Home - Health - Important Things To Know About Kidney Problems
Important things to know about kidney problems

Important things to know about kidney problems

Kidney diseases are some of the most common and life-threatening conditions that affect patients worldwide. These diseases lead to kidney function failure over time. It can be caused by various factors, including environmental toxins, genetic predispositions, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Kidney disease can lead to severe health complications such as acute renal failure (ARF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or chronic renal failure (CRF). A healthy kidney is a sign of a healthy body and lifestyle.

The function of the kidney
The kidney is an essential organ that performs many functions in the body. It filters the blood, removes waste products and excess water from the body, and helps maintain a person’s balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Kidneys help maintain their normal levels of salt concentration which is essential for the proper functioning of every cell tissue in the body because, without adequate amounts of salt, no cells can function properly. The kidney also plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and volume by keeping them at appropriate levels through urine production. The kidneys also regulate fluid balance in your body by removing excess water from urine and adding extra water into the urine when necessary for your body tissues not to be dehydrated. 

Kidney failure is when a person’s kidneys cannot function properly due to disease or injury; this condition can be fatal if left untreated.

What is kidney disease?
Kidney disease is a general term that describes any condition that affects the kidneys. The most common types of kidney diseases are acute and chronic.

An infection, trauma, or surgery causes kidney diseases. They usually develop rapidly and cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain before progressing to a cushingoid appearance with high blood pressure and swelling in the feet or legs due to fluid retention—a condition called edema—and ultimately death if untreated.

What are acute kidney diseases?
Acute kidney diseases are a group of conditions that cause critical damage to the kidneys. They include:

  • Stones in the urinary tract can cause pain and bleeding
  • Injury to the organ that causes it to stop working correctly. This can lead to infections or more severe complications such as infection with bloodstream-borne bacteria (sepsis), blood poisoning, and organ failure.

What are chronic kidney diseases?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that can lead to kidney failure. It is often called CKD because it refers to the damage of the kidneys over time rather than an acute injury that causes immediate symptoms. Chronic kidney diseases also occur when:

  • There are long-lasting viral illnesses such as HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C 
  • Prolonged lead poisoning and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Immune system diseases like lupus nephritis
  • Polycystic kidney diseases occur

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?
Kidney problems can cause many different symptoms, but the most common ones include the following:

  • Pain in the back, sides, or abdomen
  • Fever
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Loss of appetite, leading to rapid drop in BMI levels
  • Increased urination (frequent urination) or decreased urination (fewer than usual)
  • Clouded mind
  • A metallic taste in the mouth
  • Swelling of feet and ankles due to edema
  • Muscle twitches and cramps
  • Nausea and vomiting

How to diagnose kidney diseases?
When you suspect that your kidney disease is severe and needs a health examination, the doctor will do these tests:

Blood tests to check for protein in the blood (albumin) levels and kidney function.

Urine tests to look for protein in urine or albumin in feces. This can help diagnose whether there is an infection affecting your kidneys or not enough oxygen being delivered to them by disease-causing bacteria.

  • Doctors also conduct imaging tests such as ultrasound for a clear visual view of the kidneys.
  • In extreme situations, a kidney biopsy is performed. A sample of the kidney tissue is removed to be sent to a lab for a thorough checkup. 

What are the treatment methods for kidney diseases?
There are different treatment options that are recommended to the patient depending on the severity of the condition and the overall health of the one affected.

  • Kidney transplant
    This is the most effective treatment method for kidney diseases. A kidney transplant is when a healthy person’s organs are donated to someone else who needs them.
  • Dialysis
    This is used in cases where the kidneys fail to function correctly. The blood in your body flows through tubes connecting one set of kidneys to another (or even two different sets). This process helps remove waste from your body.
  • Prescription option
    Many prescriptions are available today, specifically designed for chronic kidney disease patients. Symptoms like high blood pressure may lead to heart disease in the future, depending on how severe they become over time without treatment options.

What is a kidney transplant?
A kidney transplant is a procedure that replaces one or both damaged kidneys with functioning, healthy ones. It is the only treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which means that your kidneys have lost most of their function and cannot filter out waste products from the blood.

Once the functioning kidneys are transplanted into your body, they work as normal ones do—they filter wastes from your bloodstream and release them into urine through tiny tubes called ureters. You may also notice changes in how often you urinate.

Caring for the kidneys
Kidney disease is a severe condition. It can affect the way your kidneys work and lead to complications, including:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Heart failure and heart disease
  • Diabetic retinopathy, which is damage caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) in the eyes

Kidney problems are common in people with HIV/AIDS, but this does not mean you should avoid getting tested for kidney diseases altogether! However, you should still make sure that you are checking your levels regularly when you have regular checkups with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Kidney diseases are a severe health concern for many people. If you suspect your loved one has kidney disease, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Latest Articles

Things to know about chronic kidney disease
Health

Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease   occurs when there is a gradual failure of kidney function due to illnesses, genetics, etc. The kidneys’ main role is to filter waste matter and flush out excess bodily fluids, but advanced kidney failure causes fluids, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. Various factors must be understood to manage the condition, including the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and more. Read on to learn more about chronic kidney disease. Causes of chronic kidney disease The main causes of chronic kidney disease are as follows: Diabetes When the body’s sugar levels are too high and become unmanageable, bodily organs stop functioning as normal. The first to be affected are the kidneys, leading to diabetes, which, in turn, affects the nerves, eyes, and heart.   High blood pressure This is when blood pressure against the walls of the blood vessels increases, and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.   Genetics Chronic kidney disease can also be passed down through the genes. Therefore if someone in your close family has the condition, it is likely to be passed down to you.   Autoimmune disease Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which are responsible for flushing waste out of the kidneys.  Birth disorder Sometimes, certain malfunctions of the kidneys develop in the mother’s womb and can cause infections and kidney damage later on in the person’s life.   Other causes Kidney stones or tumors can cause kidney damage or failure if not treated in time.  Glomerulonephritis It is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in the filtering segments of the kidneys. This disorder is one of the most common types of kidney disease. Vesicoureteral reflux This is a condition that causes urine to back up into the kidneys.
Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration
Health

Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes changes in the macula, leading to vision loss. Though there is no cure for this condition, following an eye-healthy meal plan is important in managing complications like vision loss. A nutritional regime for age-related macular degeneration should include healthy amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Some foods that contain eye-healthy vitamins that help manage symptoms of macular degeneration are listed below. Macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration is a primary cause of vision loss among people aged 55 years and above. The condition refers to the deterioration of the central part of the retina called the macula. Symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, difficulty recognizing faces, visual distortions, and more. Studies indicate that nearly 20 million people in the country live with some form of age-related macular degeneration. This condition occurs in two forms- the dry and the wet form. The dry type occurs when the macula gets thinner with age. This condition gradually progresses over the years. The dry form can advance into the wet type when abnormal blood vessels develop in the back of the eye and harm the macula. The wet type of AMD usually accelerates vision loss. Leafy green veggies Dark-green, leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Including leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens in your meal plan can increase the pigment density in the macula and potentially slow down age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, keep up a healthy intake of cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, all excellent sources of essential vitamins. Colorful vegetables Colorful vegetables such as carrots, red and yellow pepper, pumpkin, and tomato contain carotenoids that contain essential vitamins for the eyes, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. To manage macular degeneration, include all these colorful and eye-healthy veggies on your plate.
9 ways to naturally whiten teeth at home
Everything Else

9 ways to naturally whiten teeth at home

One can say that their smile is their biggest asset. But the color of teeth plays a huge role in deciding how confident one is when smiling. One’s teeth might turn yellow as they age, as the enamel wears away over time, revealing the pale teeth underneath. However, one can consider whitening their teeth to address the change in color. Teeth whitening does not always require expert assistance; one can use at-home whitening methods.  What causes yellow teeth? Before looking for at-home teeth whitening remedies, one should understand the underlying conditions and causes of yellow teeth. Here are some common reasons for yellowing: Oral trauma or tooth injury Excessive sugar intake High coffee and tea intake Poor dental care and oral hygiene Excessive exposure to fluoride Side effects of treatment options  Dry mouth or lack of saliva Teeth whitening solutions One can find whitening toothpaste and other products that improve the appearance and color of their teeth. However, one should be wary of harsh chemicals and abrasives. If one is looking for natural ways to whiten their teeth, they can choose a natural, mild, whitening toothpaste. Alternatively, several at-home whitening options can offer similar results with regular usage. Here are some natural ways to whiten teeth at home: Try oil pulling This is an age-old remedy for improving oral hygiene and removing toxins. One should swish oil around in their mouth to get rid of the bacteria that convert into plaque and makes teeth look yellow. Here, coconut oil can be used. This is a safe method because coconut oil doesn’t contain acid and other harmful chemicals that can erode the enamel of the teeth.   Apply baking soda One of the most common and natural ways to whiten teeth is to use baking soda. This is a mild abrasive that can help scrub away stains on the teeth.