How Can I Prevent Acute Kidney Injury
Because AKI happens suddenly, it can be hard to predict or prevent it. But taking good care of your kidneys can help prevent AKI, chronic kidney disease and kidney failure/ESRD. Follow these general rules to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible:
- Work with your doctor to manage diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Live healthy! Eat a diet low in salt and fat, exercise for 30 minutes at least five days per week, limit alcohol and take all prescription medicines as your doctor tells you to.
- If you take over-the-counter pain medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, do not take more than is recommended on the package. Taking too much of these medicines can hurt your kidneys and can cause AKI.
The Protein Debate: How Much And What Kind Of Protein Is Best For Chronic Kidney Disease
Historically, restricting protein intake has been a fundamental treatment guideline for chronic kidney disease. Lower protein intake means the kidneys dont have to work as hard to filter out byproducts of protein metabolism. In turn, the kidneys function is preserved and is less likely to become exhausted and deteriorate.
What Are Common Causes Of Kidney Failure In Dogs
Any disease that impacts the kidneys may cause the kidneys to fail, such as:
Congenital Disease: This category is comprised of hereditary conditions and underlying illnesses – everything from cysts to agenesis .
Dental Disease: Advanced dental disease can result from the buildup of bacteria on teeth and gums. The bacteria accumulates here, then enters the bloodstream to attack multiple organs, causing irreversible damage to kidneys, along with the liver and heart.
Bacterial Infections: Drinking or swimming in contaminated water is a hazard, as the system becomes susceptible to bacterial infections including leptospirosis. This can result in inflamed kidneys and renal cells being killed.
Toxicosis: If the kidneys are poisoned, this can cause cells within the kidneys to become damaged. This can happen if your dog consumes drugs or poisons .
Geriatric Degeneration: Cells within the kidneys may break down and die as your dog ages, which can lead to kidney disease.
Read Also: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Affect Your Kidneys
Kidney Failure Caused By Certain Medications
Medications are a common cause of kidney failures. There are numerous medications that can cause kidney failure and not all of them are reversible. However, many of them can be reversed. A commonly-used class of medications called NSAIDs are an example of such medications. NSAIDs are very common medications. Some of them are available over-the-counter. They are used to decrease fevers and pain. They usually cause kidney failure in high doses, but some people are more susceptible than others. In the early phase, they reduce blood supply to the kidneys and cause a quickly reversible type of kidney failure similar to that caused by bleeding. With continued use, the kidney failure may proceed to ATN, but it is still reversible if identified in time. If you have kidney failure from NSAIDs, you need to stop using them immediately to reverse your kidney failure.
How Is Kidney Failure Diagnosed
Confirming kidney failure usually involves both blood and urine tests. Blood tests will measure for creatinine and urea nitrogen, which are waste products in your blood that will show how your kidneys are performing. Urine tests will check for blood, protein, and certain electrolytes that may indicate why your kidneys are failing.
Recommended Reading: Is Celery Juice Good For Kidneys
Stop Eating So Much Processed Crap
You’re probably in the clear from fatty liver disease if you’re not overweight, right? Not exactly. There’s a growing population of people who are experiencing fatty liver even if they’re at a perfectly normal weight. This is due to a dangerous combination of poor genetics and a diet rich in processed foods and sugary drinks.
“We’re seeing people who are not overweight who have fat deposition in the liver, probably because of, strictly because of diet,” Dr. Olsen says. “They’re depositing fat preferentially in their liver before they have what we call peripheral obesity, or fat deposition in their tissue.” Basically, your liver gets fat before YOU get fat.
If eating a poor diet can contribute to fatty liver, then eating a healthy one will give your liver a break and help heal it. Limit the amount of processed foods you’re eating, and instead focus on fresh produce, lean meat, and limit your fat and simple carbohydrate intake. And of course, a cleaned-up diet can also help people lose weight, which itself can help a fatty liver.
Side Effects Of Medical Treatment
Side effects of terlipressin are common because of the potent vasoconstrictive effect. The main side effects are abdominal symptoms like pain or diarrhea and cardiovascular ischemia. When terlipressin is administered by i.v. bolus, the rate of side effects amounts to 40-50%. The rate of discontinuation due to side effects is around 20% . In the case of severe side effects like cardiovascular events, treatment should be discontinued, otherwise the dose should be decreased and continued under clinical monitoring.
Recommended Reading: Is Grape Juice Good For Kidney Stones
Is Kidney Damage Reversible: Can Kidney Failure Be Reversed
As per available information, kidney disease is one of the ninth most common causes of death in the United States. There are more than 100 different disorders and disease which affect the kidney and can result in subsequent renal destruction. Often kidney disorders are not associated with any form of symptoms.
Hypertension and diabetes are considered to be the most common factors responsible for renal damage. Kidneys play a crucial role in filtering the blood and also participate in regulating the internal fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Impairment of renal functions, especially in conditions like end stage renal disorders may result in life threatening situations.
Did You Know That Hepatitis Simply Means Inflammation Of The Liver
Inflammation is the bodys natural response to injury and an important part of healing or immune response. Think about when you get a cut or injury to your skin. The area around the wound becomes swollen or inflamed. Seeing the swelling is not the only way you experience the inflammatory phase. You may also experience pain, redness, or the wound may feel warm to the touch. Under the skin, your body is hard at work to stop the bleeding and prevent infection. Blood vessels near the wound widen, or dilate, making more room for special healing and repair cells, or cells in the wounded area. These cells remove damaged cells and harmful substances and allow the rest of the healing process to continue. Inflammation is essential to fight infection.
Inflammations Role in Repairing Damaged CellsThe liver recognizes and replaces its own damaged or broken-down cells while still performing all of its vital functions. Just as inflammation is required to get rid of toxic substances, inflammation is part of repairing damaged liver cells. Damaged liver cells and immune cells both send out messages to activate specific repair cells which travel to the site of the injury. These repair cells release something called collagen, a fiber, which stiffens the tissue around the cells, protects the surviving cells and allows healing to occur. In a healthy liver, this repair process is very closely regulated and when no longer needed the extra collagen will disperse and the liver returns to normal.
Also Check: Can You Have 4 Kidneys
Live Well With Chronic Kidney Disease
Taking an active role to manage your CKD will help you feel better and improve your overall well-being.
Taking an active role in managing your chronic kidney disease can improve your overall well-being. Learn what you can do to feel your best.
Kidneys that work properly are critical to keeping you healthy. If you have CKD, your kidneys cant filter blood as well as they should, and this can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
While its not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down. Taking prescribed medicine, being physically active, and eating well will help. Youll also feel better and improve your overall well-being.
What Are The Symptoms Of Acute Kidney Injury
You might not notice any symptoms of AKI at first. If you do have symptoms, you may notice some or all of the following problems:
- Not enough urine
- Pain or pressure in your chest
If you have very severe AKI, you may have seizures or fall into a coma.
If you notice any of these symptom, contact your health care provider immediately.
Recommended Reading: What Tea Is Good For Kidney Function
Stage 2 Kidney Disease Diet
While theres no single diet available that can cure stage 2 CKD, focusing on the right foods and avoiding others may help increase kidney function.
Some of the worst foods for your kidneys include:
- processed, boxed, and fast foods
- foods containing a high amount of sodium
- saturated fats
- deli meats
A doctor may also recommend that you cut down on both animal- and plant-based sources of protein if youre eating an excessive amount. Too much protein is hard on the kidneys.
At stage 2 CKD, you may not need to follow the some of the restrictions recommended for more advanced kidney disease, such as the avoidance of potassium.
Instead, your focus should be on maintaining a diet of fresh, whole foods from the following sources:
- whole grains
- getting daily exercise
Can Kidney Damage Be Reversed
There are several conditions that may result in kidney disorders. Some of the 54 conditions that cause kidney damage dont have long term consequences and are easily reversible while other conditions are associated with permanent kidney damage.
Some of the factors associated with reversible kidney damage include,
Also Check: Does Seltzer Water Cause Kidney Stones
How Long Does It Take The Liver To Regenerate
The liver is a vital organ that has the ability to heal itself, even after years of heavy drinking. In the event that 50-60% of the liver cells die, then it should be able to regenerate within 30 days. However, its important to recognize that good liver health is an ongoing effort that requires adherence to a healthy lifestyle.
In some cases, the liver cannot regenerate on its own. When Alcohol Liver Disease progresses to cirrhosis, it leads to scarring and the tissue becomes permanently damaged. Cirrhotic liver tissue cannot regenerate. However, following a healthy lifestyle can help minimize symptoms and improve overall life quality.
The single most important thing you can do to protect your liver is to cut out all forms of alcohol. If you or a loved one suffer from alcohol dependency, Family First offers evidence-based alcohol abuse intervention.
Research Is Revealing More About Sars
While kidney damage in COVID-19 is still not well understood, more data will reveal how this occurs. Sperati, who also conducts research on kidney disease, says the Johns Hopkins Division of Nephrology is exploring exactly how SARS-CoV-2 and the bodys response to it is affecting kidney health.
He says that patients with COVID-19-related kidney damage should follow up with their doctors to ensure kidney function is returning to normal. Lasting kidney damage might require dialysis or other therapies even after recovery from COVID-19.
Mostly, Sperati stresses the importance of adhering to guidelines around physical distancing and hand-washing, the basics of prevention. For everyone, especially people with underlying chronic disease, avoiding infection with COVID-19 for as long as you can is crucial, he says.
Right now, we dont have a treatment or vaccine for this disease. The longer a person can go without getting infected, the better chance they have of benefiting from a future therapy.
Coronavirus
Don’t Miss: Can Seltzer Water Cause Kidney Stones
Acute Kidney Failure Diagnosis
Your doctor will start with a physical exam. Then, theyâll order tests of your blood, urine, and kidneys.
Blood tests. These measure substances in your blood.
- Creatinine is a waste product in your blood thatâs made by muscle activity. Normally, itâs removed from your blood by your kidneys. But if your kidneys stop working, your creatinine level rises.
- Urea nitrogen is another waste product in your blood. Itâs created when protein from the foods is broken down. Like creatinine, your kidneys remove this from your blood. When your kidneys stop working, your urea nitrogen levels rise.
- Serum potassium is a substance found in your blood that balances water levels in your bloodstream. Kidney disease can cause either high or low potassium levels.
- Serum sodium is another substance in your blood that helps with fluid balance in your body. High sodium levels can mean that your kidneys arenât working properly because your body canât get rid of the right amount of sodium.
Urine tests. Your doctor will check your pee for blood and protein. Theyâll also look for certain electrolytes. The results help your doctor understand whatâs causing your kidney failure.
Urine output measurement. This measures how much urine you pass in 24 hours. You will get a container to take home, pee into, and then return to the lab after a full 24 hours. It can help your doctor determine why youâre having kidney failure.
Diagnosis And Etiology Of Renal Failure
The most common causes of renal injury in patients with cirrhosis are: circulatory dysfunction due to bacterial infection hypovolemia secondary to gastrointestinal bleeding, paracentesis or diuretic use contrast or drug-induced chronic kidney diseases and hepatorenal syndrome .
CKD, such as IgA nephropathy, glomerulonephritis or nephrosclerosis are commonly seen in patients with cirrhosis. In most cases, the underlying causes of both conditions are alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis B and C and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with associated diabetes and/or hypertension. HRS is a functional type of renal failure found only in patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites. It is reversible either with orthotopic liver transplantation or with pharmacological treatment with splanchnic vasoconstrictors and albumin. HRS is the ultimate result of arterial underfilling due to splanchnic and systemic vasodilation generally with high cardiac output. When the circulatory dysfunction is inadequate to restore hemodynamics, vasoconstrictor mediators are released, resulting in severe renal vasoconstriction.
Recommended Reading: Is Watermelon Good For Your Kidneys
Kidney Failure From Severe Dehydration
Severe dehydration is one of the most common causes of reversible kidney failure. Dehydration can be a serious life-threatening disorder. Read Hospitalized for Dehydration if you would like to understand what to expect when hospitalized for dehydration. Kidney failure is one of the most common complications of dehydration.
During the early stages of every dehydration, your kidneys essentially shut themselves down to preserve water. Once the dehydration is corrected, the kidneys start to open up and quickly get your urine production back to normal. The blood tests I mentioned earlier help decide whether the kidney failure is still in the early rapidly reversible state. If the ratio of BUN to Cr is equal to or more than 20, your kidney failure from dehydration is likely in the early rapidly reversible stage.
When the treatment of dehydration is delayed for several days, your kidneys go into the second stage of kidney failure. Small tubes inside the kidneys start to die off and you have structural damage inside the kidneys. This type of kidney failure is medically called Acute Tubular Necrosis or ATN. Necrosis simply means dying off. ATN is still reversible in most cases, but it takes longer to recover from. The tubes that die off will have to regenerate so that the kidney failure can ultimately be reversed. It may take a few weeks to reverse the kidney failure when ATN is present.
Kidney Damage From Diabetes
Kidney damage from diabetes can occur in people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or any other condition that can cause hyperglycemia .
When poorly managed, these conditions can lead to consistently high blood glucose levels, which in turn can damage the blood vessels and nephrons in your kidneys.
Don’t Miss: Does Red Wine Cause Kidney Stones
What Is Liver Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic: Liver disease can be inherited or caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses and alcohol use. Obesity is also a cause of liver damage. Over time, damage to the liver results in scarring , which can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.
- Skin and eyes that appear yellowish
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
Can Liver Damage Be Reversed
The liver is a unique organ. It is the only organ in the body that is able to regenerate. With most organs, such as the heart, the damaged tissue is replaced with scar, like on the skin. The liver, however, is able to replace damaged tissue with new cells. If up to 50 to 60 percent of the liver cells may be killed within three to four days in an extreme case like a Tylenol overdose, the liver will repair completely after 30 days if no complications arise.
Complications of liver disease occur when regeneration is either incomplete or prevented by progressive development of scar tissue within the liver. This occurs when the damaging agent such as a virus, a drug, alcohol, etc., continues to attack the liver and prevents complete regeneration. Once scar tissue has developed it is very difficult to reverse that process. Severe scarring of the liver is the condition known as cirrhosis. The development of cirrhosis indicates late stage liver disease and is usually followed by the onset of complications.
Also Check: Cranberry Good For Liver
What Causes Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury usually happens when your kidneys are damaged suddenly. The damage that leads to AKI may be caused by:
- Not enough blood flowing through your kidneys
- An injury directly to your kidneys or a problem with your kidneys
- A blockage in your ureters, the tubes that take urine from your kidneys to your bladder
Some examples of problems that can cause you to have too little blood flowing through your kidneys are:
- Low blood pressure