The kidneys, these small but powerful organs, silently perform life-sustaining tasks in our bodies. They work like a sophisticated, uninterrupted purification station, day and night to remove waste and excess water from the blood. However, when something goes wrong with this super "filter", the situation can become very dire. This condition is called kidney failure.
The secret enemy of kidney failure
The concept of kidney failure sounds scary, but a lot of people don't fully understand it. In simple terms, kidney failure is when the kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins and waste products from the body effectively, which can lead to a range of serious health problems.
Chronic vs. Acute: Two Masks of Kidney Failure
- Chronic kidney failure (CKD) usually develops gradually, and it can take months or even years for symptoms to appear. It is often triggered by long-term health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Acute kidney failure (AKI), as the name suggests, occurs suddenly, often due to a serious accident or illness, such as massive blood loss or a heart attack.
Stress signals: symptoms of kidney failure
Signs of kidney failure may be subtle, and the first symptoms include:
1. Feelings of fatigue and overall decreased energy
2. Sleep problems
3. Loss of appetite
4. Muscle twitching or numbness
5. Persistent swelling (especially in the legs or ankles)
6. Polyuria or oliguria
7. Cognitive problems, such as difficulty concentrating
As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen, including extreme weakness, difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeats, and even coma.
Who is the culprit of kidney failure?
Several key causes highlight the risk points for kidney failure:
1. High blood pressure: This is one of the main culprits of kidney failure because uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause long-term damage to the kidney microvessels.
2. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can gradually damage the kidneys' filtering system.
3. Autoimmune diseases: such as systemic lupus erythematosus, which may directly attack kidney tissue.
4. Urinary tract obstruction: such as prostatic hyperplasia, kidney stones, etc., which may interfere with the normal function of the kidneys.
5. Long-term use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may cause kidney damage.
How to diagnose kidney failure
Diagnosing kidney failure usually involves a series of tests, including:
1. Blood test: Check the level of waste substances such as creatinine.
2. Urine test: to assess the efficiency of kidney filtration.
3. Imaging tests: such as ultrasound, to help doctors see the size and structure of the kidneys.
4. Kidney biopsy (nephrocentesis): This is done under specific circumstances to determine the type and extent of kidney damage.
How to protect the kidneys from kidney failure?
Treatment of kidney failure depends on its type and severity. Treatments may include:
1. Medications: Manage symptoms and primary diseases (such as high blood pressure and diabetes).
2. Lifestyle changes: dietary modifications, smoking cessation and alcohol restriction, etc.
3. Dialysis: Cleaning blood or peritoneal dialysis using the outside of the machine.
4. Kidney transplant: This can provide the best long-term outcome when appropriate.
5. Prevention is better than cure: How to protect your kidneys?
Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are common complications of kidney failure, so controlling blood pressure and lipids is of great significance for the prevention of kidney failure. Patients should follow their doctor's advice, take their medications on time, monitor their blood pressure and lipid levels regularly, and adjust their treatment regimens in a timely manner.
Preventing kidney failure starts with a routine:
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Measure diet: A diet low in salt, fat, and moderate in protein can reduce the burden on the kidneys and help prevent kidney disease.
Maintain weight: Obesity increases the risk of kidney disease, so it's important to maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Adequate hydration: Drinking water in moderation is essential for keeping your kidneys healthy, but you should also avoid excessive water intake.
2. Control blood pressure and diabetes
Monitor blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, so it should be checked regularly and controlled by changing your diet, increasing exercise, or using medications.
Manage blood sugar: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels, following your doctor's recommendations, using medications, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key to preventing diabetic nephropathy.
3. Avoid toxic substances in the kidneys
Reduce the abuse of OTC (over-the-counter) medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can damage the kidneys when used long-term or in high doses.
Be cautious with medications that are harmful to your kidneys: If you must use them, do them under the guidance of your doctor and monitor your kidney function regularly.
4. Regular physical examinations
Screening for kidney function: Some populations (e.g., people with hypertension, diabetes) need regular kidney function tests to detect problems early and intervene.
5. Quit smoking and drinking
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels, including those in the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney disease.
Alcohol restriction: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the burden on the kidneys, and alcohol intake should be restricted.
6. Monitor for chronic diseases
Chronic disease management: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease need to be strictly controlled to avoid their impact on the kidneys.
All of the above measures should be implemented under the guidance of a physician according to the individual's health condition. For people who already have kidney problems, it's especially important to follow your doctor's instructions and manage them appropriately. Finally, remember to get regular health check-ups, especially if you have a family history of kidney disease. Detecting problems early can greatly reduce the risk of kidney failure and keep your kidneys healthy.
Once suffering from kidney failure, patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan and carry out targeted treatment. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to maintaining a good attitude and building confidence in overcoming the disease. In the rehabilitation stage, patients should exercise appropriately according to their own conditions to improve their body immunity.
In conclusion, kidney failure is a serious kidney disease, but as long as we strengthen prevention and active treatment, it is possible to defeat it.