67-year-old Uncle Li, a retired teacher, thought it was just a common decline in physical strength in old age because of his daily mild low back pain and fatigue, and he didn't pay much attention to it. It wasn't until one day, when he was out of breath while climbing the stairs, that he felt unprecedented fatigue and dizziness, and was rushed to the hospital by his family. After a series of tests, the results were shocking: the kidney was severely insufficiency and had reached the point where dialysis was needed. Uncle Li's story is not uncommon, but it reminds us that the understanding and early intervention of renal insufficiency is an important topic that none of us can ignore.
Interpretation of basic knowledge: the insidious and crisis of renal insufficiency
What exactly is renal insufficiency?
Renal insufficiency, in which the kidneys lose the ability to work partially or fully properly, cannot effectively remove waste and excess water from the body, and cannot fully perform their role in electrolyte balance and blood pressure regulation in the body. Depending on the degree of renal impairment, it is usually medically divided into stages: mild, moderate, severe, and uremia, with a clear range of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for each stage.
Why does renal insufficiency occur?
Common causes include abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes), increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries (hypertension), chronic nephritis, nephrolithiasis, etc. Abnormal glucose metabolism is the most common cause of renal insufficiency, and long-term hyperglycemia can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, which in turn affects kidney function. Elevated blood pressure in systemic arteries also increases the burden on the kidneys by damaging the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function. Others, such as long-term use of certain medications and exposure to toxic substances, may also be triggers.
What are the symptoms of renal insufficiency?
Early renal insufficiency may show few noticeable symptoms, which is one of the reasons why it is known as the "killer of chronic disease". As the disease progresses, symptoms that may occur include, but are not limited to: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination at night, decreased or increased urine output, swelling of the limbs, persistent rash, etc. These symptoms are often a direct manifestation of toxin accumulation and electrolyte imbalances in the body.
As you can see, kidney health is essential for maintaining overall health. For middle-aged and elderly people, recognizing the early symptoms of renal insufficiency and seeking medical attention in time is the key to preventing it from deteriorating further.
Detailed explanation of the diagnosis process: accurate diagnosis, step by step
The process of diagnosing renal insufficiency is a collection of delicate procedures designed to determine the severity of the condition and its underlying causes through accurate tests.
Key checks and why they are important
First of all, blood tests are an indispensable step in determining renal insufficiency. Creatinine and urea nitrogen levels in the blood are key indicators to assess kidney function. In renal insufficiency, these substances accumulate in the blood due to the kidneys' ability to detoxify, causing their concentrations to rise.
Secondly, urine tests are equally important. Routine and microscopic urine tests can be done to look for proteinuria or hematuria, which usually indicate kidney damage.
In addition, ultrasound of the kidneys provides a non-invasive way to look at the size, structure, and possible abnormalities of the kidneys. In some cases, ultrasonography is especially important when test results indicate the possibility of a stone or tumor.
Finally, renal biopsy is used in some cases of unexplained decline in kidney function. This procedure, while invasive, can provide diagnostic information that helps doctors understand the specific type and extent of kidney damage.
Professional assessment: when to seek a more in-depth diagnosis
If the initial findings are abnormal, further imaging tests such as CT or MRI and a more detailed kidney biopsy may be needed to determine the specific cause.
Treatment plan and management: take the initiative and do not let the disease worsen
The goal of treating renal insufficiency is to slow the progression of the disease, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. Treatment options usually include lifestyle modifications, medications, and, if necessary, alternative therapies such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Lifestyle adjustments: Daily self-management
For all patients with renal insufficiency, modification of daily habits is the basis. This includes:
Dietary management: Adopt a low-protein, low-salt diet to reduce the burden on the kidneys, while controlling potassium and phosphorus intake to avoid abnormal accumulation of these substances in the blood.
Fluid intake: Adjust water intake according to your doctor's instructions, especially if kidney function is severely impaired.
Medication: precise and discreet
Common medications include blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which can reduce filtration pressure on the kidneys and slow disease progression. However, these medications can have side effects such as electrolyte imbalances and need to be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Alternative therapy: When conservative treatment is not enough to sustain life
Dialysis becomes necessary when renal function is severely insufficient. There are two forms of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and doctors will recommend the type that is suitable for the patient's specific condition and living conditions. For suitable patients, a kidney transplant may be a better long-term option to restore normal kidney function and significantly improve quality of life.
Preventing complications: the importance of active intervention
Timely control of blood pressure and blood sugar is key to preventing further deterioration of renal insufficiency. In addition, regular monitoring of kidney function and adjusting the treatment plan to cope with changes in the condition are essential to avoid complications such as cardiovascular disease.