Kidney Diseases

Kidney Diseases

The kidney has a function to remove toxins and excess fluid out of the body. It is the filter unit for the body. Humans have two kidneys. If any of the kidneys has a problem then it cannot work as it should. In case one kidney fails or injured, the doctor removes the particular kidney. A person can also remain alive on one functioning kidney and live a healthy life. However, in that case, extra precautions should be taken.

Kidney diseases affect different parts of your body. Kidney failure is severe kidney disease. In kidney failure, the kidney stops working hence kidney transplant or dialysis is required. You should be aware of the causes of kidney diseases to prevent them. In many cases the causes of kidney disease are unknown. Here we have mentioned some general research-based causes of kidney disease.

Top 4 Reasons for Kidney Diseases 

  • Diabetes – 

Diabetes is the primary cause of kidney diseases. People with diabetes are more prone to kidney diseases. Kidney disease caused by diabetes is categorized as Diabetic Kidney Disease. Excess blood sugar affects the functioning of kidneys. It damages the blood vessels in kidneys. Due to this, the excess waste fluid cannot get filtered out of the body. Over a period of time, the kidneys get damaged. If you have diabetes then you should regularly test blood sugar, urine, and blood pressure once in a year. Moreover, you should not hold urine for a long time because it increases the development of bacteria that has a high blood sugar level.

  • High Blood Pressure – 

The blood vessels become thicker and stiffer with age. This is the common cause of high blood pressure in old age. High blood pressure puts extra pressure on blood vessels and damages the blood vessels that eventually put an adverse effect on kidneys. High blood pressure is one of the major reasons for kidney diseases.  Hence, if you already have blood pressure and you should keep an eye on this. In many cases, people with high blood pressure do not feel symptoms. Yearly health check-up is essential to monitor overall health.

  • Obesity – 

Obesity increases the risk of many diseases like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease. Obese people have higher chances to develop kidney disease than normal people. In obesity, the kidneys have to work harder due to excess fat in the body. Over time the extra work burden on kidneys increases the risk of kidney disease. You can prevent obesity by adopting a healthy lifestyle. In current modern times, a BMI test is available that can help us to know fat and muscle in the body.

  • Side Effect of Medicines –

Overuse of pain killers can lead to serious kidney damage. You should not take medicines without consulting doctors because medicines can cause side effects. Moreover, alcohol also put your kidneys and liver at risk. If you are taking supplements then you should take them after consulting with a doctor.

Above mentioned things can lead to kidney disease.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Diseases

In simple kidney disease, you may feel a few symptoms. Common symptoms of kidney disease – problem in urine (either too much or not enough urine), swelling in legs and ankles, not feeling hungry, trouble in breathing, nausea, vomiting, persistent itching, trouble in sleeping, and muscle cramps. You should not avoid these symptoms. Suddenly if kidney stops working then you may feel abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, nose bleeds, back pain, and vomiting. If you have any of the symptoms then without wasting time you should immediately consult a doctor.

Test to check the health of Kidney

The renal function test (RFT) is a general test to test the kidneys. It includes various parameters like Urea, Creatinine, Calcium, Magnesium, etc. Generally, doctors recommend renal function test if symptoms of kidney disease are seen in patients. A kidney ultrasound is also performed to diagnose kidneys’ problems. If you have a family history of this problem then you should keep extra caution. You should go for a renal function test once a year. Early detection of disease will prevent further development. A urine test can also help to detect problems in the kidney.

Kidney problems can be treatable in the initial condition through proper care and treatment. However, some kidney damages are irreversible. If you already have health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes then you should take extra precautions.

General Precautions to Prevent Kidney Diseases

  • You should control diabetes and high blood pressure level.
  • If you have any problem in the urinary system like urinary tract infection then you should not avoid this problem and get proper treatment.
  • Do not take medicines without consulting doctor.
  • Do exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Health check-up once is year is good to maintain good health. Visit Arth Diagnostics for Health Checkup.

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