Kidney Diseases, Types and Diagnosis

Last Updated on 03/16/2026 by DrHelal

Kidney diseases can affect one or both kidneys. They are located on the left and right sides of the abdomen, in the middle of the back. They are bean-shaped and approximately the fist-sized. They are vital organs that remove toxins and extra water from the body.

What are kidney diseases?

A kidney disease does not occur overnight but develops over a period of time and in stages. Kidney disease often goes unnoticed because mild symptoms appear slowly. It is referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Generally, both the kidneys are affected by the disease. Most patients do not show any symptoms in the initial stages. Therefore, it is usually detected only once severe symptoms are visible in the advanced stages. The degeneration can be slowed down or controlled if detected early.

Types of kidney Diseases

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease arises due to certain conditions that damage the kidneys & reduce the functioning of the kidneys. Wastes can build to high levels in the blood and make a person feel sick when kidney disease worsens.

Persons suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) may develop various complications. These include high blood pressure and anaemia (low blood count). They might also experience weak bones, poor nutritional health, and nerve damage. The risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease increases with kidney disease. Complications linked to CKD may develop slowly over a long period of time. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders may cause Chronic Kidney Disease. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. If kidney disease progresses, it may result in kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.

Other kidney diseases

• Polycystic kidney disease
• Polycystic kidney
• Kidney cysts
• Kidney infection
• Stones in the kidney
• Cancer kidney

What happens when kidneys are sick?

Kidneys as we know, do a very important role cleaning the body from waste products and excess items. Which waste product is excreted by kidney? The kidney eliminates nitrogenous waste products like ammonia, uric acid, urea, creatine, creatinine, and amino acids. It also removes excess quantities of salts and water that the body does not need. Additionally, various other organic materials produced by body chemical reactions are excreted.

When kidneys are sick or damaged, waste, produced by other body organs, cannot be excreted in urine. Waste products accumulate inside the body. They cause various health problems like high blood pressure, low red blood cell count, swelling, and weak bones. When kidney disease advances, it can lead to a dangerous condition. If kidney disease is left untreated, it can result in kidney failure. This is also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The treatment for kidney failure is dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Tests and procedures for Kidney Diseases Diagnosis

• Kidney function test: Levels of urea and creatinine is an indication of kidney function.
• Urine test: To check for abnormalities such as the presence of blood or protein.
• Ultrasound: Is done to look for structural abnormalities in the kidney.
• Renal flow scan: Is an imaging study of kidney function.
• Hormone test: Levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is measured which is affected by kidney function.
• Kidney biopsy: Small tissue sample is taken from the kidneys for further analysis.

What causes kidney problem?

The most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure. Sometimes, though, kidney failure happens quickly due to an unforeseen cause. When the kidneys lose function suddenly (within hours or days), it’s called acute kidney failure (or acute kidney injury).

How does kidney pain feel like?

Kidney pain is felt higher and deeper in your body than back pain. You may feel it in the upper half of your back, not the lower part. Unlike back discomfort, it’s felt on one or both sides, usually under your rib cage. It’s often constant.

How can you know if your kidneys are OK?

Blood Tests. Your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from the blood. Therefore, a blood test is used to check your kidney function. The blood tests will show how well your kidneys are functioning. They will also show how quickly the waste is being removed. Blood urea and serum creatinine are commonly requested to check the kidneys.

How does kidney pain feel like?

1. A constant, dull ache in your back.
2. Pain in your sides, under your rib cage or in your abdomen.
3. Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.
4. Pain that spreads to your groin area.
5. Kidney pain is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially if the pain is due to kidney stones.

Sources:
– https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354527
– https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/kidney-disease-signs-symptoms

If you suspect that you may have symptoms, Helal Medical  can help, offering quick, private, and convenient testing options. You may contact us here: Facebook page

Read More about kidney Diseases:

• Kidney Health and Blood Pressure — How They Affect Each Other
• Full Urine Analysis (FUA) And Its indications
• Kidney function-test understanding your results/