When the kidneys are harmed and unable to filter blood adequately, it is referred to as renal disease. This illness causes the body to accumulate waste and fluid. Diabetes, hypertension, infections, and hereditary factors are only a few of the many causes. Medication, dietary modifications, or dialysis may be used as a form of treatment.
Urine is produced by the kidneys, which filter waste materials, extra fluid, and electrolytes from the blood. They are also essential for maintaining electrolyte balance, controlling blood pressure, and creating hormones that influence the formation of red blood cells and bone health.
A variety of symptoms can appear in kidney disease:
1.Chronic kidney disease (CKD): The kidneys gradually lose their capacity to operate in this chronic illness. It frequently manifests over a long period of time and may be brought on by illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, or kidney infections. To stop the progression of CKD, which develops in phases, early identification is essential.
- Acute kidney damage (AKI) This is a rapid loss in kidney function that is frequently reversible. Dehydration, certain drugs, severe infections, kidney stones, or dehydration are a few situations that might cause it. It is essential to seek treatment right away to stop future harm.
- PKD, or polycystic kidney disease A hereditary condition known as PKD is characterized by the development of many kidney cysts. These cysts may eventually damage kidney function.
- Kidney Infections: Pyelonephritis, a bacterial infection of the kidneys, if left untreated, can destroy the kidneys.
- Kidney disease symptoms may include:
- Fatigue – Leg, ankle, and foot swelling (edema)
- Modifications in the frequency (increased or decreased) of urination
- High blood pressure – Blood in the urine
- Vomiting and dizziness
- Scratches in the muscles
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Blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests (such CT or ultrasound scans), and occasionally kidney biopsies are used in the diagnosis process. Depending on the precise type and stage of kidney disease, treatment options may include:
– Blood pressure medications to manage diabetes and other underlying problems – Dietary adjustments, including salt and potassium limitations
– Changes in lifestyle (such as giving up smoking and keeping a healthy weight).
– Dialysis: A medical procedure used to filter blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so effectively.
– renal transplant: When there is significant renal failure, a donor kidney may need to be used to replace the damaged one.
How can I prevent kidney disease in my body
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and minimizing risk factors that can cause kidney damage are two ways to prevent kidney disease. The following are important measures to help prevent kidney disease:
1. Manage Blood Pressure: Kidney disease is mostly brought on by high blood pressure, often known as hypertension. Regularly check your blood pressure, and if it’s high, work with your doctor to manage it with dietary modifications and, if required, medication.
2. Diabetes management: In order to avoid kidney damage if you have diabetes, it’s crucial to maintain blood sugar levels within a specific range. Maintain your diabetes control strategy, which may include regular monitoring, nutrition, and exercise.
3. Maintain a Healthful Diet: Consume a balanced diet reduced in processed foods, salt, and saturated fats. Put an emphasis on eating plenty of fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Keep an eye on your salt intake because too much sodium might cause blood pressure to rise.
- Stay Hydrated: To ensure healthy kidney function, consume enough water. Aim to maintain proper hydration, especially in hot weather or while engaging in strenuous activity, as dehydration can put stress on the kidneys.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise aids in maintaining healthy weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, all of which are crucial for kidney health. Aim for 150 minutes or more per week of moderate-intensity exercise.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking: It’s imperative to stop smoking since it can harm blood vessels, especially those in the kidneys. Limit your alcohol intake as well because drinking too much can damage your kidneys.
- Carefully Manage Your Medications: Some drugs can damage the kidneys if they are taken for long periods of time or in excessive quantities. Always follow a doctor’s orders when taking medication, and talk to your doctor about any probable kidney-related adverse effects.
- Watch Kidney Activity If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, which are risk factors for kidney disease, make regular appointments with your doctor for examinations. To monitor your kidney function and identify any problems early, they can run tests.
- Protect yourself from urinary tract infections (UTIs): Kidney infections can occasionally result from UTIs. To stop UTIs from spreading to the kidneys, maintain good cleanliness, drink plenty of water, and treat them right away if you get one.
- Use of over-the-counter painkillers should be limited. The kidneys can become damaged if non-prescription painkillers like NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) are taken in excess. Use them as directed and for as little time as possible.