Nephropathy, also known as kidney disease, involves damage to the kidneys that can impair their ability to filter blood and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. It commonly occurs as a complication of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Early stages of nephropathy may not present noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include swelling in the limbs, fatigue, and changes in urine output. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies to assess kidney function.
Management of nephropathy focuses on controlling the underlying causes, such as maintaining blood glucose levels in diabetes and managing blood pressure. Lifestyle modifications, medications, and in advanced cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a critical measurement of how well the kidneys are filtering blood. A reduced GFR is commonly associated with nephropathy, indicating potential kidney damage or disease progression. Monitoring GFR helps in assessing the severity of nephropathy and guiding treatment decisions.