Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
• Kidney Disease
• Renal Disease
• Nephropathy
What is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease is when the kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood as well as they should.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage.
They are crucial in removing waste and extra fluid from your blood, balancing minerals and electrolytes,
making hormones that control blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and keeping your bones
healthy.
There are two main types of kidney disease:
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): This is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose
function over time. It can be caused by conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. CKD
progresses through five stages, with the final stage being kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal
disease (ESRD). At this stage, the kidneys can no longer function on their own, and treatment options
include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): This is a sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by an injury, severe
infection, or certain medications. AKI can sometimes be reversed if treated quickly.
Common symptoms of kidney disease include:
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in how much you urinate
• Muscle cramps
• Itchy skin
Kidney disease can lead to serious complications, such as high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones,
nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease. It can also cause fluid buildup in the body, leading to
swelling and shortness of breath.
Trend
• In the United States, about 37 million people have chronic kidney disease (CKD). This means
approximately 1 in 7 American adults are affected by CKD.
• However, many people with CKD are not aware they have it because the early stages often have no
symptoms.
• Over the last five years, the number of people diagnosed with CKD has been increasing, partly due to
rising rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, which are major risk factors for kidney disease.
• Projections for the next five years suggest that the number of people with CKD will continue to rise,
especially as the population ages and the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension increases.
History
Kidney disease has been recognized for centuries. Ancient Egyptian and Greek texts mention symptoms
that resemble kidney disease. In the 19th century, doctors began to understand more about the kidneys'
role in filtering blood and producing urine. "Bright's disease" was used to describe various kidney
conditions, named after Dr. Richard Bright, who studied kidney disease in the early 1800s.
In the 20th century, advances in medical science led to a better understanding of kidney function and the
development of treatments like dialysis and kidney transplants. The discovery of the link between high
blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease has helped in the prevention and management of CKD.
Today, kidney disease is a major public health issue, with ongoing research focused on finding better
treatments and ways to prevent the disease.
Source of Information
• Cleveland Clinic
• Mayo Clinic
• Medscape

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• National Kidney Foundation
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.