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Types of kidney diseases

Your kidneys filter excess fluid and waste from your blood; you can't live without them. Diseases that lower your kidney function can affect your kidneys and also harm other parts of your body. These health conditions can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure, also called end-stage kidney disease (ESRK). 

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What are the types of kidney disease

There are many types of kidney diseases, each with different causes and effects on the body. Some kidney diseases are genetic, meaning they run in families. While others are caused by autoimmune conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys. Understanding the different types of kidney diseases can help you recognize risk factors and symptoms and explore treatment options. Learn more about various kidney diseases and how they can impact your health.

aHUS (atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome)

aHUS (atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome)  is a very rare genetic disease that causes tiny blood clots to form in your blood vessels, blocking blood flow to important organs. aHUS can cause kidney failure, heart disease, and other serious health problems. While there is no known cure for aHUS, it can be treated.

 

Alport syndrome

Alport syndrome  is a genetic disease that primarily affects the kidneys but can also affect the eyes and ears, which can present as having hearing loss in one or both ears. There are different genetic types of Alport syndrome that can determine the severity of the disease. 

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis  causes abnormal proteins called amyloids to build up in various organs and tissues throughout your body, often affecting the kidneys, heart, brain, liver, and intestines. It mainly comes in two forms affecting the kidneys: primary amyloidosis, with an unknown cause, and dialysis-related amyloidosis, which occurs in long-term dialysis patients. 

APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease

APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) causes genetic mutations in both copies of the APOL1 gene can increase your chance of kidney disease, called APOL1-mediated kidney disease. People who have Western and Central African ancestry, including people who identify as Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean, and/or Latina/Latino, are more likely to have mutations in the APOL1 genes.

Genetic testing

Genetic testing can help identify if you are a carrier for genetic mutations linked to certain genetic forms of kidney disease. If you don't know the cause of your kidney disease, genetic testing can help you determine the cause. Knowing the cause of your kidney disease can help you and your healthcare team create a personalized treatment plan. It can also clarify family risk, aiding in family planning and early detection for relatives. Additionally, genetic testing may provide access to clinical trials, offering new treatment options. Understanding the genetic cause of CKD empowers you and your providers to make informed decisions about care and disease management. 

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Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome has a connection to heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. It occurs when someone has at least two of these conditions. CKM can create a harmful cycle that increases the risk of other health problems. 

Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G)

C3 glomerulopathy (glo-mer-u-lop-a-thy) affects how well your kidneys work by causing damage to your glomeruli, the tiny filters of your kidneys. C3G is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. However, it can be diagnosed at any age. 

Congenital Abnormalities of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract (CAKUT)

Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT)  refers to a group of anomalies (abnormalities) that occur as a baby grows. Those who have CAKUT have one or more kidney or urinary tract abnormalities.  These anomalies are one of the top causes of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in children.  

Cystinosis

Cystinosis  is a rare disorder that causes a buildup of cystine, a natural chemical in the body, which can lead to kidney damage. It is most often diagnosed in young babies. 

Fabry disease

Fabry disease  is a rare genetic disorder that causes fat buildup in organs, including the kidneys. People with Fabry disease do not make enough functional alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-GAL), an enzyme that helps break down and remove globotriaosylceramide (GL-3), a fatty substance found in cells. Without enough alpha-GAL, GL-3 builds up over time, leading to damage in the kidneys, heart, and brain. This buildup can cause kidney disease and other serious health problems.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)  is a rare type of kidney disease that causes scarring in your glomeruli, the tiny filters of your kidneys. This scarring can make it hard for your kidneys to filter waste, which can lead to kidney failure.

Glomerulonephritis (Glomerular Disease)

Glomerulonephritis (gluh-mer-you-low-ne-FRY-tis) causes your glomeruli, the tiny filters of your kidneys, to become inflamed or damaged, making it harder for the kidneys to function. If left untreated, this condition can lead to kidney failure.

Goodpasture syndrome  

Goodpasture syndrome  causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the lungs and kidneys, causing coughing, breathlessness, and blood in the urine. This can potentially lead to chronic kidney disease or lung damage. 

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis  is a rare disease of the blood vessels that can damage your lungs, kidneys and other parts of your body by lowering the amount of blood that can flow to them. It can get worse quickly and it is important to treat it early to prevent permanent organ damage, such as kidney failure.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) 

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition that destroys your red blood cells, leading to blocked kidney filters. It is usually triggered by an E. coli infection, other bacteria, and viruses, certain medicines, or even genetic factors. It typically presents suddenly in children. Treatment is crucial, and HUS prevention includes maintaining hygiene and safely handling food to reduce E. coli infection risks.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) 

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a condition which primarily affects children, causes inflammation in small blood vessels, including those in the skin, stomach, and kidneys, leading to a noticeable skin rash, stomach pain, and arthritis. Although it can occasionally lead to chronic kidney issues, most people recover completely.

IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is a rare disease that causes inflammation (swelling) and damage to your kidneys. Proteins that are made by your immune system (immunoglobulin A or IgA) are antibodies that normally protect you from infection. With IgAN, these proteins build up and form clumps inside the filters of the kidneys that clean your blood (glomeruli). Over time, this buildup causes inflammation and damage to the glomeruli and lowers your kidneys' ability to filter waste and fluid from your blood.

Interstitial nephritis

Interstitial nephritis  lowers your kidneys' ability to clean your blood and make urine (pee). This condition is reversible because it is usually caused by a reaction to medicine. Stopping the medicine usually solves the problem.

Lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells, including those in the kidneys. When lupus affects the kidneys, it is called lupus nephritis. This condition can lead to inflammation and kidney damage, potentially causing long-term complications if not managed properly. Early detection and treatment are essential to preserving kidney function. 

Minimal change disease

Minimal change disease (MCD) is a condition that damages the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, which can affect how well your kidneys work. It is more common in children than in adults. Doctors can manage or cure MCD with the right treatment. 

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)  causes cysts (growths filled with fluid) to form on your kidneys, and other organs. These cysts can lower your kidney function. Over time, PKD can cause kidney failure. Although there is no cure, treatment can slow the growth of the cysts and prevent PKD symptoms from causing other health problems.

Primary hyperoxaluria and oxalate

Primary hyperoxaluria  and oxalate is a rare liver disease in which your liver does not make enough of a certain protein to prevent oxalate (a natural chemical in your body) from building up in your body. Oxalate builds up in the kidneys and causes kidney stones and kidney damage. 

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)  

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood condition causes excessive clotting in vessels, causing organ/kidney damage and skin bruising. Although there is no cure, treatments, often plasma therapies, help manage symptoms and prevent blood clots.  

Vasculitis 

Vasculitis  is a group of autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation of the blood vessels. There are over 20 different types of vasculitis. Each type affects different parts of the body, depending on which blood vessels are inflamed and damaged. Those more likely to affect your kidneys are called renal vasculitis.  

The two main types of renal vasculitis are: 
 

  • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis This is a rare disease of the blood vessels that can damage your lungs, kidneys and other parts of your body by lowering  blood flow to them. Since it can get worse quickly, it's important to treat it early to prevent kidney failure. 
  • Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) This is a rare autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation of small to medium-sized blood vessels leading to damage in your kidneys, lungs, nerves, skin and other organs.  
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Know your cause

Understanding the cause of your kidney disease is key to making informed decisions about your health. Knowing why your kidneys aren’t working properly can help you and your healthcare team create a treatment plan, explore testing options, and take steps to protect your health. The Know Your Cause tool can help you start the conversation and get the answers you need. 

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For 22 consecutive years Charity Navigator™ has rated us a Top Nonprofit. Your donations allow us to help more people than any other kidney organization – from making 150 kidney transplants possible every month to delivering financial relief to 1 in 7 dialysis patients. We also fund clinical research, provide financial assistance for kidney patients affected by natural disasters, and support a National virtual pediatric camp and a Kidney Health Coach community program. 

Your donation directly supports the fight against kidney disease