Kidney Disease – Symptoms to Watch

by admin | March 6, 2018 9:33 am

Kidneys help the body clean the blood,filter the excess water,maintain the blood pressure, and also aids in the production of Red blood cells. Diseases in the kidney can affect these functions,and without proper treatment, the kidneys may eventually stop working. The waste products and fluids will build up in the body, which can turn into a life-threatening condition. Thus when you start to notice symptoms that indicate kidney diseases, you need to consult with a nephrologist[1] immediately.

Types of kidney diseases

● Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

This is the most common type of kidney disease[2] characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function. CKD is commonly caused due to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure will damage the blood vessels in the kidney in the long run and make kidney functions decline. Diabetes[3] is also considered a major contributor to the advent of CKD since the increased sugar level damages the blood vessels in the kidneys. Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition that worsens with time. Thus treatment for this condition aims to slow down the progression of the disease. Controlling the cause along with dialysis is often recommended. When the disease progresses to end-stage, then kidney transplantation is recommended. Until the donor’s kidney is available, dialysis should be done regularly.

● Acute kidney disease

When there is a sudden loss in the function of the kidneys, then it is known as acute kidney disease or acute renal failure.

Acute kidney damage is usually caused due to direct damage to kidneys because of injuries or accidents, and urine backed up in the kidneys and insufficient blood supply to the kidneys. The cause of this damage should be identified and treated immediately.

Symptoms of kidney disease

The symptoms are caused due to the buildup of bodily waste and fluids over time. Usually, kidney disease symptoms develop slowly since the damage occurs gradually. Sometimes

1. Reduced Urine Output
2. Swelling of Legs, Ankle and Feet
3. Breathlessness[5]
4. Drowsiness and Fatigue
5. Nausea
6. Pressure in your chest
7. Confusion

Consult[6] a doctor, even if you have one of these symptoms.

When to consult a doctor

Since the kidneys can make up for the lost function, noticeable symptoms only occur when irreversible damage happens. Thus it is recommended for people with risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure to monitor their health constantly with urine and blood tests. On the other hand, when you notice concerning symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor[7] even if you don’t have these conditions since kidney disease can also be caused by other causes like autoimmune diseases[8], viral illnesses, and more.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

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