Two bean-shaped organs make up the kidneys. The kidneys are roughly the size of a fist. Your kidneys create urine by filtering excess water and wastes from your blood. Kidney disease indicates that your kidneys have been damaged and are unable to filter blood as effectively as they should.
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop renal disease. If you have renal failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant are two options for treatment. Acute renal damage, kidney cysts, kidney stones, and kidney infections are examples of other kidney issues.
Failure of the Kidneys
Kidney failure occurs when one or both kidneys can no longer function independently. Renal failure is another name for this condition. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are two treatments for kidney failure.
What is the definition of kidney failure?
Kidney failure (also known as renal failure) occurs when one or both kidneys are no longer able to operate properly on their own. Kidney failure can be transient and strike suddenly. Other times, it is a long-term ailment that worsens slowly over time.
Kidney failure is a serious condition. Treatments like dialysis and kidney transplants, on the other hand, allow many patients with impaired kidney function to enjoy full lives.
What are the functions of the kidneys?
The kidneys serve a variety of functions. One of the most crucial is assisting your body in the removal of pollutants. The kidneys filter your blood and excrete waste through urine.
Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are around the size of a fist. They’re tucked under your ribs and toward the back of your neck. Most people have two functioning kidneys, but as long as one of them is functioning properly, they can live happily.
Waste products build up in your body when your kidneys aren’t working properly. You may become ill if this occurs. Kidney failure can be life-threatening in the most serious cases. However, with the correct medicine, many patients can manage renal failure.
Can kidney failure be prevented?
While kidney failure from chronic kidney disease can’t be reversed, you can do many things to help preserve the kidney function you have today. Healthy habits and routines may slow down how quickly kidneys lose their functional abilities.
If you have chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, you’ll want to:
- Monitor your kidney function, with your doctor’s help.
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control, if you have diabetes.
- Keep your blood pressure levels in a normal range.
- Avoid smoking.
- Make healthy diet choices, such as limiting foods high in protein and sodium.
What are the risk factors of chronic kidney disease?
Anyone can get chronic kidney disease at any age. However, some people are more likely than others to develop kidney disease. You may have an increased risk for kidney disease if you:
- have diabetes
- have high blood pressure
- have a family history of kidney failure
- are older
- belong to a population group with a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans,
- Asian, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians
What if my doctor suspects I have chronic renal disease?
To help plan your therapy, your doctor will want to pinpoint your diagnosis and examine your kidney function. These blood and urine tests will be performed by the doctor:
Albumin to creatine ratio pee test: Albumin is a protein that shouldn’t be seen in urine and is a sign of renal disease.
Creatinine blood test: This reveals if the blood has too much creatinine, a waste product.
Learn about the lab’s results.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Your doctor will determine your GFR based on the results of the tests as well as other factors such as age and gender. The GFR is the most accurate approach to estimate your kidney function and determine your health.