Dr Sarwar Iqbal: MBBS, MD (Nephrology). Kidney Diseases & Dialysis Specialist. Professor & Head, Nephrology. Birdem General Hospital & Ibrahim Medical College is one of the best kidney specialist in Dhaka with more than 28 years of experience.

Prof. Dr. Sarwar Iqbal

MBBS, MD (Nephrology)
Kidney Diseases & Dialysis Specialist
Professor & Head, Nephrology
Birdem General Hospital & Ibrahim Medical College

Chamber & Appointment Details:

Popular Diagnostic Center, Dhanmondi
Address: House # 16, Road # 2, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka – 1205
Visiting Hour: 4pm to 6pm (Closed: Friday)
HotLine: +8809613787801

About Dr Sarwar Iqbal:

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?

Dr Sarwar Iqbal

Kidney diseases can vary in severity and are classified into acute and chronic conditions:

1. 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.
2. 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 kidneys’ ability to properly filter waste.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Dr Sarwar Iqbal

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, it’s 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

Preventing Kidney Disease

While some risk factors for kidney disease, such as genetic predispositions, cannot be avoided, there are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing kidney disease:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in sodium, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can help keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for kidney function and helps prevent dehydration.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help control weight, reduce high blood pressure, and improve overall health.
• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate kidney problems and increase the risk of chronic conditions.
• Monitor Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar: Regular check-ups and managing high blood pressure and diabetes are key to protecting kidney health.

Conclusion

Kidney diseases are serious conditions that can have long-term consequences if left untreated. Early detection, management of underlying conditions, and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of kidney damage and improve quality of life. If you have risk factors for kidney disease, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to develop a plan to protect your kidneys and overall health.

Dr Sarwar Iqbal