World Kidney Day 2025: Types and symptoms of Kidney diseases, 6 prevention tips

Causes of Chronic kidney disease (CKD): One of the most common types of kidney diseases, t often develops due to diabetes or high blood pressure (Image: Canva)

Your kidneys play an important role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and maintaining your health. However, when the kidneys become damaged, their function declines, leading to serious complications and different types of kidney diseases. These diseases might have subtle or no symptoms.

Says Dr Mohit Khirbat, Consultant, Nephrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, “Many kidney diseases develop silently, showing symptoms only at later stages. This is the reason why making early detection is essential. There are different types of kidney diseases and some come with subtle symptoms. It is important to keep your self healthy and adopt preventive measures in order to reduce the risk of complications," he adds.

Dr Khirbat shares the various types of kidney diseases, their symptoms, and tips on how to protect your kidney health:

Types of kidney disease:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD): It is one of the most common types, where kidney function gradually declines over time. “It often develops due to diabetes or high blood pressure. If left unmanaged, CKD can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant. Acute kidney injury (AKI), on the other hand, is a sudden loss of kidney function, usually triggered by severe infections, dehydration, or certain medications. While AKI can be reversible with timely treatment, it can also be life-threatening if ignored,” suggests Dr Khirbat.

Also read | World Kidney Day: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease and importance of early prevention

"Another kidney disease," he says, "is kidney stones, which are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, causing severe pain and potential damage." Dr Khirbat continues, “Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition in which fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure over time.”

Additionally, glomerulonephritis, a disease that refers to inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli), which maybe caused by infections or autoimmune disorders. Dr Khirbat warns, “Then there are untreated urinary tract infections (UTIs) that can spread to the kidneys, causing permanent kidney damage. Many kidney diseases progress silently, which is why regular health check-ups are crucial for early detection."

Symptoms of kidney diseases:

Kidney disease often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, tells Dr Khirbat warns that as the condition progresses, signs such as fatigue and weakness become common due to the buildup of toxins in the body. “Swelling in the legs, ankles, or face can occur due to fluid retention, while changes in urination, such as foamy urine or difficulty passing urine, may indicate kidney dysfunction. High blood pressure is another major warning sign, as the kidneys play a key role in regulating blood pressure levels,” he explains.

Also read | Expert-approved diet tips and best herbs to prevent kidney stones

Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite due to waste accumulation in the bloodstream. “Persistent back or side pain could signal kidney infections or kidney stones. In some cases, shortness of breath occurs due to fluid buildup in the lungs” informs Dr. Mohit Khirbat and advises, "If you notice any persistent symptoms related to kidney health, consult a doctor immediately to prevent further complications," he adds.

6 prevention tips for healthy kidneys:

Drinking sufficient water, consuming a diet rich in nutrients, controlling diabetes and blood pressure, avoiding bad habits, and staying physically active can help reduce the risk of kidney-related complications.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily helps flush out toxins and prevents kidney stone formation. Proper hydration supports kidney function and overall health.

• Follow a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods, salt, and red meat can reduce the risk of kidney disease. Avoiding excessive sugar intake is also crucial.

• Control diabetes and blood pressure: Since diabetes and high blood pressure are leading causes of kidney disease, managing these conditions with medication, diet, and lifestyle changes is essential for kidney health.

• Avoid overuse of painkillers: Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin can harm the kidneys. Always consult a doctor before prolonged use of these medications.

• Exercise regularly: Engaging in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and regulate blood pressure, all of which contribute to kidney protection.

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol intake increase the risk of kidney disease. Quitting smoking and drinking in moderation can significantly improve kidney function.