Kidney Failure Definition And Facts
- Kidneys are the organs that filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body.
- Symptoms of kidney failure are due to the build-up of waste products and excess fluid in the body that may cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, swelling, and confusion. Inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. Initially, kidney failure may cause no symptoms.
- There are numerous causes of kidney failure, and treatment of the underlying disease may be the first step in correcting the kidney abnormality.
- Some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.
- The diagnosis of kidney failure usually is made by blood tests measuring BUN, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate .
- Treatment of the underlying cause of kidney failure may return kidney function to normal. Lifelong efforts to control blood pressure and diabetes may be the best way to prevent chronic kidney disease and its progression to kidney failure. As we age, kidney function gradually decreases over time.
- If the kidneys fail completely, the only treatment options available may be dialysis or transplant.
What Can I Expect If I Have Kidney Disease
If you have kidney disease you can still live a productive home and work life and enjoy time with your family and friends. To have the best outcome possible, its important for you to become an active member of your treatment team.
Early detection and appropriate treatment are important in slowing the disease process, with the goal of preventing or delaying kidney failure. You will need to keep your medical appointments, take your medications as prescribed, stick to a healthy diet and monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Capd And Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
With either CAPD or automated peritoneal dialysis, you gain a sense of control over your treatments and dont need the help of a partner. After youre trained, you can do CAPD and automated peritoneal dialysis by yourself. With peritoneal dialysis, youll have boxes of dialysis solution taking up space in your home.
CAPD pros
- You dont need a machine to do CAPD.
- You can do CAPD at the times you choose, as long as you complete the required number of exchanges each day.
- You can do CAPD in many locations.
- You can travel as long as you bring dialysis supplies with you or have them delivered to where youre going.
CAPD cons
- CAPD can disrupt your daily routine.
- CAPD is a continuous treatment, and you need to do all exchanges 7 days a week.
Automated peritoneal dialysis pros
- You can do exchanges at night while you sleep.
- You may not have to perform exchanges during the day.
- You can travel as long as you bring dialysis supplies with you or have them delivered to where youre going.
Automated peritoneal dialysis cons
- You need a machine. If you travel, you may have to carry your cycler with you.
- Your connection to the cycler limits your movement at night.
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What Is The Prognosis And Life Expectancy For Kidney Failure Can It Be Prevented
The outlook for kidney failure depends upon the underlying condition that caused it. Kidney function may return to normal, especially if it is due to an acute obstruction and that obstruction is relieved. Other causes of decreased kidney function leading to kidney failure are due to underlying disease and occur slowly over time.
Prevention is the best chance to maintain kidney function, and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes over a lifetime can decrease the potential for progressive kidney damage. Chronic kidney failure may be managed to help monitor electrolyte and waste product levels in the bloodstream. Major abnormalities can be life-threatening, and treatment options may be limited to dialysis or transplant.
What Do Your Kidneys Do
You have two kidneys. They are bean-shaped organs that are located toward your back, on either side of your spine, just underneath the rib cage. Each kidney is about the size of your fist.
Your kidneys have many jobs, but their main job is to filter your blood, getting rid of toxins and excess salt and water as urine. If your kidneys are damaged and dont work as they should, wastes can build up in your blood and can make you sick. Your kidneys also balance the amount of salts and minerals in your body, make hormones that control blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep your bones strong.
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Diagnosis Of Kidney Failure
A number of tests can be used to measure kidney function. If CKD is found, tests may be used to determine:
- the cause of the kidney damage
- the amount of kidney damage
- treatment options.
- blood tests to establish the estimated glomerular filtration rate , which measures how well the kidneys filter wastes from the blood
- urine tests for albumin, blood, glucose and red or white blood cells
- a blood pressure check
- ultrasound, computed tomography , x-ray and other imaging techniques to take pictures of your kidneys
- a kidney biopsy, where a needle is used to remove a small piece of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope.
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.
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What To Expect If Youre Facing Kidney Failure
Your outlook depends on the type of kidney failure.
If you have chronic kidney failure, your kidneys cant recover, but you can slow its progression with the right treatment, unless you receive a kidney transplant.
If you have acute kidney failure, your kidneys will most likely recover and start to work again.
Manage Or Prevent Heart Disease
People with stage 4 kidney disease have a high risk of having heart disease. In fact, most people with kidney disease do not die of kidney failure – they die of heart disease. Why? Because, in addition to kidney disease, they usually have one or more of the following health risks:
You can help slow – or possibly prevent – heart problems by following your treatment plan. Ask your healthcare professional what you need to do to keep your heart healthy.
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Stay Away From Phosphorous:
Phosphorous is the mineral which can be found in most foods. However, you may rarely hear about this mineral. The possible reason may be that people hardly lack of phosphorous mineral. Therefore, too much phosphorous may become the problems, especially for your kidneys. Processed, prepared foods and carbonated soft drinks which have the great source of phosphorous should be avoided. According to the Standard American Diet , you should only consume 800 mg to 1,200 mg of phosphorus per day. The extra phosphorus will be flushed from your body thank to healthy kidneys. If the kidneys function deteriorates, phosphorus may accumulate in your body. Overtime, it will lead to some serious complication such as bone or heart or bone disorders, calcification of tissues. Therefore, as the effective way on how to treat kidney stones naturally, you should not get too much phosphorus in your diet. It is recommended eating nutritious, whole foods diet and staying away from convenience and fast foods.
What Questions Should I Ask About Kidney Transplant
You may want to ask your doctor these questions:
- Is transplantation the best treatment choice for me? Why?
- What are my chances of having a successful transplant?
- How do I find out whether a family member or friend can donate?
- What are the risks to a family member or friend who donates?
- If a family member or friend does not donate, who will place me on a waiting list for a kidney?
- How long will I have to wait?
- How will I know if my donor kidney is working?
- How long does a transplanted kidney last?
- What are the side effects of anti-rejection medicines?
- Who will be on my transplant team? How can the members of my transplant team help me?
- Who can I talk with about finances, sex, or family concerns?
- Can I talk with someone who is living with a kidney transplant?
Learn about kidney transplant.
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Can Kidney Disease Be Prevented
Seeing your healthcare provider on a regular basis throughout your life is a good start for preventing kidney disease. About one in every three people in the United States is at risk for kidney disease. Identify and manage any risk factors for developing kidney disease.
- Control your high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80.
- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Eat a healthy diet. Follow a low-fat, low-salt diet.
- Dont smoke.
- Be active for 30 minutes at least five days a week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Take nonprescription pain relievers only as directed. Taking more than directed can damage your kidneys.
Is It Safe To Use Herbal Supplements If I Have Kidney Disease
You may think about using herbal supplements to help with any health concerns you may have, but as a patient with kidney disease, you should use caution with herbal supplements.
Use of herbal supplements is often unsafe if you have kidney disease since some herbal products can cause harm to your kidneys and even make your kidney disease worse. Also, your kidneys cannot clear waste products that can build up in your body.
The herbal supplement market is a multi-million dollar business. You may hear from a friend or family member about an herbal supplement that they think has improved their health or well-being and they suggest it to you. While this advice may be fine for them, it can be dangerous for you with kidney disease.
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Kidney Transplant
Together, you and your transplant team should weigh the pros and cons of a kidney transplant.
Pros
- A transplanted kidney works like a healthy kidney.
- If you have a living donor, you can choose the time of your operation.
- You may feel healthier and have a better quality of life.
- Youll have fewer diet restrictions.
- You wont need dialysis.
- People who get a donated kidney have a greater chance of living a longer life than those who stay on dialysis.
Cons
- A kidney transplant requires surgery, which involves certain risks, such as infection.
- Youll go through extensive medical testing at the transplant clinic.
- You may need to wait years for a donor kidney.
- Your body may reject the donor kidney, so one transplant may not last a lifetime.
- Youll need to take anti-rejection medicineswhich may cause other health problemsfor as long as the transplanted kidney works.
Life Expectancy Of Stage 4 Kidney Disease Patients
Without treatment in the form of kidney dialysis, stage 4 kidney disease patients will be subjected to several negative symptoms that will not only cause pain, but also an overall decrease in quality of life. It is expected that stage 4 patients will not survive more than a year without dialysis treatment.
With dialysis, however, patients are expected to increase survivability considerably, allowing them to extend their prognosis by an additional 25 years. By allowing a dialysis machine to perform the work normally done by the kidneys, your body can perform optimally again. However, it is important to note that every patient is different and may have additional circumstances that may affect survival.
Dialysis should only be considered as a temporary measure to help get rid of harmful toxins and wastes from the body. All efforts are geared toward promoting kidney treatment and recovery that help repair diseased cells and tissues so that eventually a patients kidney function is sufficient enough to do the job on its own. This will require the dedication and vigilance of the patient to adhere strict dietary plans and treatments prescribed by the doctor.
However, some cases of kidney disease are beyond what can be treated with modern medicine, with the only resort left being kidney transplantation.
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What Are Some Ways To Pay For Kidney Failure Treatment
Medicare, the federal health insurance program, and private health insurance cover most of the cost. Medicare covers kidney failure no matter what your age. If you need more help to pay for treatment, state Medicaid programs provide funds for health care based on financial need. Your social worker can help you find more ways to pay for treatment.
Help Keep Your Kidney Disease From Getting Worse
Good self-management will help you to live a long, fulfilling life and continue to do the things you love. It can also help to slow or even stop kidney disease from getting worse – and it may even stop or delay kidney failure. Good self-management starts with:
- Controlling other health problems you may have
- Treating complications of kidney disease
- Managing or preventing heart disease
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How Can I Decide Which Treatment Is Right For Me
Choosing the kidney failure treatment that is best for you may be hard. To make it easier
- start learning about your treatment options early
- think about how each treatment will affect your daily routine and how you feel
Talk with your doctor and with people who are on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or whove had a transplant, to find out the pros and cons of each treatment. Find out how the treatment changed their lives and the lives of those closest to them. Ask your doctor about the transplant waiting list, and about diet changes and medicines youll need with each treatment.
If youre thinking about conservative management, ask your doctor how youll feel and how treatment can help keep you comfortable.
Reflect on whats most important to you. If you plan to keep working, think about which treatment can make that easier. If spending time with family and friends means a lot to you, ask which treatment would give you the most free time. Find out which treatment would give you the best chance of feeling good and living longer.
You may wish to speak with your family, friends, health care team, spiritual advisor, or mental health counselor as you decide.
View a chart comparing hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.
How To Treat Kidney Disease In Dogs Conclusion
I know it can be tough reading these types of articles, knowing your dog isnt well. Believe me, it isnt easy writing them, especially as I write about a lot of what my own dog is going through.
But what else can we do? We have to make every effort to care for our dogs the best way we know how, and if I can help you do that through this website, and my own experiences, than Im happy.
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How Soon Should I Start Learning About What Type Of Treatment To Have
Start learning early about treatment optionsbefore you need one. Youll have time to
- learn about the different treatment options
- talk with other people who are living with dialysis, a transplant, or conservative management
- work with your health care team to create a kidney failure treatment plan
- prepare yourself mentally and physically for the changes ahead
Creating a treatment plan and sharing it with your family gives you more control.
What Causes Kidney Damage
Think of your kidneys act as a natural blood filtration system. Twenty four hours a day, theyre filtering your blood for waste metabolites, which means that your diet can play a large role in their long-term health.
There are three main categories of risk factors for kidney injury:
- An unhealthy diet
Well touch on a few of the most common below.
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Can Kidney Disease Be Cured Or Reversed
1 in 3 American adults is at risk for CKD. CKD is more common in women than in men. CKD is the 9th leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2017, over 500,000 patients received dialysis treatment, and over 200,000 lived with a kidney transplant.
Over the past few weeks, weve repeatedly got this question to our emails asking us if there is a cure for kidney disease. We went over some facts that can be covered in this topic and shared some information in the video we posted.
A cure is basically a procedure that puts an end to a medical condition via medication, surgery, or even lifestyle changes. The underlying condition may be a disease, mental illness, or a disability. To cure something means to recover or restore from a disease or an underlying condition that poses threat to your health. There are also certain types of cancer that cannot be cured while diseases like smallpox and malaria can be easily managed.
When it comes to kidney disease sufferers, the cure depends on what specific type of injury youve had. It can be Acute Kidney Injury a condition where your kidney suddenly stops working or Chronic Kidney Disease where there may have been something long-standing in the kidney for a while.
We dont have a cure for kidney disease but we have a lot of treatments and remedies.
With acute kidney disease, you can get a certain amount of your kidney function back if youre able to address the cause of the acute injury.