Acute renal failure is the sudden and dramatic loss of kidney function. This condition develops rapidly – often in just a few days. Because treating the causes of acute renal failure takes time, the body will be unable to remove the waste from the bloodstream. To remove the toxins from the bloodstream and help patients feel better, the typical treatment protocol is dialysis. Dialysis is the recurring procedure for clearing out the toxins, waste and other unwanted fluids from the bloodstream that failing kidneys are unable to do.

Chronic kidney disease is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Chronic kidney disease may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and other disorders. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from advancing.

Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation of the micro filters in the kidneys. These filters play an important role, removing excess fluid, electrolytes and waste from the bloodstream. Severe or prolonged inflammation can damage the kidneys. Treatment depends on the type of glomerulonephritis present.

Diabetic kidney disease is characterized by a decrease in kidney function in patients with diabetes. Its cause can be related to many factors. Risk factors linked to diabetic kidney disease include high blood pressure, poor glucose control, diet, and inherited tendency.

Kidney stones increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Those who have developed one stone are at approximately 50% higher risk for developing another stone within five to seven years. Diagnosis of a kidney stone starts with a medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the presence of multiple cysts in the kidneys. If too many fluid-filled cysts grow or get too big, the kidneys can be damaged and lead to reduced kidney function or even failure. PKD is the 4th leading cause of kidney failure. Back pain or side pain, a distended abdomen, blood in the urine, and frequent bladder or kidney infections are just some of the symptoms associated with PKD.

Hypertension is an elevated blood pressure in the arteries. High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. One can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. In most adults, there is no identifiable cause. It cannot be cured, but it can be managed.

Anemia results when red blood cells are in short supply. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the entire body, supplying energy for daily activities. Kidneys produce an important hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which acts as the signal for the body to make red blood cells. When the kidneys don’t produce enough EPO to trigger more red blood cells, anemia can develop.

Kidneys help maintain electrolyte levels by regulating concentrations in the body. If there is a disturbance in this function because of kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance can result. Patients with renal failure may have increased potassium, phosphate and magnesium levels and decreased sodium and calcium levels. It is common for kidney disease patients to have electrolyte disorders.

Commonly found in patients with chronic kidney disease, metabolic acidosis is a condition in which the body’s acid content is abnormally elevated. With acid buildup, kidney function is impaired and can result in damage to the kidneys. Proper management of metabolic acid-based disorders can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Patients with kidney disease who are pregnant or are planning pregnancy have additional considerations that should be discussed with their specialist. St. Louis Kidney Doctors can carefully advise and follow a pregnant patient through her journey.