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Chronic diseases are long-term health concerns that last for a minimum of 3 months and generally progress as it gets much over time. Chronic diseases are a matter of significant concern as they severely impact a person's life. These diseases are complex and require proper management plans and a high level of medical attention.

Approximately 21% of the elderly population in India reportedly suffer from at least one chronic disease. Not just that, but they are also the leading cause of global health problems, affecting millions of people worldwide. This highlights the impact of these conditions and underscores the importance of early detection and effective management. This blog has explored the ten most common chronic diseases, their symptoms, and management techniques.

Heart disease

Heart diseases are the most prevalent chronic illnesses, affecting millions of people worldwide. The common symptoms of heart disease include a combination of signs such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and extreme fatigue, pain in the neck, upper belly or jaw, and numbness in arms or legs.

Heart diseases require to be appropriately managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular activity, and quitting activities like smoking. At the same time, taking medicines as prescribed by the doctor to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure is essential. If you have a family history of such heart diseases, it is necessary to visit the doctor to ensure early detection and risk the progression of the heart disease.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the most common chronic conditions, with millions of people getting diagnosed every year. The symptoms of cancer are varied and depend on the type of cancer a person is suffering from. Some of the common symptoms include sudden and unexplained weight and extreme fatigue. There is not one set treatment plan when it comes to treating cancers. Therefore, it is essential to visit the top specialist to get the best recommendation as they walk you through the first treatment option suited for you.

Treatment options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are generally prescribed to patients. If there is a family history of cancer, it is advisable to go to regular screenings as early detection plays a significant role in managing and treating cancer effectively.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disorder that occurs when the pancreas in your body cannot produce enough insulin or is unable to use it as required by the body. It can also happen when the body fails to respond to the insulin being produced. The most common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2, as well as gestational diabetes.

Type 1 is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Type 2: It is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin being produced or, in other cases, occurs when there is not enough.

Gestational diabetes:

Some common symptoms include having excessive thirst, bouts of extreme fatigue, frequent urination, along with blurred vision. Visiting an expert who shall help manage your chronic condition is essential. Your doctor shall ask you to consume a healthy diet and indulge in regular exercise, medications, and insulin therapy. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best path forward to reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Chronic respiratory diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, are among the most common chronic diseases worldwide. These conditions cause breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing. COPD is often caused by smoking, while allergens and environmental factors can trigger asthma. Managing chronic respiratory diseases involves using inhalers, avoiding triggers, regular exercise, and, in severe cases, oxygen therapy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease is a progressive condition where the kidneys gradually start losing their ability to filter waste from the blood. Advanced chronic kidney disease can lead to harmful buildup of fluids, electrolytes, and waste in the body. There are often fewer symptoms in the early stages, making it easier to detect once the disease progresses. Signs of chronic kidney disease develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly.

But this does not mean there are no subtle signs. These include swelling in the legs, fatigue, and changes in urination. Long-term effects of CKD include an increased risk of heart disease and kidney failure. Managing CKD involves controlling blood pressure, maintaining a low-sodium diet, and monitoring blood sugar levels. In severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a brain condition that affects the memory and thinking of a person, leading to significant changes in their behaviour. It is characterised by changes in the brain that deposit certain types of protein. Alzheimer's degenerative disease is the most common chronic condition in older adults. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. According to statistics, 8.8 Indians aged 60 and above are living with dementia.

The early signs of Alzheimer's disease include forgetting recent conversations and events, difficulty in concentration, confusion about the day, time and place. But, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience difficulty in day-to-day communications, frequent mood swings, and loss of ability to do simple tasks on their own.

The sad truth is that there is no cure for this condition, but proper medication over a long period might help in slowing the progression of the condition. Patients might also enrol in therapies and programs designed to help manage their symptoms and ensure a better quality of life.

Arthritis

Arthritis a is a chronic condition that affects the joints, resulting in extreme pain, swelling and stiffness. There are many different causes of arthritis, each with different causes and treatment procedures.

The most common types are osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear and generally affecting older people. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the healthy joint tissues. Gout is another common condition characterised by severe pain, often caused by excessive uric acid buildup.

The common symptoms of arthritis include redness, extreme pain, and swelling of the joints. This causes difficulty in moving and being able to do daily tasks.

Treatments for arthritis include pain management, physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Moreover, regular exercise and a healthy diet shall help in reducing inflammation.

Hypertension

According to the World Health Organization, hypertension is a significant cause of premature death worldwide. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic disease that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It happens when the pressure in your blood is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher).

Hypertension is often dubbed the "silent killer", as the symptoms do not even start showing until the condition has advanced, leading to disastrous complications.

Symptoms of hypertension include severe headaches, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds among others. If you are experiencing such symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Managing hypertension involves:

• Lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake.
• Partaking in proper physical activity.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Taking prescribed medications to control blood pressure levels.

Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition characterised by excessive body fat, leading to an increased risk of other chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

The causes of obesity include a combination of poor diet, lack of exercise, and certain medications like antidepressants. Also, a person's genetics plays a role in influencing the cause of obesity.

Managing obesity requires a comprehensive approach to eating healthier and regular physical activity. One can also opt for counselling sessions to help you navigate the process better.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to sudden bleeding in the brain. A stroke requires immediate medical intervention, as not seeking proper medical attention at the right time can lead to long-term disability and even death. The common symptoms include sudden numbness, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, sudden headache with no known cause, and dizziness or loss of balance. Managing stroke risk involves:

• Controlling a spectrum of things like managing blood pressure following a healthy diet.
• Engaging in regular exercise.
• Avoiding smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.

Conclusion: Managing Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases require proper management and intervention at the right time. Therefore, knowing the different conditions is crucial as it shall allow you to identify if you or your loved one is suffering from the early stages of a condition. This shall enable you to seek early medical care that might prevent long-standing complications, and you can take proactive steps towards better health and overall well-being.

In nephrology, diagnostic tests play a crucial part in evaluating kidney health. This helps detect the early signs of diseases by monitoring the ongoing treatment efficiency. Such common nephrology tests help nephrologists make informed decisions, ensuring all patients receive the best care. Here are the tests commonly used in nephrology to assess kidney function and health.

Kidney Function Tests

The kidney function tests evaluate how well your kidneys are working. The tests are critical in helping nephrologists assess how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. Kidney function tests may require taking a sample of your blood, urine, or both. The Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine levels are the two critical indicators of kidney function.

• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR):

  It is a test that measures how well the kidneys are filtering the waste products from the blood. It specifically assesses how much blood has passed through the glomeruli each minute. A GFR rate of 60 or higher is the normal range. A low GFR rate indicates that the kidneys are not functioning correctly, requiring immediate action.

• Serum Creatinine:

  Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles. Elevated creatinine levels in the blood can indicate impaired kidney function. If the blood tests suggest that your serum creatinine levels are high, then this indicates that your kidneys are not functioning correctly.

Blood Tests for Kidney Health

Apart from the tests mentioned above, like GFR and creatinine, the other blood tests conducted in the field of nephrology are:

• Electrolyte tests:

  These tests also evaluate your kidney function, helping in the detection of any potential problems. The tests help monitor electrolyte levels and check the body's pH balance.

• Blood Urea nitrogen (BUN):

  A BUN, or blood urea nitrogen test, can provide crucial information about the functioning of the kidneys and the liver.

Urine Tests in Nephrology

Urine tests are a crucial component of nephrology that provides valuable information about the health of the kidney. The doctor prescribes urine tests to check for any potential changes, like detecting the presence of substances like protein or blood. Standard urine tests in nephrology include:

• Urinalysis:

  Urinalysis tests are done to detect the presence of urinary tract infections, diabetes, and to ascertain the presence of any potential kidney problems.

• 24-hour urine collection:

  A 24-hour urine collection is a simple lab test that helps detect and diagnose potential kidney problems.

Imaging Tests for Kidney Health

Imaging can provide visual data about the kidneys' size, shape and structure. More often than not, you shall exhibit fewer symptoms during the early stages of kidney damage. In such cases, an imaging test can provide vital information about your kidney health. Standard imaging tests used in nephrology include:

• Ultrasounds:

  An ultrasound test uses sound waves to generate images of the kidneys. It helps a nephrologist get a better understanding of its appearance and size. This is useful in detecting kidney stones, tumours, cysts and other abnormalities like swelling.

• Computed tomography (CT scan):

  A CT scan uses X-rays to generate detailed images of the kidneys and the surrounding areas. It is used to diagnose kidney cancer and detect lesions, kidney stones, and accumulation around the kidney.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):

  MRI scan provides much greater precision to detect complex conditions such as tumours or kidney damage.

Biopsy in Nephrology

• How a kidney Biopsy is performed

During the process of kidney biopsy, local anaesthesia is applied to numb the area as a thin needle is carefully inserted through the skin into the kidney. This process extracts a small tissue sample from the kidney and is generally guided by ultrasound or CT imaging.

• Why a kidney biopsy is performed

A kidney biopsy is performed as it helps diagnose kidney diseases, assess the severity of damage, and even monitor the ongoing treatment effectiveness. It is crucial for identifying the cause of abnormal kidney function, such as inflammation, infection, or scarring, and guides doctors in developing an appropriate treatment plan.

Additional Diagnostic Procedures

Other diagnostic procedures that may be used in nephrology include:

• Renal scans:

  These are specialised tests that evaluate kidney function. A band is tied to your upper arms as a radioisotope is inserted into your veins. After this, as the band is removed, the material starts flowing through your bloodstream, specialised gamma ray cameras are used to track the movement of the substance and generate images of your kidneys.

• Dialysis access tests:

  In extreme cases of kidney failure, tests are performed to evaluate the suitability of the blood vessels for creating a dialysis access.

Conclusion: Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to preventing further complications and damage. If you have a family history of kidney problems, it is essential to go for regular testing, as it shall help detect any potential issues before they become severe. Consult with the top nephrologist in your city who can provide targeted treatment plans, to help preserve kidney function and sustain its overall health.

Nephrologists are specialised medical doctors who are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.Nephrological diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and it is their expertise that plays a critical role in encompassing a broad spectrum of conditions, including different chronic kidney diseases. In this blog we have discussed the common nephrological diseases that a nephrologist treats.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Explain what CKD is, its causes, and how nephrologists manage it.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that is characterised by the loss of kidney function over a span of time. This condition can lead to the buildup of dangerous amounts of waste products in the blood system, causing other health problems.

Common causes of chronic kidney (CKD) include diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, among other causes. There are a range of symptoms that include fatigue, swelling, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, CKD can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Nephrologists play a critical role in managing top nephrologist chronic kidney diseases. This is achieved through early diagnosis, undergoing lifestyle modifications, and pharmaceutical interventions. They are specialists that monitor your kidney function and might implement treatment plans, including prescribing medications to control blood pressure and blood sugar levels. In severe cases, nephrologists also help prepare patients for dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a disorder where the kidneys suddenly start losing their ability to function properly. Such a complex situation requires immediate attention. This condition can be triggered by cases of extreme dehydration, pre-existing medical conditions, or due to the use of certain medications, like aminoglycosides and cephalosporins. Some common symptoms to look out for are reduced urine output, lesser fluid retention, and disturbances in electrolyte balances in your body.

Nephrologists diagnose this disorder by conducting a series of comprehensive blood tests and urine analysis to assess the extent of the problem. This helps them provide a guiding treatment based on the underlying cause. The treatment strategies focus on identifying and managing the underlying cause, ensuring proper hydration, and monitoring kidney function to prevent any further long-term damage.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys responsible for filtering blood. This condition is caused by a combination of issues like infections, onset of autoimmune diseases, or other underlying health issues.

Nephrologists typically diagnose this condition by prescribing a combination of blood tests, urine analysis, and sometimes a kidney biopsy to determine the specific type and severity of Glomerulonephritis. Hematuria (blood in urine), proteinuria (foamy urine), and high blood pressure are some of the symptoms you need to watch out for.

There are a range of treatment options that are determined by the exact underlying cause of Glomerulonephritis. Medications Like immunosuppressants or corticosteroids are prescribed in certain cases to help the person deal with the inflammation. It is important to remember that proper management is crucial to prevent the progression of the condition to chronic kidney disease.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary disorder that can be caused if only one copy of the defective gene is inherited from either parent. It is characterised by the formation of fluid-filled cysts that lead to kidney enlargement and potential failure.In such cases, nephrologists play a critical role in managing PKD by monitoring its functioning and ensuring supportive care.

A nephrologist focuses on managing the conditions and prescribes interventions to slow down the progression of the disease. Diagnosis of PKD is usually confirmed through imaging tests such as CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI tests that reveal the extent of the cysts.

The sad truth is that there is currently no cure for Polycystic kidney disease, so the treatment mainly involves managing the symptoms and reducing the number of complications through early diagnosis and inducing a proactive management plan, ensuring you can improve your quality of life and slow down the progression of this condition.

Kidney Stones and Infections

Kidney stones and urinary tract infections are formed when the minerals and salts crystallise in the urine, causing obstruction of the urinary flow that results in extreme pain. Nephrologists diagnose stones through CT scans and urine tests, and offer treatment options that may include dietary changes, medications. In some cases, surgical procedures might have to be conducted to remove larger stones. On the other hand, UTIs happen due to bacterial infection in the urinary tract. In such cases, nephrologists identify the underlying causes and provide appropriate antibiotic treatments.

Other Conditions Nephrologists Treat

In addition to the diseases mentioned above, nephrologists also manage various conditions related to electrolyte imbalances, diabetic nephropathy, and hypertensive nephrosclerosis. These issues can significantly impact kidney health and thus require specialised care to prevent complications.

When to See a Nephrologist

Recognising the signs and symptoms of nephrological diseases is crucial for recovery through timely intervention. Therefore, if you experience any persistent changes in urination, like reduced urine output, foamy urine, or blood in the urine, high blood pressure, signs of swelling, especially in the ankles, feet, or around the eyes or unexplained fatigue, it is vital to consult a nephrologist.

Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease should also seek the advice of the top nephrologist to better manage the risk factors. Remember that early consultation with a nephrologist is essential for personalised care, timely interventions, and ensuring the best possible outcomes in regards to your kidney health.