin or genital organs
Blood in the urine (pink or red urine)
Frequent urge to urinate or painful urination
Nausea, vomiting
Fever and chills (if associated infection)

🩺 Treatment

Plentiful hydration to help natural elimination
Painkillers to relieve pain
Medications to facilitate stone expulsion
Lithotripsy (shock wave to break stones)
Surgery in case of large or resistant stones
Antibiotic treatment if associated urinary infection

📌 Summary

Definition: Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid crystal formations in the kidneys. These deposits can block the urinary tract and cause intense pain known as renal colic.
Affected population: Mainly adults between 30 and 60 years old. Men are generally more affected than women, but cases in women are increasing.
Common causes: Low hydration, diet high in salt or animal proteins, family history, metabolic disorders (hypercalciuria, hyperuricemia), chronic urinary infections, certain digestive diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease).

🛡️ Prevention

Drink at least 2 liters of water per day
Limit consumption of salt and animal proteins
Avoid excess calcium or oxalate depending on test results
Management of urinary tract infections
Regular medical follow-up if history of stones