Kidneys, small organs weighing roughly 10.6 ounces combined, are located on either side of the spine and play a crucial role in filtering waste and regulating the balance of water and salts in the body. Known as the “silent organs,” it’s hard to detect when they’re damaged, and the deterioration can disrupt the body’s equilibrium, resulting in toxic waste buildup that harms heart and vascular function. Here, we explore the signs of kidney abnormalities and delve into kidney failure.
What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer perform their essential functions. This can happen for various reasons, including problems in the blood vessels leading to the kidneys or excessive stress on the kidneys themselves. Early diagnosis is crucial; severe cases may require kidney transplantation. Diabetes is the most common cause, accounting for over half of all kidney failure cases. Obesity, hypertension, and kidney stones can also lead to kidney failure.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Symptoms include swelling in the arms and legs, skin irritation, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and nausea. These symptoms arise as waste accumulates in the blood due to kidney dysfunction. Chronic kidney failure often results from diabetes, hypertension, or inflammation of the kidneys. Patients with reduced kidney function may experience lethargy, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalances, anemia, mineral-bone disorders, high blood pressure, and overall swelling. When 90% of kidney function is lost, the condition is termed end-stage kidney failure, requiring either dialysis or a kidney transplant.
What is Acute Kidney Failure?
Acute kidney failure is marked by sudden swelling around the eyes and a stabbing sensation in the sides. Its symptoms can develop within days, so caution is necessary. Causes may include infections, dehydration, toxic substances, medication, or obstructed urine flow.
Signs of Kidney Abnormalities Through Urine
Changes in urine can indicate kidney issues. If the amount of urine decreases, but the frequency increases, the kidneys may not filter waste effectively. A visit to the doctor is advised if urine color darkens, or excessive foaming occurs, as this may signify the presence of blood or protein in the urine.
What is Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis is a treatment for end-stage kidney failure that involves using a dialysis machine (artificial kidney) and a dialysis membrane to remove waste from the blood, maintain electrolyte balance, and eliminate excess fluids before returning the blood to the body. It usually commences when the glomerular filtration rate, an indicator of kidney function, drops below 10-15%.
What is an Urinary Infection?
A urinary infection occurs when bacteria, tuberculosis, or fungi are found in the urine. Symptoms may include painful urination, a sensation of incomplete emptying, and frequent urination. Women are more prone to urinary infections due to the shorter and wider urethra than men.
What is Kidney Stone Disease?
Kidney Stone Disease causes stones to form in the kidneys, urinary tract, or bladder. Symptoms include sudden, severe pain in the side and radiation of the pain toward the groin, accompanied by blood in the urine. Medication may suffice if the stones are small; otherwise, surgical removal or ultrasonic lithotripsy is recommended.
High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Worsen Kidney Diseases
Consistent management and treatment of hypertension and diabetes are crucial, as they are the most common causes of chronic kidney failure. Excessive salt and protein in the diet can exacerbate kidney damage and should be avoided.
Avoid Smoking for Better Health
Smoking harms health by causing blood vessels to contract, leading to high blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the kidneys, thereby damaging their function. Adequate hydration is also vital for maintaining kidney health.
Unknown Causes of Kidney Diseases
According to Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service statistics, approximately 21,813 patients had unspecified kidney failure in 2020. Notably, Polycystic Kidney Disease, the most common genetic kidney disease, occurs at a rate of 1 in 400 to 1,000 people and has a 50% chance of being passed on to offspring.
By. Oh Hye-in (press@daily.co.kr)
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