01/05/2023
WHAT ARE HIGH CREATININE LEVELS IN KIDNEY DISEASES?
High creatinine levels can suggest a variety of health problems, including kidney infection and kidney failure.
Creatinine is a muscle waste product. The kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and eliminate it through the urine in a healthy body. Creatinine levels that are too high can signal kidney problems.
In this post, we will look at what creatinine is and what causes it to be high. We also discuss the symptoms of excessive creatinine, when to be concerned about creatinine levels.
Creatinine is produced naturally as a consequence of muscle action. It is a creatine phosphate metabolite that the muscles use as an energy source.
The larger someone's muscular mass, the higher their creatinine levels. The primary way in which the body removes creatinine from the blood is by filtration through the kidneys and then excretion in the urine.
WHAT ARE NORMAL AND HIGH LEVELS?
The creatinine levels that experts consider to be normal may vary among different hospitals and laboratories.
According to the British Medical Journal, the usual reference range for serum creatinine is 60–110 micromoles per liter (mcmol/l), or 0.7–1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), for males and 45–90 mcmol/l (0.5–1.0 mg/dl) for females.
If creatinine is above these levels, doctors may consider it high.
However, their decision will depend on someone’s muscle mass and certain other factors, such as age, s*x, and hydration levels.
CAUSES OF HIGH CREATININE LEVELS
High creatinine levels usually indicate that the kidneys are not working as they should. Possible causes of this dysfunction include:
• kidney infection
• glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the kidney structures that filter the blood
• kidney stones that block the urinary tract
• kidney failure
Outside of kidney function, several other factors can temporarily raise creatinine levels above normal. These include dehydration and consuming large amounts of protein — either through food sources or nutritional supplements.
High intensity exercise can also blood biomarkers, including creatinine.
A person undergoing a creatinine test should let the doctor know if they are taking any medications, fasting, or adhering to a protein-rich diet.
Certain medicines can cause a temporary increase in serum creatinine levels or damage the kidneys.
Some health conditions can also damage these organs, leading to increased creatinine levels. These conditions include:
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CREATININE LEVELS
People with high creatinine levels may experience different symptoms, depending on the cause.
Drug toxicity
Antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, diuretics, and some other medicationsTrusted Source can cause kidney damage and affect how well the kidneys function.
The symptoms include:
• fluid retention
• feeling weak or fatigued
• confusion
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• irregular heart rate
• chest pain
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
An untreated kidney infectionTrusted Source can damage the kidneys, and, in extreme cases, it can even cause kidney failure.
People may experience the following symptoms:
• fever or chills
• pain in the back, side, or groin
• cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
• frequent, painful urination
• nausea and vomiting
Glomerulonephritis
Lupus, Goodpasture’s syndrome, and infections can cause glomerulonephritis, which can lead to kidney damage and failure.
Possible symptoms include:
• high blood pressure
• blood or protein in the urine
• bubbly or foamy urine due to high levels of protein
• swelling of the ankles and face
Diabetes
In people with diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high, leading to health problems, including kidney disease.
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may develop suddenly, but the symptoms of type 2 diabetes tend to present more gradually.
In both types of diabetes, symptoms may include:
• increased thirst and appetite
• frequent urination
• fatigue
• blurry vision
• slow-healing wounds
• numb or tingling hands and feet
High blood pressure
High blood pressure measurements show that the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels surrounding the kidneys, affecting kidney function and, in turn, causing high creatinine.
Many people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms, and doctors may only detect the issue during a regular health screening.
Heart disease
Atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and other conditions that affect the heart can also affect kidney function.
The symptoms of heart disease depend on the specific type of this condition, but they may include:
• chest pain (angina)
• shortness of breath
• nausea
• fatigue and weakness
• irregular heartbeat
• swelling in the legs or feet
Urinary tract blockage
If the urinary tract becomes blocked by kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate, urine can accumulate in the kidneys, leading to hydronephrosis.
Symptoms can include:
• pain in the back or side
• nausea and vomiting
• painful urination
• blood in the urine
• fever
Kidney failure
Kidney failure means that the kidneys have stopped working. It can be either acute, with symptoms that come on quickly, or chronic, with symptoms developing over time.
People should watch for these symptoms which could indicate acute kidney failure:
• swelling in the feet and ankles
• too much or too little urine
• breathing difficulties
• nausea and vomiting
• irregular heartbeat
• confusion
• weakness
The following symptoms may be present if kidney failure is chronic:
• difficulty sleeping
• itching
• lack of appetite
• muscle cramps
WHEN TO CONTACT A DOCTOR
Anyone experiencing any new and unexplained symptoms should consult a medical professional. It is particularly important to seek advice if the symptoms indicate kidney disease, diabetes, or heart problems.
Dr.Smith ( Ayurvenda.TCM)
08064400128
