In the early stages of kidney disease, there may be no apparent symptoms. Many people do not realize that they have the disease until it is too late. Therefore, it is essential to learn and be aware of the risks factor associated with it.

Having any one of these following risk factors is an indication of kidney disease:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Family history of kidney disease

There are a few tests that are aimed at detecting kidney disease. They are:

Urine tests
Urine tests or urinalysis determine the constituents present in the urine, like albumin, blood, and waste products. A dipstick that is coated with reagents is used to determine the presence of abnormal substances in the urine. Small amounts of albumin are normal. The ratio of the amounts of protein and creatinine provide clues. Urine samples are viewed under a microscope to detect red and white blood cells and other solids like crystals. A 24-hour urine test collects all the urine excreted by the patient in a day. The amount of creatinine and urea in the sample can determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Blood tests
Kidney function tests are used to determine the level of waste products, creatinine, and urea in the blood. Two typical tests are the BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) test and Serum Creatinine test. The levels of these substances in the blood increases as kidney functions become worse. Electrolyte levels and acid-base tests determine imbalances in the electrolytes, especially calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) are a serious concern. The inability to flush out phosphorus is an indication of weakened kidney function. Additionally, the blood cell count helps determine if the levels of hemoglobin are low, which could be an indication of anemia.

Imaging tests
Ultrasound tests can determine the shape, size, and structure of the kidney. Swollen or shrunk kidneys are an indication of the presence of kidney disease. Polycystic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy may cause the kidneys to swell. These tests are used to detect obstructions to urine caused by kidney stones.

Biopsies are used if the cause of kidney disease is uncertain. Using local anesthesia and appropriate needle, samples can be collected.

Most kidney diseases that curtail or shut down kidney functions generally cannot be reversed or cured. Treating diseases like kidney stones and even cancer may have different approaches and may result in a cure.

Treating chronic kidney disease includes different objectives. For example, contributing factors and root causes, complications, slowing down the progression of the disease, and replacing the function of lost kidneys.

The treatments consist of:

Blood pressure control
Kidney disease patients are told to maintain a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg. Medications such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are especially suitable for patients who cannot otherwise maintain the prescribed blood pressure levels.

Controlling diet
Diets restrict items that aggravate the disease. A low-protein diet that contains vitamin D and specific amounts of other minerals is mandated to keep the disease from progressing. This helps the kidneys function as normally as possible. Certain minerals in the diet also help in protecting bone health.

Blood sugar control
This helps aggressively manage diabetes.

Where the kidney disease has reached the last stage, measures are taken to replace kidney function. Dialysis uses an external machine to artificially remove waste products from the blood and is necessarily done at periodic intervals. The last resort is transplanting the kidney from either a living or deceased donor.