1) What is Nephritic Syndrome?

Nephritic syndrome (or acute nephritic syndrome)[1] is a collection of signs (known as a syndrome) associated with disorders affecting the kidneys, more specifically glomerular disorders. [2] It’s characterized by having small pores in the podocytes of the glomerulus, large enough to permit proteins (proteinuria) and red blood cells (hematuria) to pass into the urine. By contrast, nephrotic syndrome is characterized by only proteins (proteinuria) moving into the urine. Both nephritic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome result in hypoalbuminemia due to protein albumin moving from the blood to the urine.

2) What is Chronic Renal Failure?

Chronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main function of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) slowly gets worse over time. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. The loss of function usually takes months or years to occur. It may be so slow that symptoms do not occur until kidney function is less than one-tenth of normal.

Chronic kidney disease leads to a buildup of fluid and waste products in the body. This condition affects most body systems and functions, including red blood cell production, blood pressure control, and vitamin D and bone health.

The final stage of chronic kidney disease is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The kidneys no longer function and the patient needs dialysis or a kidney transplant.

3) Patients who are prone to above mentioned kidney problems?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes and account for most cases.

Many other diseases and conditions can damage the kidneys, including:

● Problems with the arteries leading to or inside the kidneys

● Birth defects of the kidneys (such as polycystic kidney disease)

● Some pain medications and other drugs

● Certain toxic chemicals

● Autoimmune disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma)

● Injury or trauma

● Glomerulonephritis

● Kidney stones and infection

● Reflux nephropathy (in which the kidneys are damaged by the backward flow of urine into the kidneys)

4) What are the symptoms and problems associated with above mentioned disease?

The early symptoms of chronic kidney disease often occur with other illnesses, as well. These symptoms may be the only signs of kidney disease until the condition is more advanced.

Symptoms may include:

● General ill feeling and fatigue

● Generalized itching (pruritus) and dry skin

● Headaches

● Weight loss without trying to lose weight

● Appetite loss

● Nausea

Other symptoms that may develop, especially when kidney function has worsened:

● Abnormally dark or light skin

● Bone pain

● Brain and nervous system symptoms

● Drowsiness and confusion

● Problems concentrating or thinking

● Numbness in the hands, feet, or other areas

● Muscle twitching or cramps

● Breath odor

● Easy bruising, bleeding, or blood in the stool

● Excessive thirst

● Frequent hiccups

● Low level of sexual interest and impotence

● Menstrual periods stop (amenorrhea)

● Sleep problems, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea

● Swelling of the feet and hands (edema)

● Vomiting, typically in the morning

5) What are the signs & tests for Kidney diseases?

High blood pressure is almost always present during all stages of chronic kidney disease. A neurologic examination may show signs of nerve damage. The health care provider may hear abnormal heart or lung sounds with a stethoscope.

A urinalysis may show protein or other changes. These changes may appear 6 months to 10 or more years before symptoms appear.

Tests that check how well the kidneys are working include:

● Creatinine levels

● BUN

● Creatinine clearance

Chronic kidney disease changes the results of several other tests. Every patient needs to have the following checked regularly, as often as every 2 - 3 months when kidney disease gets worse:

● Potassium

● Sodium

● Albumin

● Phosphorous

● Calcium

● Cholesterol

● Magnesium

● Complete blood count (CBC)

● Electrolytes

Causes of chronic kidney disease may be seen on:

● Abdominal CT scan

● Abdominal MRI

● Abdominal ultrasound

● Renal scan

6) What are the treatments available?

Dialysis or Kidney transplantation is the only treatment available in modern science. Although some dialysis patients live longer than 4 to 8 yrs, others fare poorly and die within 2 to 3 yr. Nonetheless, it is important to note that chronic dialysis therapy is an expensive medical modality and painful for the patients.

The development and advancement of both science and Unani system of medicine in the 20th century have changed the fields of life science and heath care in a way far beyond our imagination a hundred years ago. Unani System of Medicine has revealed new innovative developments within sight; these include, as outlined in this brief review, new drug targeted on specific kidney genes to prevent the progression of renal disease especially in diabetes associated nephritic syndrome.

Our Unani Treatment for Renal Failure acts in the following ways:-

Helps to restore the functions of the kidney. Increase the urine output thereby decreasing the inflammation on face & legs, relieving nausea & feverish conditions within 9 days. Helps in increasing water fluid intake thereby removing out the blood waste products thus drastically bringing down serum creatinine & blood urea nitrogen in the patients within a month. The need for dialysis are being reduced and gradually stopped. Thus helps the patient to live a healthy life without dialysis and kidney transplantation.