Understanding Kidney Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

11 months ago (Edited)

So many health issues already on ground threatening the human system daily. Some we have been aware of for years and some we are just getting aware for the first time. So many of us have been familiar with the sickness called kidney failure. But in this post today, I will be talking about some major things you might not be aware of.

Kidney failure which we Popularly know as, also known as renal failure, is a serious medical condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to adequately filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood. This condition can have significant implications on a person's overall health and well-being. If this condition is not quickly attended to, it can lead to death eventually. As we all know, kidney is one of the critical organs in your body system

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Causes of Kidney Failure

With so much fear surrounding kidney failure and like they always say, when the causes is known, it is easy to make the prevention.

Kidney failure can result from various underlying causes, including:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):

The most common cause of kidney failure is the progression of chronic kidney disease. CKD often develops over a long period due to conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease. The gradual deterioration of kidney function can eventually lead to kidney failure.

It happens that at times one disease leads to the cause of kidney failure and most of the time it ranges form disease that also involves the Kidney.

2. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):

AKI is a sudden and severe loss of kidney function. It can be caused by factors like dehydration, severe infections, certain medications, kidney stones, and obstruction of the urinary tract. If not treated promptly, AKI can progress to kidney failure.

And that's why we need to pay careful attention to some medications. Some of it might look good and doing you good but at the end also have side effect to your body system. There are some medications that affect your kidney at the end of the day

3. Diabetes:

Uncontrolled diabetes, especially over an extended period, can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively.

Most of the time like I said, kidney failure is attached to different body disease. A lot of times diabetic patients tend to suffer from kidney failure at the end of the day. As we all know kidney is also involved in diabetes issues.

4. High Blood Pressure:

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Persistent high blood pressure can strain the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function optimally. Over time, this can lead to kidney damage and eventually kidney failure.

And so high blood pressure patient or even hypertensive patients tend to be prone to suffer from kidney failure most of the time also. We constantly need to watch our high blood pressure. Not for anything but because of our health. Stop overthinking and involving yourself to unnecessary stress that might want to make your blood pressure rise.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Now that you have know about the causes of kidney failure and from there you can actually deduce the prevention from it. I will like to discuss about some of the symptoms of kidney failure. You should understand quite well that early treatment is always better as it can prevent you from a lot of calamity than when something is late. And so it is necessary for you to be aware of the symptoms of kidney failure so that when you can take appropriate measures as early as possible before it grows out to something that cannot be handled again

The symptoms of kidney failure may vary depending on the underlying cause and the stage of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

1. Fatigue and weakness:

As kidney function declines, the body becomes less efficient at eliminating waste products, leading to feelings of tiredness and overall weakness.

2. Swelling:

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Kidney failure can cause fluid retention, resulting in swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and face.

3. Changes in urine:

A decrease in urine output, darker urine, foamy urine, or blood in the urine may indicate kidney problems.

4. Shortness of breath:

Excess fluid buildup in the lungs can cause difficulty in breathing.

5. Nausea and loss of appetite:

Buildup of waste products in the bloodstream can cause a decrease in appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

Treatment Options for Kidney Failure

The good news about kidney failure is it is not as some other disease that is not curable. I mean examples like cancer, HIV and AIDS and many more. No there have been records of people who have been completely cured from kidney failure after they subjected themselves to this treatment

1. Dialysis:

Dialysis is a treatment method that involves the use of a machine to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis, which uses a machine to filter blood outside the body, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of the abdomen as a natural filter. Dialysis helps to maintain proper electrolyte balance and remove waste products when the kidneys are unable to do so.

2. Kidney Transplant:

A kidney transplant involves surgically replacing a failed kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. This is considered the best long-term treatment option for many people with kidney failure. However, finding a suitable donor and ensuring compatibility can be challenging.

3. Medications and Lifestyle Changes:

Depending on the underlying cause of kidney failure, medications may be prescribed to manage blood pressure, control diabetes, or reduce inflammation. Lifestyle modifications, such as following a healthy diet low in sodium and protein, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking, can also help slow down the progression of kidney disease.

Kidney failure is a serious medical condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking early medical intervention are crucial for managing the condition effectively.

With the appropriate treatment, including dialysis, transplantation, and lifestyle modifications, individuals with kidney failure can lead fulfilling lives. Regular check-ups, adherence to prescribed medications, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a vital role in preventing or managing kidney failure, ultimately improving overall well-being.