Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

Definition
What is chronic kidney failure?
Chronic kidney failure is a decrease in kidney function below the normal range. If you suffer from chronic kidney failure, it means that your kidneys cannot filter dirt, are unable to control the amount of water in the body, as well as salt and calcium levels in the blood. Useful metabolic waste substances will remain and settle in the body so that it can eventually endanger the patient's condition.

Chronic kidney failure usually occurs suddenly and gradually grows. This disease is slow and usually does not appear until the patient shows severe symptoms and endangers his health.

How common is chronic kidney failure?
Chronic kidney failure is a common disease associated with the aging process. The older a person is, the higher the risk. It is estimated that 1/5 of men and 1/4 of women aged 65-74 years have a stronger tendency to get this disease. You can reduce your chances of getting this disease by reducing your risk factors. Please consult with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney failure?
Chronic renal failure often shows no symptoms at an early stage and develops slowly. However, generally the signs and symptoms of the final stages of chronic kidney failure are:

- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling weak and lethargic
- Hard to breathe
- Stomach ache
- Mouth problems
- The frequency of urination increases, especially at night
- Numbness, tingling, burning hot feet and hands
- Muscle cramps and muscle spasms
- Sleep disorders
- Itchy skin
- Decreasing mental acuity
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Pain in the chest due to accumulation of fluid around the heart
- Swelling of the ankles, feet or hands

There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have certain concerns about symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?
Please consult with a doctor if you experience symptoms of chronic kidney failure which include nausea, diarrhea, stomach problems, tingling in the limbs, lack of sleep, convulsions or symptoms as mentioned above. Status and health conditions can vary in each person. Always discuss with your doctor to get the best diagnosis, treatment and treatment for you.

Cause
What causes chronic kidney failure?
Chronic kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition damages kidney function, causing the kidneys to be damaged for several months or years. Diseases and conditions that cause chronic kidney failure include:


- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Glomerulonephritis, inflammation of the kidneys
- Polycystic kidney disorders
- Prolonged urinary tract obstruction
- Vesicoureteral reflux, a condition that causes urine to return to your kidneys.
- Recurrent kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis
- Long-term use of certain drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin


Risk factors
What increases my risk for chronic kidney failure?
Some factors that can increase your risk of experiencing chronic kidney failure are:


- Age. As the age increases, the risk of developing this disease also increases.

- Ethnicity. Africans, Americans and Native Americans have a higher risk than other races.

- Gender. Generally men are more at risk than women.

- Family health history. Family history is one of the factors that cause diabetes and high blood pressure, the main trigger for chronic kidney failure.

- Foods that contain lots of protein and fat. Eating foods that don't contain too much protein and fat can help you reduce your risk of kidney failure.

- Use of certain types of drugs. Stop using drugs that can cause kidney damage, such as analgesics and some types of NSAIDS antibiotics.


Medicine & Medicine
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for chronic kidney failure?
To treat and inhibit the development of chronic kidney disease, patients need to undergo a number of diets, treatments, control of exercise and activities that can aggravate this disease, dialysis or kidney transplantation can also be done at the doctor's advice. Some treatment options for chronic kidney failure are:

- Avoid foods that contain lots of potassium, phosphorus, salt or high protein.

- It is very important to maintain blood pressure and check it regularly.

- The doctor will do a blood transfusion if the patient has anemia.

- Drugs that are diuretic can prevent the buildup of fluid in the body.

- Stop using certain drugs that can trigger damage to the kidneys.

- Underwent treatment for hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure and infection.

- Some patients need to undergo kidney dialysis if treatment is not successful. Dialysis helps cleanse the kidneys of metabolic waste substances in the blood when the kidneys are unable to carry out their duties. This kidney dialysis can be temporary or permanent.


What are the usual tests for chronic kidney failure?
The doctor will take blood samples and urine tests to determine whether there is damage to the kidneys or not. In addition, other tests will also be carried out to ascertain the condition of your kidneys. Doctors will use X-rays to check the size of the kidneys which may be the cause of damaged kidneys, in addition to other disorders, disorders of the urinary tract, kidney stones or kidney tumors.

Treatment at home
What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to overcome chronic kidney failure?
Some lifestyle changes and home remedies that might help you deal with chronic kidney failure are:


- Follow diet instructions suggested by your health professional, including selecting fluids that enter the body.

- Use drugs according to the doctor's direction. Do not skip medication or use drug doses.

- Record your daily weight. Record the amount of fluid you drink and the amount of urine you remove when the doctor asks for it.

- Pay attention to food intake. Eat balanced nutritious foods, avoid excess salt, and fatty foods.

- Exercise regularly but avoid strenuous activities.

- Call your doctor immediately if you have a fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and chest pain.

If there are questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.