Treatment For Kidney Disease
If detected early enough, the progress of kidney disease can be slowed and sometimes even prevented. In the early stages, changes to diet and medication can help to increase the life of your kidneys.
If kidney function is reduced to less than 10 per cent of normal, the loss of function must be replaced by dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that removes waste products and extra water from the blood by filtering it through a special membrane .
Fatigue Being Tired All Of The Time
Why this happens:
Healthy kidneys make a hormone called erythropoietin , or EPO, that tells your body to make oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As the kidneys fail, they make less EPO. With fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, your muscles and brain tire very quickly. This is anemia, and it can be treated.
What patients said:
I was constantly exhausted and didn’t have any pep or anything.
I would sleep a lot. I’d come home from work and get right in that bed.
Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms of a lower UTI include
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- The feeling of being unable to empty your bladder fully
- Cloudy and/or foul-smelling urine that may contain blood
- Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis
- Feeling achy, tired and generally under-the-weather
Symptoms of an upper UTI include
- A high temperature of 38°C
- Pain in your sides or back
- Shivering or chills
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Blood Tests For Kidney Disease
The best measure of kidney function is the glomerular filtration rate , which can be estimated from a blood test that checks the blood for creatinine .
A normal GFR result is higher than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. If the result is persistently less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least three months, this confirms that the person has chronic kidney disease.
Blood tests can reveal other abnormalities of kidney function, such as:
- high levels of acids
- anaemia
- high levels of potassium
- low levels of salt
- changes to the levels of calcium and phosphate.
Ckd: Protect Your Heart
Over time, CKD often gets worse and can lead to kidney failure. A person with kidney failure will need regular dialysisexternal icon or a kidney transplant to survive.
Although dialysis is needed because of CKD, heart disease is the most common cause of death for someone on dialysis. This is because when kidneys dont function properly, the heart has to work harderexternal icon to circulate blood, leading to high blood pressure and possibly heart disease.
If you or a loved one needs dialysis, look at these tips to help protect your heart:
- Choose foods that are healthiest for your heart and your kidneys. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian whos trained in CKD nutrition to understand which foods and beverages are best for you. You can learn more about dialysis and a healthy diet hereexternal icon.
- Regular physical activity helps to lower your blood pressure and improve your heart health. Moving more doesnt have to be strenuous! Some great ways to get active are gardening, yoga, or a brisk walk around the block. Ask your doctor about which activities are best for you and if there are any you should avoid.
- Manage your weight and blood sugarthis can be done with diet and exercise! Meet with a dietitian to create an eating plan that works for you and your kidneys or check out these resources to help you manage your blood sugar.
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What Are Kidney Stones Made Of
Most kidney stones are made of calcium and oxalate, but some stones are made from a combination of other materials, like uric acid, phosphate, cystine, ammonia and xanthine.
These are the several different types of kidney stones, which can affect how kidney stones are formed and what theyre made of:
- Calcium Oxalate Stones
- Calcium Phosphate Stones
- Uric Acid Stones
- Struvite Stones
- Cystine Stones
- Xanthine Stones
- Other Stones
Why Wait Until Your Kidneys Are Diseased
While the study was conducted on people with kidney disease, we could safely extrapolate the recommendations to those who want to avoid kidney disease and achieve optimal kidney function now, especially as we age.
In fact, additional research points to the actuality of physiological changes in the kidneys as we age. The research notes that a progressive reduction of the glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow are observed in conjunction with aging. The reason for these phenomena is a decrease in the plasma flow in the glomerulus, a bundle of capillaries that partially form the renal corpuscle.2
In addition, the aging kidneys experience other structural changes, such as a loss of renal mass, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli that constrict or dilate blood vessels. The study concludes with a notable summation:
age-related changes in cardiovascular hemodynamics, such as reduced cardiac output and systemic hypertension, are likely to play a role in reducing renal perfusion and filtration. Finally, it is hypothesized that increases in cellular oxidative stress that accompany aging result in endothelial cell dysfunction and changes in vasoactive mediators resulting in increased atherosclerosis, hypertension and glomerulosclerosis.2
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General Neck Pain And Anxiety
For similar reasons, those with anxiety may be more prone to having greater degrees of neck discomfort than those without anxiety. Mild to moderate neck pain is common without having any health problems it can be the result of sitting in chairs all day, sleeping in uncomfortable positions, looking down too long , not stretching, etc.
If you do not have anxiety, you might pass this off as a normal ache or pain that commonly occurs to everyone. However, if you have anxiety you might be more sensitive to physical sensations and unable to focus on anything else. Those of you who have panic attacks can have more heightened discomfort. The degree of mental energy you place on your neck may increase the pain and possibly worsen anxiety.
Kidney Disease And Cardiovascular Risks
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in people with chronic kidney disease. Compared to the general population, people with chronic kidney disease are two to three times more likely to have cardiovascular problems such as:
This increased risk is partly caused by factors common to both chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure. However, researchers are discovering that chronic kidney disease is, in itself, an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, and a history of cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease.
The kidneys regulate water and salts, remove certain wastes and make various hormones. Kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in many ways, including:
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Swollen Or Puffy Face
Why this happens:
Failing kidneys don’t remove extra fluid, which builds up in your body causing swelling in the face.
What patients said:
My sister, her hair started to fall out, she was losing weight, but her face was really puffy, you know, and everything like that, before she found out what was going on with her.
My checks were always puffy and tight. Sometimes they would even hurt.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Dehydration is a major cause of kidney stones.
Prioritize drinking enough water, especially when you are stressed. When you are stressed, you are more likely to fall out of your regular water drinking habits. If you have a history of kidney stones, aim for 3 liters of fluid per day.
Many of my patients and students have found that a smart water bottle, such as the Hidrate Spark* is very useful to stay on track!
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The Surprising Link Between Chronic Kidney Disease Diabetes And Heart Disease
Getting active is one of the best ways to help you prevent or manage CKD, diabetes, and heart disease.
Find out how these chronic conditions are connected and how to prevent or manage all three.
The body is complicated! While organs in your body each have a specific job to do to keep you healthy, they still rely on each other to function well. When one organ isnt working the way it should, it can put stress on other organs, causing them to stop working properly as well.
The relationship between chronic kidney disease , diabetes, and heart disease is one example of the ways our organs are connected.
The body uses a hormone called insulin to get blood sugar into the bodys cells to be used as energy. If someone has diabetes, their pancreas either doesnt make enough insulin or cant use the insulin it makes as well as it should.
If someone has CKD, their kidneys are not able to filter out toxins and waste from their blood as well as they should.
Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common condition, coronary artery disease, leads to changes in blood flow to the heart, which can cause a heart attack.
Anxiety Increases Neck Pain Risk
Several factors can increase your likelihood of neck pain. If your neck pain is severe or impeding your way of life, it is advised that you visit your primary care provider. Other issues such as whiplash, a herniated disk, arthritis, etc. can all present as neck pain but require medical intervention. As always, if your pain is sudden and extreme, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to decrease the chance of further damage.
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Causes Of Kidney Infection
A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria, often a type called E. coli, get into the tube that carries urine out of your body .
The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys.
E. coli bacteria normally live in your bowel, where they cause no harm.
They can be transferred from your bottom to your genitals during sex or if youre not careful when wiping your bottom after going to the loo.
A kidney infection can sometimes develop without a bladder infection. For example, if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented
While not all kidney stones can be prevented, there are ways to lower your risk of developing one or developing another one. The first and foremost way would be to drink enough fluids to ensure your urinary system gets flushed out well.
Your doctor could recommend that you avoid certain types of foods, but that is an individual call. For certain types of stones, sometimes medications are prescribed to help reduce the risk as well.
If you suspect sepsis, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital and tell your medical professional, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SEPSIS.
The information here is also available as a , which is a downloadable format for easier printing.
Would you like to share your story about sepsis or read about others who have had sepsis? Please visit Faces of Sepsis, where you will find hundreds of stories from survivors and tributes to those who died from sepsis.
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Genetics & Chronic Kidney Disease
If you’ve had questions like “Is kidney disease genetic?”, you’re not alone. Certain causes of kidney disease have important genetic and hereditary components. Conditions like polycystic kidney disease are caused by genetic mutations. The disease results in the aggressive growth of several cysts throughout both kidneys, reducing the amount of viable kidney tissue. This hampers kidney function and can have serious implications for normal subsistence. Autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Alport’s syndrome also have underlying genetic components, while causing damage to the kidneys.
Physical Symptoms Associated With Stress And Emotions
There can be short-term and moderate pain, but in some situations, there can even be severe and chronic pain.
Some specific events or stressors can make any person upset or anxious. The example in this regard is of the death in the family or because of job loss.
Such situations can release cortisolin your body, causing significant inflammation, increasing heart rate, and constrict blood vessels. Thus, these changes in your body can cause an extreme level of pain.
Furthermore, when any person experiences difficult emotional times, stress can indeed make the immune system weak. As a result, you can become more susceptible to colds, flu, and other kinds of infections.
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Stress can even make you eat a lot or drink too much and skip on your regular exercises.
Below is the list of some common physical symptoms related to stress:
- Stomach pain
- Rapid level of breathing
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What Causes Kidney Failure
The most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure. Sometimes, though, kidney failure happens quickly due to an unforeseen cause.
When the kidneys lose function suddenly , its called acute kidney failure . This type of kidney failure is often temporary. Common causes of acute kidney failure can include:
- Autoimmune kidney diseases
- A urinary tract obstruction
- Uncontrolled systemic disease like heart or liver disease
Kidney failure usually doesnt happen overnight. Chronic kidney disease refers to a group of health conditions that affect how well your kidneys function over time. If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure.
The biggest causes of kidney failure from chronic kidney disease are:
- Diabetes: Unmanaged diabetes can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Consistently high blood sugar can damage the bodys organs, including the kidneys.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure means blood travels through your bodys blood vessels with increased force. Over time, untreated high blood pressure levels can damage the kidneys tissue.
Other causes of chronic kidney disease include:
- Polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary condition where cysts grow inside your kidneys.
- Glomerular diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, which affect how well the kidneys can filter waste.
- Lupus and other autoimmune diseases that can affect multiple body systems.
Your Hot Tub May Make You More Susceptible To Urinary Tract Infections
A dip in your hot tub is the perfect way to escape the stress of our daily lives. It is one of the best ways to relax your mind and soothe your body. Unfortunately, if your thermal bath is not well maintained, you may be exposing yourself to unwanted bacteria and infection. Lets see.
Desiree Abecassis
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How Can I Prevent Acute Kidney Failure
Preventing and treating illnesses that can lead to acute kidney failure is the best method for avoiding the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, having a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a sensible diet can help to prevent kidney failure. Work with your doctor to manage existing medical conditions that could lead to acute kidney failure.
Acute kidney failure can be a life-threatening illness. Chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease can develop. Theres a greater risk of death if kidney failure is caused by severe infection, trauma, or surgery.
The following can also increase the risk of death:
What Drinks Are Bad For Kidneys
Sodas are the worst kind of beverage for people with kidney diseases since they push for kidney stone formation. They have a high amount of sodium that is parallel excreted with calcium, increasing calcium in the urine. These drinks also have a significant amount of phosphates that can precipitate with calcium and form stones.
Other beverages like beers have harmful effects specifically to uric acid stones since they are high in purine. It is also known that really high levels of vitamin C, mostly coming from supplements, can increase levels of oxalate.
The primary prevention method for kidney stones is to drink a vast amount of water every day. This reduces the concentration of the urine and prevents the formation of stones in the kidneys.
Other liquid intakes can be acquired as long as they are low on sugar and sodium levels. Finally, its important to check with a professional if you think you have kidney stones since every patient is different.
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Hypersensitivity And Health Monitoring
Anxiety also causes two different symptoms that can create fears over kidney health. The first is known as hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity is when the body becomes too sensitive to any change in the way that you feel. It’s a common condition with all types of anxiety, especially in those that have panic attacks.
Hypersensitivity is an anxiety symptom, and it’s not clear how it occurs, but the result is that you pay such close attention to your body that you notice everything – every change, every feeling, every sensation – including those that are so minor that those without anxiety may not even notice them. When you notice these sensations, your mind tends to amplify them, and this can lead to concerns over health in the areas that the sensations take place.
Another symptom of anxiety is health monitoring. This is when you are always checking to make sure that you’re in good health, even though there’s little reason to check so often. Some people check their pulse, some people check their stool, some people check their eyes, and some people check their urine.
Youve Got A Cold The Flu Or Allergies
You may be tempted to curse your seasonal sneezes, a cold, or the dreaded flu for making your life even more miserable with a UTI, but these ailments arent the cause. The meds you take to manage symptoms could be.
Though theyre the bomb at keeping your runny or stuffy nose in check, antihistamines and decongestants might make you go less by causing urinary retention. And see No. 6 that may lead to a UTI.
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