you can’t but have pity!
Physicians say when it comes to size, the kidneys are
small. However, as Kidney Specialist, Dr. Mumeen
Amisu opines, “The kidneys may be small, but they
perform many vital functions that help maintain our
overall health, including filtering waste and excess
fluids from the blood.”
Kidneys maintain the balance of salt and minerals in
the blood, and also help regulate blood pressure.
Experts say when the kidneys are damaged or
diseased, waste products and fluid can build up in the
body, resulting in life-threatening problems.
Experts warn that serious kidney disease may lead to
complete kidney failure and the need for dialysis
treatments — or a kidney transplant when about 90
per cent of the kidney function has been lost.
Doctors say many kidney diseases can be prevented
if people know what is going on in their bodies.
Causes of kidney problems
Amisu says apart from genetic or congenital causes
— which are beyond the control of anybody — two
avoidable causes of kidney disease are hypertension
and diabetes.
General Practitioner, Dr. Olu George, says when
someone is diabetic, there can be excess glucose in
the blood.
“When glucose levels are elevated for a long time, it
can cause damage in the tiny blood vessels of the
kidneys. So, the organs won’t be able to filter out
toxins effectively as they should,” George explains.
He adds, “The kidneys are packed with arteries.
Hypertension causes artery damage. Uncontrolled
hypertension can cause arteries around the kidneys
to narrow, weaken or harden.
“When this happens, the damaged arteries will not
be able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.
That is why we always advise people to manage their
blood pressure, because it is an important way to
prolong kidney health.”
Amisu warns that those who use drugs
indiscriminately risk their kidneys’ health. These
include over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers; or
abusive drugs such as heroin, cocaine, etc.
“They are placing an enormous burden on their
kidneys, because the kidneys act as filters, but there
are limits to how much it can take in terms of
impurities,” Amisu says.
Kidneys can be injured when an individual has an
accident that results in blood loss, physicians say.
George explains that, in various ways, “sudden
reduction of blood flow to the kidneys, damage to
the organs as a result of septic shock during a severe
infection, or obstruction of urine flow can all injure
kidney health.”
Experts also say that acute kidney injury can result
from pregnancy complications, such as seizures,
hypertension and significant amounts of protein in
the urine.
For women, multiple urinary tract infections can also
damage the kidneys! Pregnant and menopausal
women are advised to drink good quantity of water
every day, and urinate instead of holding it. They are
also advised to urinate immediately after having sex.
Symptoms of kidney problems
Kidney diseases can be silent killers, experts warn.
They may not show any symptoms for a long time till
the situation becomes critical. That’s why it is
important to recognise the symptoms in order to
catch them early.
Here are the symptoms to look out for…
Change in urinary function: According to online
portal, Doctors’ Hangout, the first symptom of kidney
disease is the change in the amount and frequency of
urination. There may be an increase or decrease in
amount and/or its frequency, especially at night. It
may also look more dark coloured. You may feel the
urge to urinate but are unable to do so when you get
to the restroom.
Fever/back pain: Urinary tract infections may result
in pain or burning during urination. When these
infections spread to the kidneys, they may cause
fever and back pain.
Blood in the urine: This is a cause for concern. See
the doctor immediately.
Swelling: When kidneys malfunction, it leads to extra
fluid build-up, causing swelling in the hands, feet,
ankles, etc.
Extreme fatigue/weakness: Your kidneys produce a
hormone called erythropoietin which helps make red
blood cells that carry oxygen.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment