[Medical Q&A] Do you know what problems will occur if your kidneys are sick?

Author: Chen Zhou Shanghai Changhai Hospital

Reviewer: Mei Xiaobin, Chief Physician, Shanghai Changhai Hospital

Because kidneys have many important functions, when they have problems, it can lead to many serious consequences. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 850 million people worldwide suffer from varying degrees of kidney disease or dysfunction. The most common and dangerous kidney problems are as follows.

1. Chronic kidney disease: This is a disease in which kidney function gradually declines, usually due to high blood pressure, diabetes, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, etc. Chronic kidney disease causes the kidneys to be unable to effectively filter the blood, resulting in the accumulation of water, salt, electrolytes and waste, as well as a decrease in erythropoietin and active vitamin D. These changes can cause many complications, such as edema, anemia, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, etc. The final stage of chronic kidney disease is kidney failure, at which time dialysis or transplantation is required to maintain life.

2. Kidney stones: These are hard masses formed due to excess amounts of certain substances in the urine (such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid, etc.). They can get stuck in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder, causing severe pain and bleeding. The formation of kidney stones may be related to genetics, diet, water intake, infection, and other factors. Most kidney stones can be passed naturally or treated with medication, but sometimes they need to be removed through surgery or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

3. Urinary tract infection: This is an infection caused by bacteria or other microorganisms invading the urethra, bladder or kidneys. Common symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, pain, cloudy or bloody urine, etc. Urinary tract infection can be cured with antibiotics, but if not treated in time, it may lead to pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidneys, which is a more serious condition that may cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, etc.

4. Renal failure: This is a state in which the kidneys completely or almost completely lose their function, usually due to the progression of chronic kidney disease or certain acute factors (such as trauma, poisoning, ischemia, etc.). Renal failure can lead to the accumulation of various toxins and wastes in the body, as well as an imbalance of water and electrolytes, which can be life-threatening. Renal failure requires dialysis or transplantation to maintain life.