Prof. Dr Md Shahidul Islam Selim : MBBS, MCPS (Medicine), MD (Nephrology), FACP, FASN (USA), FRCP (UK). Kidney Diseases & Medicine Specialist. Former Professor & Chairman, Nephrology. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital is one of the best kidney specialist in Dhaka.
Prof. Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam Selim
MBBS, MCPS (Medicine), MD (Nephrology), FACP, FASN (USA), FRCP (UK)
Kidney Diseases & Medicine Specialist
Former Professor & Chairman, Nephrology
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital
Chamber & Appointment Details:
Medinova Medical Services, Dhanmondi
Address: House # 71/A, Road # 5/A, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka
Visiting Hour: 7pm to 9pm (Closed: Friday)
HotLine: 10658
About Dr Md Shahidul Islam Selim:
Prof. Dr Md Shahidul Islam Selim : MBBS, MCPS (Medicine), MD (Nephrology), FACP, FASN (USA), FRCP (UK). Kidney Diseases & Medicine Specialist. Former Professor & Chairman, Nephrology. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital is one of the best kidney specialist in Dhaka. Currently Dr Shahidul Islam Selim serving his patients at Medinova Medical Services at Dhanmondi. and Hotline for Dr Md Shahidul islam Selim’s Appointment is 10658
Understanding Kidney Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Kidney diseases are a group of disorders that impact the kidneys’ ability to function properly. The kidneys, which are essential for filtering waste from the blood, regulating blood pressure, balancing bodily fluids, and producing hormones that regulate other bodily functions, play a vital role in overall health. When the kidneys are damaged, these processes are disrupted, leading to serious health issues.
What Are Kidney Diseases?
Kidney diseases can vary in severity and are classified into acute and chronic conditions:
- Acute Kidney Disease (AKD): This occurs suddenly and can often be caused by infections, dehydration, toxins, or injuries. The damage can sometimes be reversible with proper medical treatment. AKD, also known as acute kidney failure, may present with symptoms such as reduced urine output, swelling, fatigue, nausea, and confusion.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Unlike AKD, chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that develops gradually over time. CKD can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. The most common causes of CKD are diabetes, high blood pressure, and inherited kidney diseases.
Causes of Kidney Disease
Several factors can contribute to kidney disease, including:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste.
- High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can put excessive strain on the kidneys’ blood vessels, leading to kidney damage.
- Genetic Disorders: Certain inherited conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD), can cause kidney dysfunction.
- Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney infections (pyelonephritis) can lead to kidney damage if left untreated.
- Medications and Toxins: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or certain antibiotics, can be harmful to the kidneys when overused. Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins can increase the risk of kidney disease.
- Obstructions: Blockages in the urinary tract due to kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate can impede the kidneysâ ability to properly filter waste.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease advances, individuals may experience:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
- Changes in urination patterns (more frequent or less frequent)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Pain in the back or side
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
If you experience any of these symptoms, itâs important to seek medical advice, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Diagnosis of Kidney Disease
To diagnose kidney disease, healthcare professionals will conduct a combination of tests, including:
- Blood Tests: Measuring the levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which are waste products that the kidneys filter. High levels of these substances in the blood can indicate kidney dysfunction.
- Urine Tests: A urine test can check for abnormalities like protein or blood, which are signs of kidney damage.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs can help identify structural issues with the kidneys, such as cysts, blockages, or tumors.
- Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample may be taken from the kidney to examine the extent of damage.
Treatment Options for Kidney Disease
Treatment for kidney disease depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Common treatments include:
- Managing Underlying Conditions: For CKD, managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease is essential to slow disease progression. This may involve medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
- Medications:
- Diuretics can help reduce swelling and manage fluid retention.
- ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can be prescribed to protect kidney function and manage high blood pressure.
- Medications for controlling cholesterol levels or preventing blood clotting may also be used.
- Dialysis: In cases of kidney failure, dialysis is necessary to perform the function of the kidneys, such as filtering waste and balancing bodily fluids. There are two types:
- Hemodialysis: A machine filters the blood outside the body.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: A catheter is inserted into the abdominal cavity, where the lining of the abdomen filters the blood.
- Kidney Transplant: For those with end-stage kidney failure, a kidney transplant may be the best treatment option. This involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor.