Chronic kidney disease occurs when kidney structure or function remains abnormal for at least three months. Common causes include diabetes and hypertension. Management involves monitoring kidney function, controlling underlying medical conditions, reviewing medications and recommending suitable lifestyle changes. Treatment aims to slow disease progression and reduce complications.
Acute kidney injury is a sudden reduction in kidney function that may occur because of dehydration, infections, medication effects or serious illness. Assessment includes blood tests, urine investigations and evaluation of possible causes. Treatment focuses on correcting reversible problems, monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance and providing renal support when necessary.
Diabetic kidney disease develops when diabetes damages the kidneys over time. It may initially cause increased urinary albumin and later reduce kidney filtration. Management involves controlling blood glucose, monitoring blood pressure, using appropriate kidney-protective medication and regularly assessing kidney function to reduce the risk of complications.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose levels. Poorly controlled diabetes may affect the kidneys, eyes, nerves and cardiovascular system. Treatment involves individualised medication, nutritional guidance, physical activity, glucose monitoring and screening for complications, including diabetic kidney disease.
High blood pressure can gradually damage kidney blood vessels and reduce filtration capacity. Kidney disease may also contribute to difficult-to-control hypertension. Treatment includes regular blood pressure monitoring, appropriate medication, dietary recommendations and assessment of kidney function and urinary protein to reduce long-term cardiovascular and renal risks.
Dialysis helps remove excess fluid and waste products when kidney function becomes severely impaired. Nephrology care includes assessing whether dialysis is required, selecting an appropriate treatment approach and monitoring patients for complications. Management considers blood pressure, fluid balance, electrolytes and individual medical needs.
Haemodialysis removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood using a specialised dialysis machine and filter. It may be necessary for advanced kidney failure or selected acute conditions. Treatment requires suitable vascular access, individually prescribed sessions and monitoring of blood pressure, fluid balance and laboratory results.
The kidneys regulate important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and bicarbonate. Kidney dysfunction can cause electrolyte abnormalities that affect muscle activity, heart rhythm and overall health. Assessment involves blood investigations, medication review and evaluation of underlying causes. Treatment must correct abnormalities safely and appropriately.
Nephrotic syndrome is characterised by significant protein loss through the urine, often accompanied by swelling and low blood albumin levels. It can result from different kidney diseases. Evaluation includes urine testing, blood investigations and sometimes kidney biopsy. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and associated complications.
Glomerular diseases affect the kidney's filtering units and may cause blood or protein in the urine, swelling and reduced kidney function. Diagnosis may require laboratory testing, imaging and kidney biopsy in selected cases. Treatment depends on the specific disease and may include medication and long-term monitoring.
Urinary tract infections may affect the bladder, ureters or kidneys and can cause painful urination, fever, urgency or flank discomfort. Assessment considers symptoms, urine testing and underlying risk factors. Treatment depends on infection severity and may include appropriate antibiotics and investigation of recurrent or complicated infections.
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the urinary system and may cause severe flank pain, blood in the urine or urinary obstruction. Medical management includes pain assessment, hydration guidance and evaluation of stone-related risk factors. Large or complicated stones may require urological intervention.
Proteinuria occurs when an abnormal amount of protein passes into the urine. Albuminuria is an important early marker of kidney damage, particularly in diabetes and hypertension. Evaluation includes urine measurements and kidney function tests. Treatment focuses on identifying the underlying cause and preserving renal function.
Elevated blood creatinine can indicate reduced kidney filtration, although interpretation depends on age, muscle mass and other factors. Assessment may include estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine tests and review of previous results. Treatment is determined by the underlying cause and the severity of kidney dysfunction.
Fluid retention may cause swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or face. Kidney disease is one possible cause, alongside certain cardiac and liver conditions. Evaluation includes medical examination and appropriate investigations. Management may involve dietary adjustments, prescribed medication and monitoring of kidney function and fluid balance.
Kidney transplantation may be considered for eligible patients with advanced kidney failure. Medical evaluation includes assessment of kidney disease, associated health conditions and transplant suitability. Nephrologists may participate in referral, pre-transplant assessment and long-term post-transplant monitoring alongside specialised transplant teams.