Kidneys are two bean-shaped structures that are located on either side of your spine, just below the rib cage. Its function is to eliminate the waste and toxins from your blood, help produce red blood cells, and help to manage blood pressure. Kidney disorders or failures affect their normal function and if it’s left untreated, it can cause fatal problems.
Causes of Kidney Disease
Individuals with heart disease, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the filtering units present in the kidneys), interstitial nephritis (inflammation of kidney tubules), and high blood pressure (hypertension) are at a high risk of kidney damage. These diseases impact their function which leads to the accumulation of fluids, electrolytes, toxins, and waste in your body. It can be managed with the help of proper treatment.
Sometimes, individuals may also be diagnosed with acute kidney failures which could be due to various factors including severe dehydration, medications, autoimmune kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction, untreated heart problems, and liver dysfunction.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
The damage may progress slowly and become a chronic condition. Kidney failure can be indicated by signs including nausea, fatigue or extreme tiredness, weakness, vomiting, sleep trouble, loss of appetite, frequent urination, muscle cramps, dry or itchy skin, swelling of feet and ankles, high blood pressure (hypertension), breathing problems, and chest pain.
Risk Factors of Kidney Failure
Potential risk factors for kidney damage may include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), cardiovascular disease, heart disease, abnormal structure of the kidney, old age (especially above 60), and medications. Kidney failure can also be linked to genetics.
Prevention of Kidney Failure
Although kidney failure cannot be reversed, which is why you need to take some steps aforehand to eliminate the risk of kidney dysfunction. Some healthy lifestyle habits can certainly maintain the health of your kidneys and ensure their proper functioning for many years. With the help of the following factors, you can lower your chances of experiencing kidney failure:
- Give up smoking – Cigarette smoke contains hazardous chemicals that get absorbed in your bloodstream. These chemicals are extremely harmful to your kidneys. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid smoking. Quitting it right away might not be easy, however, you can seek advice from a doctor that can assist you with this.
- Seek medical assistance – If you are suffering from some health issues, it is wise to get the appropriate treatment by consulting a doctor. Otherwise, some health issues might increase the risk of kidney failure. Early detection can help you with effective prevention.
- Be wary of OTC medications – Certain medications might be suitable for your kidneys as they may contain some substances that can have a damaging impact on your kidneys if they are consumed regularly. Hence, do not consume OTC medications in excessive amounts.
You have to be extremely careful regarding the foods that you are consuming as it can be challenging for the kidneys to process the waste and filter some compounds. You must consume foods that might not cause problems to your kidneys. Limiting some foods will certainly benefit you by preventing damage.
First and foremost, avoid fast food and processed foods. Such foods are usually loaded with sodium which can affect your kidneys. You must ask about appropriate diet to your doctor or a nutritionist since the consumption of some fruits, veggies, and types of meat must be avoided. The healthcare expert can help you to identify the right foods suitable for your condition.
If you are already diagnosed with kidney failure, then you must follow the guidelines given below:
- Visit your healthcare provider for routine checkups
- Maintain your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in the normal range
- Abstain from tobacco and smoking
- Foods that are high in sodium and protein must be avoided
Treatments for Kidney Failure
Treatment of kidney failure can be done through Dialysis or kidney transplantation. Let us have a look at them:
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Dialysis
This is the treatment for some of the individual that has kidneys that are not performing the required function. The process work on your kidneys. It removes the build-up waste and eliminates the toxins from your blood and helps your blood to get rid of the excess fluid. There are notably two types of dialysis which shall be named hemodialysis and also as peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is performed by using an artificial machine whereas in peritoneal dialysis, a soft tube is surgically inserted in your belly for removing the waste products.
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Kidney Transplant
It is a surgery wherein your damaged kidney is replaced with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. The new kidney is placed carefully on the side of the abdomen, and it is then connected to the blood vessels through the operation. The ureter tube is then attached to the bladder for creating a pathway for the urine to pass from the body. People can have around 2 to 3 times kidney transplant surgery in their lifetime. The surgery usually takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Kidney Failure and Sexual Dysfunction
Chronic kidney dysfunction can potentiate sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction or impotence is very common among individuals with kidney dysfunction which is usually a cause of hormonal changes. This issue might be treated by Vidalista medicine. Men with kidney disease may struggle to continue their sex life due to difficulties in getting and sustaining harder erections. This condition is also termed impotence. Hence, erectile dysfunction or impotence is quite common among individuals diagnosed with kidney failure.
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