Kidneys are a vital organ and they play a pivotal role by filtering the blood of the waste products, removing excess fluids from the body, returning the nutrients to the blood and further helps in regulating the blood pressure.
Conditions that can damage the kidney :
- Kidney Failure: When the kidney damage is severe then the kidneys stop functioning. This condition is called Kidney Failure
- Acute Kidney Failure: A short term or sudden illness in another organ system or in the kidneys can lead to Acute Kidney Failure.
- Chronic Kidney Failure: Diseases like Diabetes and high blood pressure which is chronic will slowly and gradually cause a Chronic Kidney Failure.
- Primary Kidney Disease: A primary Kidney Disease can also make both the kidneys fail which is also found to be hereditary.
- Other reasons: Infections like drugs and toxins too can damage the kidneys.
Risks pertaining to Kidney Failure and End-Stage Renal disease:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes Type 1 and 2
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Heart Disease
- Vascular Diseases like sclerosis, Renal Artery Thrombosis and scleroderma
- Cancers like Carcinoma, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma
Complications caused from a Chronic Kidney Failure:
- Fluid Retention and Anemia
- High blood Pressure
- Renal Osteodystrophy a condition that weakens the bones due to loss of calcium
- Amyloidosis a condition in the joints caused due to abnormal deposit of proteins
- Stomach ulcers and bleeding problems
Symptoms of Kidney Failure:
- Symptoms usually don’t show up in the early stages as the kidneys themselves balance the abnormal function.
- Kidney Failure is a condition caused when the other body systems fail.
- Fluid deficiency can cause kidney failure
- Pulmonary Edema a condition when the fluids get clogged in the lungs
- Dehydration is yet another symptom caused due to rapid heart rate and dry mucous membranes
Other Symptoms:
- Frequency in urination
- Fatigue and confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fractures
A follow up with your healthcare professional for periodic tests as a precautionary measure, a constant monitoring of Diabetes and Blood Pressure can rule out any complications in the kidneys. Exposure to alcohol, drugs and toxins must be completely avoided. Symptoms can sometimes be improved or controlled by ensuring the above norms.
When is the kidney transplant recommended?
When the doctor diagnoses an End Stage Renal Disease he will advice his patient for a kidney transplant which of course depends on various other factors like if he is a potential candidate, a complete medical evaluation of the patient, pros and cons of the transplant procedure. Although kidney transplant is very common a through follow up after the surgery is recommended as there are chances of the body rejecting the new kidney.
A transplant procedure can save lives of thousands. When it is conducted at the Best Hospitals for Kidney Care in Hyderabad one is assured of a safe kidney transplant and a healthy life.