Introduction
Decreased renal function means that the kidneys are not filtering waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood as efficiently as they should. This decline in kidney function can occur gradually over time due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or suddenly because of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). If left untreated, decreased renal function can progress to kidney failure and lead to serious complications affecting the heart, brain, bones, and other organs.
Early diagnosis is essential because kidney disease often develops without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages. Routine kidney function tests can detect problems before permanent damage occurs.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist provides comprehensive evaluation, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans to help patients preserve kidney function and maintain long-term kidney health.
What Is Decreased Renal Function?
The kidneys are responsible for:
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Filtering waste products from the blood
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Removing excess water
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Maintaining electrolyte balance
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Regulating blood pressure
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Producing hormones that support red blood cell production
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Supporting healthy bones through vitamin D metabolism
When kidney function declines, waste products such as urea and creatinine accumulate in the bloodstream, while the body's fluid and electrolyte balance becomes disrupted.
Doctors commonly evaluate kidney function using:
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Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
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Serum Creatinine
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Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
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Urinalysis
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Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)
Causes of Decreased Renal Function
Several medical conditions may reduce kidney function.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
The most common cause of gradually declining kidney function.
Diabetes
High blood sugar damages the kidneys' filtering units over time.
High Blood Pressure
Poorly controlled hypertension damages blood vessels supplying the kidneys.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Sudden kidney injury caused by severe dehydration, infections, medications, or reduced blood flow.
Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units reduces their ability to remove waste.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
A hereditary disorder characterized by multiple kidney cysts.
Kidney Stones
Large or untreated kidney stones can obstruct urine flow and impair kidney function.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Repeated infections may cause permanent kidney scarring.
Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions such as lupus can damage kidney tissue through inflammation.
Certain Medications
Long-term or excessive use of certain painkillers (NSAIDs) and other medicines may contribute to kidney damage in some individuals.
Symptoms of Decreased Renal Function
Early kidney disease may not produce noticeable symptoms.
As kidney function declines, patients may experience:
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Fatigue
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Weakness
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Swelling of the feet, ankles, or face
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Foamy urine
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Blood in the urine
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Frequent urination, especially at night
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Reduced urine output
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High blood pressure
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea and vomiting
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Dry, itchy skin
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Muscle cramps
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Difficulty concentrating
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Shortness of breath
If symptoms become severe or are accompanied by confusion, chest pain, or significantly reduced urine output, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Who Is at Risk?
You are at higher risk if you have:
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Obesity
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Family history of kidney disease
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Recurrent kidney stones
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Autoimmune diseases
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Recurrent urinary tract infections
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Age over 60 years
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Long-term use of certain medications that may affect the kidneys
Regular screening is recommended for individuals with these risk factors.
Diagnosis at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic
Our super specialist nephrologist performs a detailed evaluation to identify the cause and severity of decreased renal function.
Medical History and Physical Examination
The assessment includes:
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Symptoms
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Medical history
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Blood pressure measurement
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Family history
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Medication review
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Lifestyle evaluation
Blood Tests
Recommended investigations include:
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Serum Creatinine
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Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
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Kidney Function Tests (KFT)
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Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
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Electrolytes
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Blood Sugar Levels
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Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Urine Tests
Urinalysis helps detect:
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Protein
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Blood
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Infection
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Glucose
The Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) is particularly useful for identifying early kidney damage.
Imaging Studies
Depending on your condition, the doctor may recommend:
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Kidney Ultrasound
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CT Scan
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MRI (when clinically indicated)
These tests help identify structural abnormalities, kidney stones, cysts, or urinary obstruction.
Treatment for Decreased Renal Function
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the stage of kidney disease.
Control Blood Pressure
Maintaining healthy blood pressure helps slow kidney damage.
Manage Diabetes
Good blood sugar control significantly reduces the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
Medications
Your nephrologist may prescribe medications to:
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Control blood pressure
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Reduce protein leakage in urine
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Correct electrolyte imbalances
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Treat anemia associated with kidney disease
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Manage complications related to CKD
Always take medications only as prescribed and inform your doctor about any over-the-counter drugs or supplements.
Kidney-Friendly Diet
Dietary recommendations may include:
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Limiting salt intake
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Adjust
