A pair of fist- sized organs, located at the bottom of the rib cage are the kidneys. Each kidney lay on each side of the spine. They are responsible for filtering waste products, excess water and others impurities out of the blood. They also help make blood cells, help keep bones strong and work to maintain the right amount of minerals in the body.
What is kidney disease?
The gradual loss of kidney function is diagnosed as kidney disease or chronic kidney failure. Due to the disease, levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes build up in the body. It may not become evident until the kidney’s function is significantly impaired.
Signs & symptoms of kidney disease
As the build- up of toxins and impurities in the blood increase, it may cause a person to feel tired, weak and make it hard to concentrate. Another complication is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue. Since the toxins aren’t leaving the body through urine, a person may have trouble sleeping. It also links between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and so, sleep apnea is more common. Often dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that accompanies with advanced kidney disease. Urge to urinate more often especially at night is of the sign as the kidney filters are damaged. Also, the blood cells start to leak out into the urine. Excessive bubbles in the urine turning it foamy, indicates protein in the urine. And, this can lead to puffiness around the eyes. Decreased kidney function can cause swelling in the feet and ankles due to sodium retention. While, poorly controlled phosphorous may contribute to muscle cramping. One may have poor appetite too.
Causes of kidney disease
Kidney failure can be a result of several causes or conditions. A sudden loss of blood flow to kidneys can prompt kidney failure. Few conditions that cause loss of blood flow to kidneys include, a heart attack or disease, liver failure, dehydration, an allergic reaction and a severe infection such as sepsis. Some cancers can block the urine path way, building toxins and overloading the kidneys. Such cancers of prostate, colon, cervical and bladder. Some of other causes that may lead to kidney failure include, a blood clot in or around the kidneys, an overload of toxins from heavy metals, certain antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes, drugs and alcohol. It can also be related to lupus, an inflammation of many body organs and glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the small blood vessels of the kidneys.
Diagnosis of kidney disease
The first step of diagnosis of kidney disease is the discussion of personal and family history regarding consumption of medication that might affect kidney, diagnosed with high blood pressure or any family member have kidney disease. Doctor may perform physical exam to check for signs of problems with heart or blood vessel, and conduct a neurological exam. Certain tests and procedures also may be needed like blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests and kidney tissue biopsy.
Treatment for kidney disease
Treatment method vary depending on the cause or reason for the kidney failure. Dialysis, the machine performs the function of the kidneys which doesn’t cure kidney failure but can extend the life expectancy. One may have to follow a low- potassium, low- salt diet along with dialysis. Another treatment option is a kidney transplant though there is a long wait to receive a kidney donor. Immunosuppressive drugs are a must to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney. Buy medicine online in India, to avail the prescribed drugs for an easier recovery when one has undergone such risked surgery. There is a guideline for what to eat will depend on the stage of kidney disease. Some recommendations include limit phosphorus, sodium and potassium.
Prevention of kidney disease
One can reduce the risk of kidney failure by maintaining a healthy lifestyle by following the doctor’s advice. Take prescribed medicine as directed and preferably purchase them from best medicine app in India. Keep the high blood pressure and diabetes in control to avoid kidney failure.
Avoid factors like smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption to decrease the risk of kidney disease or kidney failure. Complication in the kidneys will eventually complicate the complete lifestyle or living of a person.