WHAT IS kidney disease?

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to any condition that affects the normal functioning of the kidneys. The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood, producing urine, and maintaining the body's overall balance of electrolytes and fluids. When the kidneys become damaged or are unable to perform their functions properly, kidney disease can develop.

There are various causes of kidney disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, genetic factors, infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease. These conditions can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys over time, leading to impaired kidney function. Other factors, such as smoking, obesity, and a family history of kidney disease, can also increase the risk of developing kidney disease.

Kidney disease can be categorized into two main types: acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI occurs suddenly and is usually caused by an event that disrupts blood flow to the kidneys or damages the kidney tissue directly. Common causes of AKI include severe infections, dehydration, certain medications, or kidney stones. CKD, on the other hand, develops slowly over months or years. It is often a result of chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

The symptoms of kidney disease may vary depending on the stage and severity of the condition. In the early stages, there may be no noticeable symptoms. However, as kidney function declines, symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, changes in urination patterns (e.g., increased frequency or decreased volume), difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, and muscle cramps may arise. In advanced stages of kidney disease, complications like anemia, bone disease, heart problems, and fluid buildup can occur.

Diagnosing kidney disease typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests to measure creatinine and urea levels), and imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound or CT scan). The goal is to determine the underlying cause of the kidney disease and assess its severity.

Treatment for kidney disease will depend on the cause and stage of the condition. In some cases, addressing the underlying cause (e.g., managing diabetes or controlling blood pressure) can help slow down the progression of kidney disease. Medications may be prescribed to control symptoms or manage complications. In advanced stages of CKD, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary to replace the lost kidney function.

Preventing kidney disease involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing chronic conditions effectively. This includes maintaining a balanced diet low in salt and saturated fats, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and regularly monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

In conclusion, kidney disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the normal functioning of the kidneys. It can be caused by various factors and can present with different symptoms depending on its stage. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing kidney disease effectively and preventing further complications.

The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (855) 846–6529
​Email: [email protected]

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timothy l. miles

Nashville attorney Timothy L. Miles is a nationally recognized shareholder rights attorney raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Miles has dedicated his career to representing shareholders, employees, and consumers in complex class-action litigation. Whether serving as lead, co-lead, or liaison counsel, Mr. Miles has helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars for defrauded investors, shaped precedent-setting decisions, and delivered real corporate governance reforms. Judges and peers have repeatedly recognized Mr. Miles’ relentless advocacy for the underdog, as well as his unbendable ethical standards. Mr. Miles was recently selected by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM as a 2022 Top Ranked Lawyer, 2022 Top Rated Litigator. and a 2022 Elite Lawyer of the South. Mr. Miles also maintains the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating for both legal ability and ethics. Mr. Miles is a member of the prestigious Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers Association,​Class Action:  Class Action: Top National Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association (2023), a superb rated attorney by Avvo, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019) and recognized as a Distinguished Lawyer, Recognizing Excellence in Securities Law, by Lawyers of Distinction (2019); a Top Rated Litigator by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM  (2019-2022); America’s Most Honored Lawyers 2020 – Top 1% by America’s Most Honored (2020-2022).  Mr. Miles has published over sixty articles on various issues of the law, including class actions, whistleblower cases, products liability, civil procedure, derivative actions, corporate takeover litigation, corporate formation, mass torts, dangerous drugs, and more.  Please visit our website or call for free anytime.

CONTACT                                                      
The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
​​Phone: (855) 846-6529