Kidney Disease Symptoms, Causes, Stages and Tests in Pune
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Swelling in the ankles, persistent fatigue, foamy urine, and difficulty controlling blood pressure are some of the earliest kidney disease symptoms — yet most people ignore them until kidney function has already dropped significantly. Kidney disease is a chronic, progressive condition that causes the kidneys to lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, affecting millions of Indians every year. healthcare nt sickcare in Aundh, Pune offers comprehensive kidney disease tests with home sample collection and direct walk-in facility to help you detect kidney problems early, when they are still treatable.
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healthcare nt sickcare offers kidney disease monitoring test and packages with home sample collection and direct walk-in facility.
What Is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease (also called renal disease) is any condition that reduces the kidneys' ability to filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and produce essential hormones — most commonly progressing silently over months to years before symptoms appear.
Micro-definition: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is defined as a persistent reduction in kidney function — an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) below 60 mL/min/1.73m² or evidence of kidney damage (such as proteinuria) — lasting for more than 3 months, regardless of the underlying cause. CKD is classified among India's most prevalent non-communicable diseases, affecting an estimated 17% of the adult Indian population.
Understanding kidney disease symptoms and causes early is the most effective way to slow or prevent progression to kidney failure. Watch our video explainer on what kidney failure is and why early diagnosis matters.
Kidney Disease Symptoms: Early and Advanced Warning Signs
Kidney disease in its early stages (Stages 1–3) typically causes no noticeable symptoms — silent kidney damage is why routine testing is essential for anyone with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease.
As kidney disease progresses to Stages 3–5, the following symptoms may appear:
- Swelling (oedema) — Puffy ankles, feet, legs, or around the eyes due to fluid retention when kidneys cannot regulate fluid balance
- Foamy or bubbly urine — A sign of proteinuria (protein leaking into urine), one of the earliest detectable indicators of kidney filter damage
- Decreased or dark urine output — Reduced filtration leads to changes in urine colour and frequency
- Persistent fatigue and weakness — Uraemic toxins accumulating in blood cause exhaustion; anaemia from reduced erythropoietin production worsens this
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure — Damaged kidneys lose their ability to regulate blood pressure via the renin-angiotensin system
- Nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite — Build-up of uraemic toxins affects the gastrointestinal system
- Itching (uraemic pruritus) and dry skin — Phosphate and uraemic toxin accumulation causes chronic skin irritation
- Shortness of breath — Fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) in advanced CKD
- Difficulty concentrating and sleep problems — Toxin build-up and anaemia affect brain function and sleep quality
- Back or flank pain — More common with kidney stones, cysts (as seen in polycystic kidney disease), or infection
If you experience two or more of these symptoms, do not delay — book a renal function test or a comprehensive kidney profile immediately.
Kidney Disease Causes: What Damages the Kidneys?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading kidney disease causes in India, together accounting for more than 60% of all cases requiring dialysis in Maharashtra.
- Type 2 Diabetes (Diabetic Nephropathy) — High blood sugar damages glomerular capillaries over time. The earliest sign is microalbuminuria, detected via the ACR test. Diabetic nephropathy is the single most common cause of ESRD (end-stage renal disease) in India. Screen with HbA1c and urine ACR annually.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) — Sustained elevated blood pressure damages the small vessels supplying the kidney filters (glomeruli), causing nephrosclerosis. See how to keep blood pressure in check and protect your kidneys.
- Glomerulonephritis — Inflammation of the kidney's filtration units caused by autoimmune conditions, infections, or unknown triggers. Often presents with haematuria (blood in urine) and proteinuria.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) — A genetic condition causing fluid-filled cysts to grow in both kidneys, progressively reducing function. Read our detailed guide on polycystic kidney disease.
- Recurrent Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis) — Repeated untreated urinary tract infections ascending to the kidneys can permanently scar renal tissue. Check for urine infection and pus cells in urine promptly.
- Prolonged NSAID / Painkiller Use — Ibuprofen, diclofenac, and other NSAIDs taken regularly reduce blood flow to kidneys and cause chronic nephrotoxicity — a common and underrecognised cause of kidney damage in India.
- Obstructive Uropathy — Kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or tumours blocking urine flow cause back-pressure kidney damage. A kidney stone analysis test identifies stone composition for targeted prevention.
- Congenital and Genetic Disorders — Including nephrogenic cystinuria and Alport syndrome.
Kidney Disease Stages: Understanding the CKD Staging System
CKD is staged from 1 to 5 based on eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) — the lower the eGFR, the more advanced the kidney disease and the more urgent the management required.
| CKD Stage | eGFR (mL/min/1.73m²) | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | ≥ 90 | Normal or high eGFR with kidney damage markers | Monitor risk factors; lifestyle changes |
| Stage 2 | 60–89 | Mildly reduced — usually no symptoms | Blood pressure control; dietary changes |
| Stage 3a / 3b | 30–59 | Moderately reduced — fatigue, anaemia begin | Nephrology referral; medication review |
| Stage 4 | 15–29 | Severely reduced — prepare for renal replacement | Plan for dialysis or transplant |
| Stage 5 (ESRD) | < 15 | Kidney failure — dialysis or transplant needed | Haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or transplant |
How to Test for Kidney Disease in Pune?
Kidney disease is tested through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and imaging — with blood creatinine and eGFR as the primary markers of filtration function, and urine protein (ACR) as the earliest marker of kidney cell damage.
Blood Tests for Kidney Disease
Blood tests measure how efficiently the kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Serum Creatinine — Elevated above 1.2 mg/dL (women) or 1.4 mg/dL (men) indicates reduced filtration. Book the serum creatinine test.
- eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) — Calculated from creatinine, age, and sex. The cornerstone of CKD staging. Included in the renal function test profile.
- BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) / BUN:Creatinine Ratio — Elevated in kidney dysfunction and dehydration. Book the BUN creatinine ratio test.
- Electrolytes — Sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and bicarbonate levels become abnormal as kidney disease advances.
- Uric Acid — Elevated in gout-related kidney disease and metabolic syndrome. Available via uric acid test.
Urine Tests for Kidney Damage Detection
Urine tests detect structural kidney damage earlier than blood tests — proteinuria and haematuria can appear years before eGFR declines.
- Urine ACR (Albumin-Creatinine Ratio) — The gold-standard early test for diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive kidney damage. Book the urine ACR test or microalbumin creatinine ratio test.
- Urine Routine and Microscopy — Screens for protein, blood cells (occult blood), casts, and bacteria indicating infection or inflammation.
- 24-Hour Urine Protein / Creatinine Clearance — Precise measurement of protein excretion and kidney filtration rate. Book the creatinine clearance test.
- Urine Culture and Sensitivity — Confirms kidney infection and identifies the causative bacteria for targeted antibiotic treatment.
Comprehensive Kidney Test Packages in Pune
For the most complete kidney disease assessment, healthcare nt sickcare offers bundled packages including all essential renal function markers.
- Max Kidney Profile (19 Kidney Function Tests) — The most comprehensive renal panel available, covering blood and urine kidney markers in a single package
- Renal Function Test (Kidney Profile) — Standard panel: creatinine, BUN, eGFR, electrolytes, uric acid
- LFT + KFT Combined Test — Liver and kidney function test together — ideal for patients on long-term medications
All tests are available with home sample collection across Pune — Aundh, Baner, Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kothrud, Hadapsar, Shivajinagar, Viman Nagar, and Hinjewadi. Walk-in available at the Aundh centre, 8:45 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Review our test preparation guides before collecting your sample.
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healthcare nt sickcare offers medical lab tests and preventive health checkup packages testing with home sample collection and direct walk-in facility.
Kidney Disease Treatment Options
Kidney disease treatment depends on the underlying cause, the CKD stage, and associated conditions — the primary goal at early stages is to slow progression and preserve remaining kidney function.
- Blood Sugar Control — Tight glycaemic control (HbA1c below 7%) is the most effective intervention to slow diabetic nephropathy. Regular monitoring with diabetes check tests is essential.
- Blood Pressure Management — Target below 130/80 mmHg. ACE inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are first-line agents as they additionally reduce proteinuria and protect glomeruli directly.
- Medications — Including phosphate binders, potassium binders, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for anaemia, vitamin D supplementation, and newer agents like SGLT2 inhibitors with proven nephroprotective effects.
- Dietary Modifications — CKD diet involves reducing protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake based on lab values — personalised by a renal dietitian.
- Renal Replacement Therapy (Stage 5) — Haemodialysis (3 sessions/week using a machine to filter blood), peritoneal dialysis (using the abdominal lining), or kidney transplantation — the optimal treatment for long-term survival and quality of life.
Learn the full spectrum of kidney health management from our comprehensive kidney health assessment guide and detailed guide on kidney function tests.
Kidney Disease Diet: What to Eat and Avoid
A kidney disease diet (renal diet) reduces the burden on impaired kidneys by limiting nutrients they can no longer adequately regulate — the specific restrictions depend on the CKD stage and individual blood test results.
General Kidney-Friendly Diet Guidelines
- Restrict Sodium — Aim for under 2,000 mg of sodium per day to control blood pressure and fluid retention. Avoid processed foods, pickles, papads, and ready meals.
- Moderate Protein — In early CKD (Stage 1–3), a moderate protein intake (0.6–0.8 g/kg/day) reduces proteinuria and uraemic load. Avoid high-protein diets and whey supplements without nephrologist guidance.
- Control Potassium — In advanced CKD, excess potassium (from bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges) can cause dangerous hyperkalaemia affecting heart rhythm. Follow lab-guided restrictions.
- Limit Phosphorus — High phosphorus (from dairy, nuts, cola drinks, processed foods) contributes to bone disease and cardiovascular calcification in CKD Stages 3–5.
- Stay Hydrated Appropriately — Drink adequate water (unless fluid-restricted in advanced CKD). Starting the day with warm water helps flush kidneys mildly.
- Choose Kidney-Friendly Fruits and Vegetables — Cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, onion, apples, berries, and grapes are generally lower in potassium and kidney-supportive.
Always discuss dietary changes with your nephrologist or a registered renal dietitian — CKD dietary restrictions are highly individualised based on your specific blood test results and disease stage.
Which Doctor Treats Kidney Disease?
A nephrologist — a physician specialising in kidney diseases — is the primary specialist for kidney disease diagnosis, CKD management, dialysis oversight, and pre-transplant evaluation. Your initial kidney concern may be identified by a general physician or diabetologist during routine lab testing, who will then refer you to a nephrologist for confirmed CKD or complex presentations. Urologists manage kidney stones, structural obstructions, and post-transplant surgical care. In Pune, top nephrology departments are based at KEM Hospital, Jehangir Hospital, Ruby Hall Clinic, Sahyadri Hospital, and Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.
10 Kidney Care Tips to Prevent Kidney Disease
Preventing kidney disease — or slowing its progression — is achievable with consistent lifestyle measures and regular monitoring, especially for adults above 40 in Pune with diabetes or hypertension.
- Stay hydrated — drink 2–3 litres of water daily
- Control blood sugar and get regular HbA1c testing
- Manage blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg consistently
- Follow a kidney-friendly low-sodium, moderate-protein diet
- Exercise regularly — at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days
- Avoid self-medicating with NSAIDs and painkillers long-term
- Do not smoke — smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Get annual kidney function tests after age 35 — especially if you have diabetes or hypertension
- Treat urinary tract infections promptly before they ascend to the kidneys
Young adults in Pune with obesity or a family history of kidney disease should begin screening from age 25. Explore kidney health packages and kidney function tests at healthcare nt sickcare.
People Also Ask About Kidney Disease
The very first signs of kidney disease are often detected in blood and urine tests before any physical symptoms appear. When symptoms do develop, early kidney disease typically presents with foamy or bubbly urine (proteinuria), puffiness around the eyes in the morning, swelling in the ankles or feet, more frequent urination especially at night, persistent fatigue, and mildly elevated blood pressure. These symptoms are easily attributed to other conditions — which is why regular testing is the only reliable way to catch kidney disease in its most manageable early stages. If you have diabetes or hypertension and notice any of these signs, book a kidney function test in Pune at healthcare nt sickcare without delay.
The two most common causes of kidney disease in India are Type 2 diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) and hypertension (high blood pressure), together responsible for over 60% of all chronic kidney disease cases requiring dialysis in Maharashtra. Other significant causes include glomerulonephritis (kidney filter inflammation from autoimmune or infectious triggers), polycystic kidney disease (inherited), recurrent kidney infections, prolonged use of NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, kidney stones causing obstructive damage, and nephrotoxic drug exposure including antitubercular therapy. Addressing diabetes and blood pressure through regular testing and treatment is the most effective kidney disease prevention strategy available.
Kidney disease is staged 1 to 5 using the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which measures how much blood the kidneys can filter per minute. Stage 1 (eGFR ≥ 90): Normal filtration with evidence of kidney damage such as proteinuria — lifestyle changes are the focus. Stage 2 (eGFR 60–89): Mildly reduced function — usually no symptoms, blood pressure control is key. Stage 3 (eGFR 30–59): Moderately reduced — fatigue and anaemia may appear, specialist referral recommended. Stage 4 (eGFR 15–29): Severely reduced — preparation for dialysis or transplant begins. Stage 5 (eGFR below 15): Kidney failure — dialysis (haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) or kidney transplantation is required to sustain life. The eGFR is included in every renal function test at healthcare nt sickcare in Pune.
Kidney disease treatment depends on the stage and cause. At early stages (1–3), the goal is slowing progression through strict blood sugar control (HbA1c below 7%), blood pressure management below 130/80 mmHg using ACE inhibitors or ARBs, a kidney-friendly low-sodium and moderate-protein diet, and avoiding nephrotoxic medications. Newer SGLT2 inhibitors (used for diabetes) have proven kidney-protective benefits and are increasingly prescribed in early CKD. At Stage 4, specialist nephrology care, anaemia management, calcium and phosphate control, and preparation for renal replacement therapy begin. At Stage 5 (ESRD), haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation are the treatment options. Kidney transplant offers the best long-term quality of life and survival outcome.
A kidney disease diet (renal diet) limits sodium (under 2,000 mg/day), moderates protein intake, and restricts potassium and phosphorus in advanced CKD based on blood test levels. Safe kidney-friendly foods generally include cauliflower, cabbage, onion, garlic, apples, berries, rice, and white bread. Foods to limit or avoid include high-potassium fruits (bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes), dairy products (high phosphorus), processed foods (high sodium), red meat in large quantities, and cola drinks. Importantly, dietary restrictions in CKD are highly personalised — what a Stage 2 CKD patient eats may differ significantly from a Stage 4 patient. Always consult a nephrologist and a registered renal dietitian for a personalised meal plan based on your latest kidney function test results.
Adults with diabetes or hypertension should have their kidney function tested at least annually — including serum creatinine, eGFR, and urine ACR. Adults above 40 without known risk factors benefit from including a kidney function panel in their annual preventive health checkup. Patients already diagnosed with CKD Stages 1–3 typically require testing every 3–6 months; Stages 4–5 require monitoring every 1–3 months as directed by their nephrologist. After a kidney transplant, regular tacrolimus level monitoring and renal function tests are essential for graft survival. healthcare nt sickcare in Pune offers all kidney disease monitoring tests with home collection and next-day results.
A nephrologist is the specialist to consult for kidney disease diagnosis and management in Pune. If your routine blood test at healthcare nt sickcare shows an elevated creatinine, reduced eGFR, or proteinuria, begin by consulting a general physician or diabetologist who will assess whether a nephrology referral is needed. For kidney stones and structural urinary tract problems, a urologist is the appropriate specialist. For transplant evaluation and post-transplant monitoring, a transplant nephrologist and transplant surgeon work together. healthcare nt sickcare provides lab reports that can be directly shared with your specialist to guide clinical decision-making without repeating tests.
Take the Next Step with healthcare nt sickcare
Do not wait for kidney disease symptoms to become severe. Book a kidney function test or comprehensive kidney profile at healthcare nt sickcare in Pune today — home sample collection available across Pune, results in 24–48 hours, no prescription needed.
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