What you need to know about the kidney

 Emobileclinic Trending Topic 

KIDNEY 

Signs to show that there could be kidney problems are frequent urination, problems urinating, pain or burning sensation during urination and frequent thirst. 

kidneys are two organs located in the midsection on either side of your spine in the middle of your back, just above the waist. They perform the function of cleaning the blood, keeping the balance of salt and minerals in the  blood, and help control blood pressure. With a damaged kidney , waste products and fluid are built up in the body, resulting in  swelling of ankles, vomiting, weakness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath. When left untreated , the affected  kidney(s)  may eventually stop working completely. Kidney malfunction or total damaged is a serious medical problem and could be fatal.

Causes Kidney Injury?

Lack of blood flow to the kidneys

Direct damage to the kidneys themselves

Urine backed up in the kidney

Traumatic injury with blood loss

Dehydration

Shock during a severe infection called sepsis

A blocked urine flow, which can happen with an enlarged prostate

Intake of specific drugs or are certain toxins

Pregnancy complications  such as eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, or related HELLP Syndrome

How to take care of your kidney

Drink enough water every day. If you do this you should urinate up to 6  to 7 times in a day. Avoid sweetened drinks as it will harm the kidneys

The body needs protein, but too much of it will harm your kidney. The daily required protein should not exceed between  40 to 50 gram daily.

Maintain a balance of water and minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, in your blood

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

Failure of kidney to work for a period of 3 months will result to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is a silent killer as there may be no symptoms until an unrepairable damage is done.

Diabetes (types 1 and 2) and high blood pressure are the most common causes.

Some immune system diseases, such as lupus, and long-term viral illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, can also cause problems.

Urinary tract infections within the kidneys themselves, called pyelonephritis, can lead to scarring as the infection heals. Multiple episodes can lead to kidney damage.

There could be an inflammation of the tiny filters (glomeruli) within the kidneys. This can happen after a strep infection.

Polycystic kidney disease, where fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys, is the most common type of inherited kidney disease.

Some birth defects often result in urinary tract obstruction or malformation also affects the kidneys. One of the most common is the presence of valve between the bladder and urethra. These defects is sometimes found while a baby is still in the womecan and often be repaired with surgery by a urologist.

Drugs and toxins, long-term use of some medications, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, and intravenous “on the road ” drugs can permanently damage the kidneys.