26/08/2020
The rate of kidney disease among young people is very alarming of recent. This post will teach you on what you need to know about kidney disease.
The human kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the lower back. During life the kidneys are reddish brown and one on each side of the vertebral column. The kidneys filter the blood to remove excess water, salts and wastes of protein metabolism from the blood plasma while returning nutrients and chemicals to the blood. The kidneys also perform other functions which include production of urine, hormones, control of blood pressure, keeping our bones strong.
Kidney disease relates to the organs’ inability to clear the blood of toxins. There are a lot of ways to get to that place, but it will usually entail some decline in glomerular function. The glomeruli are tiny filters in the kidneys that remove waste from the body. If they aren’t working optimally or are somehow blocked from doing their job, that can result in a buildup of waste and fluid in the body that makes you sick.
The most common kidney disease is chronic kidney disease a progressive type of kidney problem that gets worse over time.
In addition to chronic kidney disease, there are several other types of kidney disease that can be either chronic or acute. A few of the more common among these are:
Glomerulonephritis. This kidney disease develops when the glomeruli, those tiny filters that remove waste from the body, become inflamed or damaged and no longer function properly.
Autoimmune-disease related kidney disease. This occurs when the immune system attack the body’s own cells. When this process affects the kidneys, it can lead to reduced kidney function.
Polycystic kidney disease. This inherited disorder leads to the development of fluid-filled cysts all over the kidneys, causing the organs to grow too large and lose function. It’s a progressive, incurable disease, but can be managed with a growing number of medications.
Kidney cancer. As with any other part of the body, genetic mutations in cells of the kidney can give rise to cancerous tumors. It’s more common among people aged 45 and older.
Some rare kidney diseases include : Alport syndrome, Goodpasture syndrome, Wegener’s granulomatosis.
In addition to diseases that rob the kidneys of their function, injury and infection can also cause problems. Some of the more common issues that can affect your kidneys include:
Kidney stones. Hard deposits of minerals and salts can develop in the kidneys, resulting in stones. They may not cause any symptoms while they’re forming, but if they move or pass into the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, they can become excruciatingly painful and lead to infection.
Kidney infections. Urinary tract infections that are not properly treated can move up the urinary tract system and into the kidneys. Once there, the infection can result in damage to the kidney.
Acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury can occur in a number of ways, including from trauma sustained in a car accident, for example, or from decreased blood flow caused by vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), organ failure, surgery or blockage of the urinary tract.
Some of the risk factors that lead to the development of chronic kidney disease include:
High blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), autoimmune diseases, bacterial urinary tract infection, medications - Overuse or abuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, and some herbal supplements can also damage the kidneys.
Other risk factors are: cardiovascular disease, Obesity, smoking, family history, race, age.
The symptoms of chronic kidney disease can sometimes be challenging to identify initially. The kidney has a great capacity to compensate for loss of function, and it may take a while before symptoms build to a noticeable level. Early warning signs of chronic kidney disease may include: presence of blood and protein in urine, nausea and vomiting. muscle cramps. Itching, loss of appetite, swelling in the lower extremities, changes in volume of urine output, difficulty sleeping, breathlessness.
As the disease progresses and you proceed into kidney failure, more severe symptoms may develop, including: Severe abdominal and back pain, diarrhea and vomiting, fever, nosebleeds, rashes.
Because chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease, it can also lead to other complications, including: bone disease, heart disease excess calcium and potassium in the body, fluid buildup and swelling, anemia, or a lack of iron.
Preventing any disease before it starts is always the best option. Various ways of preventing chronic kidney disease include Managing diabetes and high blood pressure. Making healthy food choices by opting for foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Aim to cut back on sugar and salt.
Other strategies for prevention include: stopping smoking, managing your weight staying active, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol intake, staying well hydrated, reduction in your protein intake because the kidneys have to work harder to process the wastes that come from the breakdown of this macronutrient.
