Saturday, March 9, 2024
HomeMust ReadHow To Spot Kidney Problems

How To Spot Kidney Problems

Part 3 Of 3: Getting A Medical Diagnosis

Different Types of Kidney Problems – How To Spot The One You Have
  • 1Contact your doctor if you have pain that won’t go away. It is important to get medical problems that are causing you pain treated by a medical professional. If you don’t get them treated promptly, they could create larger issues that will cause you even more pain in the future.
  • Treating pain with an over-the-counter pain medication is a good temporary solution if you are in a lot of distress. However, you should get medical care for long-term pain so that there is a chance that the problem can be solved instead of simply masked with medication.
  • 2Have an examination and testing done. When you see the doctor they will ask you about your symptoms, including when they started and how strong they are. They will then do a physical exam that includes feeling the areas of pain. At this point they may be able to give you a general idea of what is causing the pain but they will also likely do a variety of tests on you to give you a specific diagnosis.
  • Whether the doctor suspects a serious problem in the back, such as a slipped disc, or a problem with the kidneys, they will order imaging to be done. This can be in the form of an X-ray, ultrasound, spinal magnetic resonance imaging , or a computed tomography scan.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • Can Kidney Failure Be Prevented

    While kidney failure from chronic kidney disease cant be reversed, you can do many things to help preserve the kidney function you have today. Healthy habits and routines may slow down how quickly kidneys lose their functional abilities.

    If you have chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, youll want to:

    • Monitor your kidney function, with your doctors help.
    • Keep your blood sugar levels under control, if you have diabetes.
    • Keep your blood pressure levels in a normal range.
    • Avoid smoking.
    • Make healthy diet choices, such as limiting foods high in protein and sodium.

    What Is Chronic Renal Failure Is It The Same As Chronic Kidney Disease

    The kidneys have a large amount of spare capacity to perform their various functions so at least two-thirds of the kidneys must be dysfunctional before any clinical signs are seen. In many cases, this means that the damage to the kidneys has been occurring over a number of months or years before failure is evident. Chronic renal failure , or chronic kidney disease is mainly a problem in older cats. Only about 10% of the cases occur in cats less than three years old.

    “Damage to the kidneys has been occurring over a number of months or years before failure is evident.”

    Also Check: Can A Kidney Infection Kill Me

    Signs Of Kidney Problems During Pregnancy

    Preeclampsia

    Preeclampsia affects only pregnant women after the 20th week of pregnancy and resolves shortly after the baby is delivered. Although it is by origin not a primary kidney problem, it does involve the kidneys. It is characterised by:

    • Hypertension
    • Proteinuria, or protein in the urine

    Other symptoms which may appear as part of preeclampsia or as preeclampsia progresses include:

    • Headache that cannot be alleviated with painkillers
    • Edema of hands, arms, face and/or feet
    • Blurred vision, other visual disturbances or blind spots
    • Confusion or disorientation
    • Oliguria of 500ml or less over 24 hours
    • Being unable to feel the baby move as much as previously
    • Shortness of breath, possibly due to pulmonary edema
    • Stroke. This is very rare

    Good to know: If a pregnant person suddenly discovers that their watch, bracelets or rings no longer fit their arm or hand, or that their sleeves are suddenly tight, they should seek medical help immediately. Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome and is considered a medical emergency.

    For more information on, see this resource on preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome.

    If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP Syndrome, download the Ada app for a free symptom assessment.

    How To Distinguish Between Kidney Pain And Back Pain

    How to Know if You Have Kidney Problems (with Pictures ...

    This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. This article has been viewed 255,777 times.

    When you are having pain in your back, you may not automatically know what it causing it. It can be very difficult to recognize the differences between pain originating in your back and pain coming from your kidneys. However, the difference is all in the details. In order to distinguish between kidney and back pain you need to concentrate on identifying exactly where the pain is located, how constant it is, and whether there are any other symptoms you are experiencing. If you can identify the details, you should be able to distinguish between kidney and back pain.

    Read Also: What Eases Kidney Stone Pain

    Swelling Of Feet And Hands

    Swelling is one of the characteristic signs of kidney failure as a result of fluid retention. It is also seen with other diseases that do not involve the kidney directly. The swelling is most obvious in the peripheral parts of the body, such as the legs and feet as well as in the hands. However, swelling can occur anywhere an over time it may also lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen and even throughout the body .

    What Is Peritoneal Dialysis

    Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as the dialysis filter to rid the body of waste and to balance electrolyte levels. A catheter is placed in the abdominal cavity through the abdominal wall by a surgeon, and it is expected to remain in place for the long-term. The dialysis solution is then dripped in through the catheter and left in the abdominal cavity for a few hours after which, it is drained out. During that time, waste products leech from the blood flowing through the lining of the abdomen , and attach themselves to the fluid that has been instilled by the catheters. Often, patients instill the dialysate fluid before bedtime, and drain it in the morning.

    There are benefits and complications for each type of dialysis. Not every patient can choose which type he or she would prefer. The treatment decision depends on the patient’s illness and their past medical history along with other issues. Usually, the nephrologist will have a long discussion with the patient and family to decide what will be the best option available.

    Dialysis is lifesaving. Without it, patients whose kidneys no longer function would die relatively quickly due to electrolyte abnormalities and the buildup of toxins in the blood stream. Patients may live many years with dialysis but other underlying and associated illnesses often are the cause of death.

    Also Check: Can Kidney Stones Affect Your Psa Count

    What Is Kidney Disease And What Are Some Of The Causes

    Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys cannot function properly. There is not one type of kidney disease. Rather, a number of different conditions can cause disease and/or a loss in kidney function, and they have different signs and symptoms depending on how they affect the kidneys. These various causes fall into one of three main groups:

    prevents the kidneys from performing their

    Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys cannot function properly. There is not one type of kidney disease. Rather, a number of different conditions can cause disease and/or a loss in kidney function, and they have different signs and symptoms depending on how they affect the kidneys. These various causes fall into one of three main groups:

    prevents the kidneys from performing their functions and over time, can damage the kidneys.

    • Decreased blood flow can happen very quickly and can be caused by conditions such as shock, severe dehydration and
    • It can also develop slowly over time as a result of heart failure and liver failure, for example

    Conditions can affect the kidney itself causing damage and/or impaired function. Some examples include:

    Alternatively, each of the above tests may be ordered individually.

    How To Spot Kidney Failure Symptoms

    HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE KIDNEY PROBLEMS [Free dialysis video training]

    How to spot kidney failure symptoms? Kidney failure which is also known as renal failure, is a kind of kidney disease with the kidney function gradually fail to work. For kidney failure patients, they may have no symptoms in early stage, and with the reduction of kidney function, patients will suffer from some serious symptoms. In order to have early treatment, patients can spot some symptoms to diagnose their kidney failure.

    1. Get a yearly blood test in physical done

    For kidney failure patients, because of their kidney damage, their blood test will be different from some other patients, so they can have yearly blood test to help diagnose their kidney failure.

    2. Watch for signs of anemia

    Anemia is a common symptom for kidney failure patients, so if they often feel fatigue, paleness of skin color, shortness of breath in exercise, they may also have kidney failure. Anemia is often caused by kidney failure because kidney failure will leave wastes in blood and make the blood cells reduced, which will reduce the oxygen carrying capability.

    3. Pay attention to itching skin

    As we know, kidneys have function of filtering wastes and toxins in blood, and regulate the overall body health. For kidney failure patients, because of the kidney damage, these wastes and toxins will build up in blood, which may cause skin itching or skin rashes. Therefore, if you have consistently skin itching, you need to see a physician.

    4. Take note of swelling

    5. Watch for changes in urine

    You May Like: Is Mulberry Good For Kidneys

    What Are Dialysis And Hemodialysis

    Dialysis cleanses the body of waste products in the body by use of filter systems. There are two types of dialysis, 1) hemodialysis and 2) peritoneal dialysis.

    Hemodialysis uses a machine filter called a dialyzer or artificial kidney to remove excess water and salt, to balance the other electrolytes in the body, and to remove waste products of metabolism. Blood is removed from the body and flows through tubing into the machine, where it passes next to a filter membrane. A specialized chemical solution flows on the other side of the membrane. The dialysate is formulated to draw impurities from the blood through the filter membrane. Blood and dialysate never touch in the artificial kidney machine.

    For this type of dialysis, access to the blood vessels needs to be surgically created so that large amounts of blood can flow into the machine and back to the body. Surgeons can build a fistula, a connection between a large artery and vein in the body, usually in the arm, that allows a large amount of blood to flow into the vein. This makes the vein swell or dilate, and its walls become thicker so that it can tolerate repeated needle sticks to attach tubing from the body to the machine. Since it takes many weeks or months for a fistula to mature enough to be used, significant planning is required if hemodialysis is to be considered as an option.

    What Are The Causes And Risk Factors Of Kidney Stones

    Anyone can get a kidney stone, but some people are more likely than others to have them. Men get kidney stones more often than women do. Kidney stones are also more common in non-Hispanic white people than in people of other ethnicities. You may also be more likely to have kidney stones if:

    • You have had kidney stones before.
    • Someone in your family has had kidney stones.
    • You dont drink enough water.
    • You follow a diet high in protein, sodium and/or sugar.
    • You have had gastric bypass surgery or another intestinal surgery.
    • You have polycystic kidney disease or another cystic kidney disease.
    • You have a certain condition that causes your urine to contain high levels of cystine, oxalate, uric acid or calcium.
    • You have a condition that causes swelling or irritation in your bowel or your joints.
    • You take certain medicines, such as diuretics or calcium-based antacids.

    Don’t Miss: Does Kidney Infection Cause Blood In Urine

    How Can You Tell The Difference Between Kidney And Back Pain

    When it comes to differentiating between the two, you want to look at two factors: the location of the pain and the type of sensations youre experiencing.

    Location

    Pain that is related to a pulled muscle, ligament strain, or disc damage, can be anywhere up and down your back, but it tends to be around the lower spine . Reason being: This area bears most of our weight as we go about our daily activities, rendering it more vulnerable to injury, tightness, and muscle fatigue. If theres a nerve issue, the pain may also radiate down to your butt or to one of your legs or feet, as well.

    Kidney pain, on the other hand, manifests around the middle of your back and to either side of the spine. This is called the flank area. If you reach around and put your hand naturally where your waist is, its right about there, says Dr. Rajan.

    Type of pain

    Back pain can range from a sharp burning sensation to a dull ache. You may also experience numbness or tingling in your legs. The key thing to notice about back pain, though, is that it often flares up or lessens depending on how you move, according to Cheyenne Santiago, M.S.N., R.N., and managing editor at MCG.

    Kidney pain is also often accompanied by other symptoms. So, if you also:

    • Notice your pee looks bloody, dark, or cloudy
    • Find that your urine smells funkier than usual
    • Have pain when urinating

    youll want to have your primary care physician examine your kidney function.

    Hepatitis C And Kidney Disease

    10 Warning Signs Of Kidney Failure

    Hepatitis C is a viral disease that affects the liver. The liver is an organ in the human body that converts everything you eat or drink into nutrients and gets rid of toxins. There is a connection between hepatitis C and kidney disease. Hep C can cause kidney disease, and sometimes kidney patients can get hep C from hemodialysis, a treatment for kidney failure, if a medical facility does not carefully follow guidelines for infection control. Learn why every kidney patient should be tested for hepatitis C.

    Also Check: Does Kidney Infection Cause Diarrhea

    How Long Can I Expect My Cat To Live

    Unfortunately, once the kidneys are damaged, they have very limited ability to recover. However, with proper management, most CRF cases progress very slowly. With treatment, your cat may have several years of good quality, active life ahead.

    Contributors: Ernest Ward, DVM; Updated by Amy Panning, DVM

    Upset Stomach Nausea Vomiting

    Why this happens:

    A severe build-up of wastes in the blood can also cause nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss.

    What patients said:

    I had a lot of itching, and I was nauseated, throwing up all the time. I couldn’t keep anything down in my stomach.

    When I got the nausea, I couldn’t eat and I had a hard time taking my blood pressure pills.

    Don’t Miss: What Side Is Your Kidneys On

    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.

    Swelling In Hands Or Feet

    How To Know If You Have Kidney Problems

    Why this happens:

    Failing kidneys don’t remove extra fluid, which builds up in your body causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and/or hands.

    What patients said:

    I remember a lot of swelling in my ankles. My ankles were so big I couldn’t get my shoes on.

    Going to work one morning, my left ankle was swollen, real swollen, and I was very exhausted just walking to the bus stop. And I knew then that I had to see a doctor.

    Also Check: Is Kidney Stones Considered Kidney Disease

    Signs Of Nephritic Syndrome

    Nephritic syndrome is the name given to a collection of signs and symptoms that occur when the kidneys are inflamed. The syndrome is usually the result of an underlying condition such as acute glomerulonephritis, a bacterial or viral infection, a systemic disorder such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or a hereditary disorder like Alport-Syndrome.A syndrome is a group of symptoms that often and typically occur together and often develop as a result of another condition.

    Nephritic syndrome causes the kidneys to be less efficient at filtering waste substances from the blood. In people with nephritic syndrome, protein and blood may be found in the urine. However, most cases of nephritic syndrome are chronic and have few symptoms. Acute nephritic syndrome usually does, however, present with symptoms.

    Typical symptoms of acute nephritic syndrome include passing less urine than normal, having blood in the urine and swelling of the feet or face . Other possible symptoms of nephritic syndrome, also depending on the root cause may include:

    • Pain in the back and/or sides
    • Shortness of breath
    • Symptoms related to the underlying cause, for example a rash or joint pain

    The symptoms of nephritic syndrome differ, depending on whether the acute or chronic form of the syndrome is being experienced.

    Symptoms of acute nephritic syndrome include:

    • Edema in the face and legs
    • Low production of urine
    • Pain in the stomach
    • Malaise

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular