Contents
Kidney disease is a very complex group of conditions with various causes and symptoms. Problems with urination are not the only symptom that should increase our vigilance. What symptoms are an alarm signal for us? When is it worth going to a nephrologist?
The most common kidney diseases
The kidneys are a paired urogenital organ which, under physiological conditions, cleans approx. 1500 liters of blood daily, allows the removal of harmful metabolic products with urine, controls the state of body fluids, and thus – regulates blood pressure and ensures proper acid balance. – basic.
Currently, the most common diagnosis is:
- nephritis,
- urolithiasis,
- kidney cancer,
- kidney damage due to the development of another disease
- renal failure or derivative nephrotic syndrome.
Symptoms that must not be ignored
Contact your nephrologist immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms.
Swelling around ankles, feet or hands
They arise as a result of excessive fluid accumulation in the extravascular space. This may be the result of damage to the renal glomeruli, making them too permeable to albumin. Protein is found in large amounts in the urine, which reduces its concentration in the blood. This lowers the oncotic pressure and the water goes to the vessels in large amounts. This situation signals the body to retain sodium and water in the body, which leads to a vicious circle.
I’m from
It can appear on its own or accompany urination. Patients find it most often in the lumbar spine. Pain worsens with movement. A burning sensation during micturition may also indicate kidney disease.
Oliguria or polyuria
Depending on the type of kidney disease, one of the main symptoms is passing water too often or too little. Oliguria (oliguria) is defined as when the daily amount of urine excreted does not exceed 100-400 ml. This could be a sign of glomerulonephritis, hydronephrosis or chronic failure of this organ. On the other hand, polyuria (polyuria) is a condition when the amount of urine excreted during the day exceeds 2500-3000 ml. It is common in diabetes insipidus.
Headache, dizziness, trouble concentrating
In the course of kidney diseases, neurological symptoms may occur. Their cause may be an excess of toxins, which, if this organ works properly, would be removed with urine.
Nausea and vomiting
They are caused by an excessive concentration of metabolites and toxins that accumulate in the blood due to kidney damage.
Changed smell of urine
The presence of ammonia in its composition may be responsible for the unpleasant smell of urine. This compound is formed as a by-product in the process of protein digestion. Such a situation occurs not only in the case of impaired kidney function, but also in the case of acid-base imbalance.
Increased blood pressure
In the course of chronic kidney disease, a pathological process of sodium and water excretion is observed. It is then referred to as secondary hypertension. Blood pressure increases also due to increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and insufficient production of substances that dilate blood vessels.
Blood in the urine
Haematuria (haematuria) is a symptom of serious problems with the urinary system. Importantly, it does not have to be visible in the urine with the naked eye. You may notice blood clots or a dark brown color of the discharged fluid. Sometimes the presence of blood cells can only be found on examination with a microscope. The cause of hematuria may be: kidney stones, injuries, neoplastic growths of the kidneys, but also inflammation of the urinary system.
What is the treatment of kidney disease?
The nephrologist diagnoses kidney diseases based on the results of a number of tests, including morphology, creatinine, urea and glucose levels, an ionogram, and a thorough ultrasound of the urinary system. It is equally important to analyze the urine culture and check the blood pressure.
Treatment of kidney diseases depends on the type of diagnosed disease, symptoms, and the presence of accompanying diseases. Minor infections are most often treated with antibiotics. Occasionally, e.g. in the case of nephrolithiasis, drug therapy based on analgesics and the diastolic effect may be necessary. Stone crushing and smashing operations are also commonly used.
It is much more difficult to treat kidney failure. Underestimating symptoms can lead to death due to the accumulation of toxins, urea and potassium in the body. In this case, dialysis may be necessary.
What are dialysis?
Dialysis is a method of cleansing the body of toxins that accumulate in the blood due to impaired kidney function. During the procedure, blood is separated from the dialysis fluid by a semipermeable membrane. It stops harmful metabolic products, some electrolytes and other substances that may adversely affect the physiological processes in the human body.
There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis
It is used in the treatment of advanced kidney disease. The contaminated blood then flows through the artificial kidney, which removes all harmful substances. The effect of hemodialysis is the stabilization of arterial blood pressure, as well as the homeostasis of minerals. It is usually performed 3 times a week for about 5 hours a day.
Peritoneal dialysis
It requires the implantation of a catheter into the peritoneal cavity. It is carried out through the abdominal cavity of a sick person, into which a special dialysis fluid is introduced, with a chemical composition facilitating the proper flow of substances, both those needed and necessary for removal. The catheter can stay in the abdomen for up to 12 hours. Dialysis is performed 3 to 5 times a day.
Living donor kidney transplant
Living or deceased kidney transplantation is the most beneficial treatment for renal failure. In Poland, about 50 kidney transplants from living donors are performed each year.
Statistically, the average lifetime of a transplanted organ from a living donor is approx. 15 years, and for a deceased organ it is approx. 9 years. However, the procedure must be very carefully planned and the donor thoroughly examined. The most beneficial and comfortable situation for the patient is when the kidney comes from a close family member, e.g. siblings. Before transplantation, a number of laboratory and diagnostic tests are performed, and the contraindication to donation may be the coexistence of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, hypertension and hepatitis C or B.
Living donor kidney transplantation is a completely safe procedure, and such operations have been carried out routinely for over 60 years. Currently, they can be performed using techniques known as minimally invasive (manual assistance, laparoscope). As a result, the patient stays in the hospital for a short time and recovers quickly.