The most common causes of kidney disease are hypertension and diabetes. These two diseases can affect every organ in the body. If not well controlled, either of these conditions can result in kidney failure and dialysis. Other diseases that attack multiple organs including the kidney are lupus, HIV and viral hepatitis.

Symptoms can include blood in the urine or urine that is foamy, fatigue, high blood pressure, weight loss, ankle swelling from retained fluid, anemia, nausea or vomiting. Kidney disease is often silent until late in the course and after severe damage has occurred.

Stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise. Talk to your doctor about ways to adjust your diet. Other important aspects of kidney therapy are careful regulation of blood pressure if you have hypertension, and tight control of your blood sugar if you are diabetic. Avoid Painkillers as they lead to further damage.

The Joint National Commission (JNC7) report on hypertension recommends patients target a blood pressure less than 130/80. Another panel of experts who specialize in kidney disease agree with the JNC recommendations except in patients with a lot of protein in their urine. They recommend more aggressive blood pressure reduction to 120/70.

Despite widespread belief, there is no evidence that drinking 8 glasses of water is good for your kidneys. The one exception is patients who have recurrent kidney stones. In this population drinking water is among the most effective therapies to prevent the recurrence of kidney stones.

Urination frequency varies widely, but most healthy people use the bathroom four to eight times a day. More frequent urination or waking up at night to go to the bathroom may signal a health problem or simply that you're drinking too much before or at bedtime.

Generally, it's a good idea to call your doctor or schedule an appointment if you: Have a sudden onset of incontinence Are wearing a urine absorption pad because of frequent accidents Find that incontinence is interfering with your quality of life

Nephrology is a specialty of internal medicine that focuses on the treatment of diseases that affects the kidneys. Your kidneys are extremely important and serve several vital functions: waste and excess fluid removal from the blood, maintaining your body’s electrolyte balance, releasing hormones with functions such as managing blood pressure. A nephrologist can help you by looking at the state of your kidneys, and determining if you have or are at risk of kidney disease. Here are some signs to know when it is the right time to pay a visit to a nephrologist. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. Professionals have stated that diabetes causes tremendous stress and damage to the kidneys. If you are diabetic, you should see a nephrologist as you might be having no symptoms in the early stages but might be losing protein in the urine which will gradually lead to kidney failure. High Blood Pressure is the second most important cause of kidney failure. Having high blood pressure can lead to damage to the kidneys or even kidney failure. The kidneys help filter waste and extra fluids from the blood, and they use a lot of blood vessels to do so. When the blood vessels become damaged, the nephrons that filter your blood don’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. If you have high blood pressure, consult a nephrologist to learn how you can protect your kidneys and better manage your blood pressure. Changes in Urination is an important symptom that there may be something wrong with your kidneys. Unusual changes in urination include: urinating more at night, having decreased frequency or not at all, having frothy urine or having blood in the urine. A Family History of Kidney Disease If there is a history of heart disease in your family, it would be wise to consult a nephrologist. Nephrologists can help prevent and treat the early stages of kidney disease. Having an underlying predisposition could potentially put you at risk, making early testing important for your health. Administering tests early on can help detect signs of decreasing kidney function. Heart disease Anyone with heart disease should also see a nephrologist as they are at increased risk for kidney disease. Young female having joint pains, hair loss, difficulty to conceive or having abortions, leg swelling or swelling around the eyes should also see a nephrologist as might me suffering from autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs including kidneys. Any patient less than 30 years or above 50 years with hypertension, should immediately see a nephrologist as kidneys might me the cause for the same which if in early stages might be diagnosed and treated.

Yes, many are managed with medications, lifestyle changes, non-invasive treatments like ESWL, and physical therapy. Surgery is reserved for necessary cases.

Treatment options include medications, minimally invasive procedures like TURP, laser therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy.