What Are The Signs Of Kidney Failure

Will Kidney Failure Affect My Sex Life

Kidney failure will affect your emotions, nerves, hormones, and energy levels, all of which may change your sexual relationships. Taking good care of yourself by managing your kidney disease and controlling your blood pressure and blood glucose levels can help prevent some sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction. Getting counseling may help with some emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression, which can get in the way of having satisfying sex.

You may feel shy asking questions about your sex life, but your health care team has heard the same questions from other people. Your provider is trained to help you address concerns about your sex life.

Should I Be Worried About Kidney Disease

Its important to note that symptoms associated with kidney disease are very general. They can be caused by other illnesses. In fact, around one in ten adults in Australia have signs associated with chronic kidney disease.

So, theres no need to panic please read about the risk factors such as diabetes, blood pressure, age and weight, then visit your doctor for a Kidney Health Check. Your doctor will ask about your familys medical history, along with a few questions on your general health and well being. Theyll check your blood pressure and ask you to do a urine test and blood test while youre there, too.

What Causes Kidney Malfunction

A major culprit of kidney problems is an acidic diet . A brand-new study sheds light on the renal problems that can be caused by a high-acid, meat-rich diet.

The study followed 1,500 people with kidney disease for a period of 14 years. Participants who ate a diet high in meat came very close to experiencing complete kidney failure, while those who ate more fruits and vegetables did not even come close to kidney failure. Researchers estimate that an acidic diet can make it three times more likely for your kidneys to fail.1

Says lead study author Dr. Tanushree Banejee,

Patients with chronic kidney disease may want to pay more attention to diet consumption of acid rich foods to reduce progression to kidney failuredialysis treatmentsmay be avoided by adopting a more healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.1

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What Is Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a general term that can refer to any kidney disorder, but it is usually associated with kidney failure. Also known as;renal failure,;kidney failure is a condition whereby the kidneys become unable to act in their critical role as one of the bodys primary filters. The kidneys are responsible for filtering excessive fluid and toxic wastes from the blood. Life is not possible without functioning kidneys or an artificial system that stands in as a replacement for the kidneys.

You have two kidneys, and they are bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist located in the back of your body, behind the upper abdomen, with one on each side of your spine. These organs are one of the true workhorses of the body. They filter and process about 50 gallons of fluid in the bloodstream daily, day in and day out. Toxins and unneeded fluids are filtered out and removed from the body in the form of urine. Other valuable substances are identified and put back into the bloodstream after running through the kidneys filtration system.

Your kidneys regulate your entire system which includes your bladder, blood pressure, ovaries, estrogen, period cramps, testicles, testosterone, sperm production, uterus, prostate, sex drive, pancreas, spleen, lymphatic system, heart, ligaments, ears, scalp, right / left lower back, upper back, left; shoulder, pectoral, trapezes, elbow; both calves, thighs, biceps, triceps, forearms, wrists, knees, ankles, spine, fingers and toes.

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.

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Signs You Could Be Suffering From Kidney Disease

As far as vital organs go, its safe to say that the average person knows far more about their heart, brain, lungs, or stomach than they do about their kidneys. But knowing exactly what your kidneys do to keep your body healthy and learning which signs and symptoms may indicate that theyre not working as well as they should is often the best way to identify kidney disease in its earliest, most treatable stage.;

Situated toward the back of your upper abdominal cavity, your kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering extra water and waste products out of your blood, so it can be excreted from your body through urine.;

Although these fist-sized, bean-shaped organs are strong and efficient when theyre healthy, theyre also susceptible to damage particularly when theyre consistently subjected to the effects of uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, or some other condition that impairs kidney function.;

If your kidneys sustain too much damage over time, theyre no longer able to filter your blood properly. This chronic and progressive condition, commonly known as chronic kidney disease, affects more than 30 million adults in the United States, many of whom wont even know they have it until its either very advanced or leads to kidney failure.;

Although getting tested for kidney disease is the only way to know for sure if you have it, knowing how to recognize its early symptoms may be exactly what prompts you to get tested in the first place.;

How Is Kidney Failure Diagnosed

Doctors use a variety of tests to measure kidney function and diagnose kidney failure. If your doctors suspect you may be at risk for kidney failure, they may recommend:

• Blood tests, which can show how well the kidneys are removing waste from the blood.
• Advanced imaging, which can show kidney abnormalities or obstructions .
• Urine tests, which measure the amount of urine or specific substances in the urine, such as protein or blood.

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What Are The Causes Of Crf

CRF is the end stage of a number of different disease processes rather than a specific disease in its own right. Diseases or conditions that can eventually lead to CRF include:

1. Congenital malformations of the kidneys – such as polycystic kidney disease in long haired cats

2. Pyelonephritis – bacterial kidney infections

3. Glomerulonephritis – inflammation and damage to the kidney’s filtration membrane

4. Neoplasia – various tumors of the kidney, most commonly lymphosarcoma

5. Amyloidosis – this is the build-up of an unusual protein in the kidney that prevents the kidney from functioning normally

6. Viral infections such as feline leukemia virus or feline infectious peritonitis virus

7. Kidney stones or ureteral stones

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.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Dying With Renal Failure

This author has been verfied for credibility and expertise

The signs and symptoms of dying from renal failure can be recognized with some understanding of what happens in the body as the kidneys fail. The kidneys eliminate toxins as well as manage fluid balance and blood salts, called electrolytes. Chronic kidney disease is the term used when the kidneys are no longer functioning properly. This decrease in kidney function happens on a continuum.

Typically, renal failure refers to the time when kidney function is so diminished that it cannot sustain life long-term. Left untreated, renal failure will result in death. It is important to remember that many of the signs and symptoms of renal failure are not specific to renal failure and can occur in other diseases.

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.

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Signs You May Have Kidney Disease

More than 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease and most dont know it. There are a number of physical signs of kidney disease, but sometimes people attribute them to other conditions. Also, those with kidney disease tend not to experience symptoms until the very late stages, when the kidneys are failing or when there are large amounts of protein in the urine. This is one of the reasons why only 10% of people with chronic kidney disease know that they have it, says Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at the National Kidney Foundation.

While the only way to know for sure if you have kidney disease is to get tested, Dr. Vassalotti shares 10 possible signs you may have kidney disease. If youre at risk for kidney disease due to high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure or if youre older than age 60, its important to get tested annually for kidney disease. Be sure to mention any symptoms youre experiencing to your healthcare practitioner.

Chronic Kidney Disease Self

Chronic kidney disease is a disease that must be managed in close consultation with a health care practitioner. Self-treatment is not appropriate.

• There are, however, several important dietary rules one can follow to help slow the progression of kidney disease and decrease the likelihood of complications.
• This is a complex process and must be individualized, generally with the help of a health care practitioner and a registered dietician.;

The following are general dietary guidelines:;

• Protein restriction:;Decreasing protein intake may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. A dietician can help one determine the appropriate amount of protein.
• Salt restriction:;Limit to 2 to 4grams a day to avoid fluid retention and help control high blood pressure.
• Fluid intake:;Excessive water intake does not help prevent kidney disease. In fact, the doctor may recommend restriction of water intake.
• Potassium restriction:;This is necessary in advanced kidney disease because the kidneys are unable to remove potassium. High levels of potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Examples of foods high in potassium include bananas, oranges, nuts, avocados, and potatoes.
• Phosphorus restriction:;Decreasing phosphorus intake is recommended to protect bones. Eggs, beans, cola drinks, and dairy products are examples of foods high in phosphorus.

Other important measures that a patient can take include:

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Feeling Faint Dizzy Or Weak

Why this happens:

Anemia related to kidney failure means that your brain is not getting enough oxygen. This can lead to feeling faint, dizzy, or weak.

What patients said:

I was always tired and dizzy.

It got to the point, like, I used to be at work, and all of the sudden I’d start getting dizzy. So I was thinking maybe it was my blood pressure or else diabetes was going bad. That’s what was on my mind.

Will I Need To Take Medicines Or Follow A Special Diet

Most likely. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Your treatment plan may include taking medicines, restricting salt, limiting certain foods, getting exercise, and more. You will also need treatment for any other health problems you may have, including high blood pressure or diabetes.

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Signs Of Kidney Disease That Warn You Are In Danger

Learning and recognizing the signs of kidney disease can help you quickly take control of your health, thereby preventing complications as well as the risk of death.

Today, more than 30 million people worldwide are living with kidney disease. In most cases, the patient is completely unaware that this excretory organ is having problems.

This is because the early symptoms of kidney disease are often confused with many other health problems.

On the other hand, many people with kidney disease tend to show symptoms only at a later stage, when kidney function begins to decline or there is a large amount of protein in the urine.

This is also the reason why according to statistics, only 10% of people with chronic kidney disease know their health status.

So, how to recognize the symptoms of kidney disease? Let’s find out with SignsSymptomsList.com through the article below.

Causes Of Kidney Disease

According to the medical journal of Renal Injury Prevention kidney disease is due to high blood pressure and diabetes. If you have a family history of kidney failure or your age is older than 60, then it is mandatory that you need to get tested for kidney disease annually.

• improper use of medication
• passed on through genetic issues
• Harmful habits like drinking,
• lack of exercise

All these are major causes of kidney disease.

So you never knew from the outside what happens in your body. But if you notice certain possible signs that will let you know that you may have kidney disease.

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Anemia And Chronic Kidney Disease

What is anemia?Anemia happens when your red blood cells are in short supply. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body, giving you the energy you need for your daily activities.

What are the symptoms of anemia?Anemia can cause you to:

• Look pale
• Have little energy for your daily activities
• Have a poor appetite
• Feel dizzy or have headaches
• Have a rapid heartbeat
• Feel depressed or “down in the dumps”

Why do people with kidney disease get anemia?Your kidneys make an important hormone called erythropoietin . Hormones are chemical messengers that travel to tissues and organs to help you stay healthy. EPO tells your body to make red blood cells. When you have kidney disease, your kidneys cannot make enough EPO. Low EPO levels cause your red blood cell count to drop and anemia to develop.

Most people with kidney disease will develop anemia. Anemia can happen early in the course of kidney disease and grow worse as kidneys fail and can no longer make EPO. Anemia is especially common if you:

• Have diabetes
• Have moderate or severe loss of kidney function
• Have kidney failure
• Are female

How do you treat anemia?Your treatment will depend on the exact cause of your anemia.If your anemia is due to kidney disease, your healthcare provider will treat you with:

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What Are The Symptoms Of Kidney Failure

In early stages of kidney disease, many people experience few or no symptoms. Its important to note that chronic kidney disease can still cause damage even though you feel fine.

Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure can cause different symptoms for different people. If your kidneys arent working properly, you may notice one or more of the following signs:

• Fatigue
• Poor appetite or metallic taste of food

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What Are The Clinical Signs Of Chronic Kidney Failure

Early signs of disease such as weight loss and poor coat quality are often dismissed as normal aging changes. In the initial stages of kidney failure, the kidneys cope with their inability to efficiently remove waste products by excreting them at a lower concentration over a larger volume . Cats will often drink more to compensate for this increased rate of body water loss. This is known as compensated renal failure. After approximately two-thirds of the kidney tissues have failed, there is a rapid rise in waste products in the bloodstream and an apparent sudden onset of severe disease.

How Is Kidney Failure Treated

Kidney failure treatment is determined by the cause and extent of the problem. Treating your chronic medical condition can delay the progression of kidney disease. If your kidneys start losing their function gradually, your doctor may use one or more methods to track your health. By watching you closely, your doctor can help you maintain your kidneys function as long as possible.

Your doctor may gauge your kidney function with:

• Routine blood tests
• Blood pressure checks
• Medication

Because the kidneys serve such an important purpose, people in kidney failure need treatment to keep them alive. The main treatments for kidney failure are:

• Dialysis: This treatment helps the body filter the blood .
• In hemodialysis, a machine regularly cleans your blood for you. People often receive this kidney failure treatment at a hospital or dialysis clinic, 3 or 4 days each week.
• Peritoneal dialysis cleans the blood in a slightly different way using a dialysis solution and a catheter. Sometimes, people can do their treatment at home.

Kidney transplant: In kidney transplant surgery, doctors place a healthy kidney in your body to take over the job of your damaged organs. This healthy kidney, called a donor organ, may come from a deceased donor or a living donor, who may be a friend or family member. People can live well with one healthy kidney.

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