Understanding The Functions Of The Kidney And Its Health

Kidneys conduct complicated and crucial activities in our systems, such as waste removal and assisting in the maintenance of a balance between bodily fluids and minerals. Your heart, muscles, nerves, and other tissues would be unable to operate regularly if your kidneys were not working effectively.

What happens when the kidneys stop working properly?

If your kidneys aren't operating properly, your body won't be able to eliminate waste, extra salt, and water.

If your kidneys are damaged, you may feel tired, retain more fluid, and your blood pressure may rise. Depending on where the damage is, excellent protein may also leak into the urine, making it appear foamier. Urine volume may decrease over time.

What are some of the signs of impaired kidney function?

Early kidney impairment might often be quiet. Even if you have a kidney damage, you may have normal urine production. An yearly visit with your doctor is essential for detecting any early indications of impaired kidney function, especially if you have medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Acute kidney damage can include headaches, a sudden rise in blood pressure, blood in the urine, and/or foamy urine.

When there is substantial kidney damage, symptoms such as weariness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tremors, edema, and impaired exercise tolerance may appear.

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Who is vulnerable to developing kidney disease or having impaired kidney function?

Individuals who have high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune illnesses, or a family history of kidney disease, as well as those who have recurrent urinary tract infections, are at increased risk of developing kidney disease. Those who take too many NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may also be at risk. Certain herbal supplements might also be harmful to the kidneys.

Given any of these circumstances, it is critical to consult your doctor and inquire about the condition of your kidneys, as well as explain any drugs or supplements you are taking.

Is there anything people can do to maintain their kidneys healthy?

The greatest method to maintain your kidneys healthy is to eat healthily and remain hydrated. Dehydration can put strain on your kidneys. You should also avoid drugs or chemicals that might be damaging to your kidneys.

Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure are critical. This is due to the fact that medical diseases that impact the kidneys include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

If you have a family history of kidney disease, you should talk to your doctor about a strategy for monitoring your kidneys and your risk for renal disease.

What transpires if your kidney function keeps deteriorating?

It is crucial to follow up with a nephrologist if you do experience kidney damage or abnormal kidney function because they can keep track of all the tasks that your kidneys ought to be carrying out, offer advice on how to maintain a healthy balance of salt, minerals, and water, as well as how to treat anemia brought on by kidney disease. The progression of your kidney disease may be slowed down with advice from your nephrologist.

You should consult a nephrologist if your kidney function starts to diminish dramatically so that you may learn how to stop it from becoming worse.

You might need to consider kidney replacement therapy alternatives with your nephrologist if and when your kidney function drops to less than 20%. Receiving a kidney transplant or beginning dialysis are two options for kidney replacement therapy. A living or deceased donor might provide the kidneys for the transplant. Your nephrologist ought to be able to direct you to a transplant program if you're interested in learning more about these alternatives.

Dialysis is a method of treatment where a machine is used to remove toxins from your blood that have built up instead of your kidneys. There are several dialysis therapy alternatives.

While certain treatments may be carried out at home, others must be done at a dialysis facility. Your nephrologist might not want you to begin dialysis right immediately if you are not feeling ill. Some people wait until their kidney function is less than 10% before beginning dialysis. Your nephrologist and you may go through your choices.