General description of the disease
The kidneys are the organ that filters waste products from the blood. They are also involved in the regulation, balancing and production of red blood cells in the body. The symptoms of kidney failure are associated with the accumulation of waste and excess fluid in the body, which can cause lethargy, edema, and other complications. Failure to remove potassium from the bloodstream can lead to sudden death[2]… Chronic renal failure is a disease characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function. When it reaches the last stage, fluid, electrolytes and high levels of waste can build up in the body. This disease can be asymptomatic for a long time until the functioning of the kidneys is severely impaired. Chronic kidney disease can progress to the terminal stage of renal failure, which is fatal without artificial filtration (dialysis) or kidney transplant[1].
The causes of kidney failure
Acute renal failure can occur for many reasons. Among the most common:
- acute tubular necrosis;
- severe or sudden dehydration;
- toxic kidney damage from poisons or certain medications;
- autoimmune kidney diseases such as acute nephrotic syndrome and interstitial nephritis;
- obstruction of the urinary tract;
Reduced blood flow can also damage the kidneys. The following factors can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys:
- low blood pressure
- burns;
- dehydration;
- hemorrhage;
- injury;
- septic shock;
- surgical intervention.
Some infections, such as septicemia and acute pyelonephritis, can directly affect the kidneys. Pregnancy can also cause complications that damage the kidneys, including previa and placental abruption[3].
Types of kidney failure
- 1 Acute prerenal renal failure. It is provoked by insufficient blood flow to the kidneys. They cannot filter toxins from the blood without sufficient blood flow. This type of kidney failure can usually be treated as soon as the doctor determines the cause of the decreased blood flow.
- 2 Acute internal renal failure – can be caused by direct injury to the kidneys as a result of physical impact or an accident. Causes also include toxin overload and ischemia, which is a lack of oxygen in the kidneys. Ischemia is provoked by such factors: glomerulonephritis, shock, bleeding.
- 3 Chronic renal renal failure. When not enough blood is supplied to the kidneys for a long period of time, they begin to contract and lose their ability to function.
- 4 Chronic renal failure. It develops due to long-term damage from internal kidney disease. Long-term blockage of the urinary tract prevents urination. This causes pressure and possible kidney damage.
Kidney failure symptoms
- bloody stools;
- bad breath;
- slow, sluggish movements;
- fatigue;
- trembling hands;
- easy bruising;
- changes in mental status or mood, especially in the elderly;
- decreased appetite;
- decreased sensitivity, especially in the hands or feet;
- nausea and vomiting;
- high blood pressure;
- metallic taste in the mouth.
Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly. Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease can include factors such as:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- loss of appetite;
- fatigue and weakness;
- problems with sleep;
- changes during urination;
- decreased mental acuity;
- muscle cramps;
- swelling of the legs and ankles;
- persistent itching;
- chest pain if fluid collects around the heart;
- shortness of breath if fluid accumulates in the lungs;
- high blood pressure (hypertension) that is difficult to control.
The signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific and can be caused by other conditions. Because the kidneys are able to adapt and compensate for lost function, signs and symptoms may appear slowly until irreversible damage occurs[1].
Complications of kidney failure
Chronic kidney disease can affect almost every organ in a person. Possible complications include:
- Fluid retention, which can lead to swelling in the hands and feet, high blood pressure, or fluid in the lungs.
- An unexpected increase in blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), which can impair the heart’s ability to function and is ultimately life-threatening.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Increased risk of bone fractures.
- Anemia.
- Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or decreased fertility.
- Damage to the central nervous system that can cause difficulty concentrating, personality changes, or seizures.
- Decreased immunity, which makes a person more vulnerable to infections.
- Pericarditis, an inflammation of the saccular membrane that envelops the heart (pericardium).
- Complications of pregnancy that pose risks to the mother and fetus.
Irreversible kidney damage that occurs in the end-stage of the disease eventually requires either dialysis or a kidney transplant to save the person[3].
Prevention of renal failure
To reduce the risk of developing this disease, we suggest following these steps:
- 1 Follow the instructions to the medication, in particular over-the-counter. When using over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, be sure to follow the directions. A large number of pain relievers can have a negative effect on the kidneys. Ask your doctor if these drugs are safe for you.
- 2 Maintain a healthy weight. If he’s okay, keep him up with regular physical activity. In the event that the mark is higher than the norm, it is worth discussing strategies for healthy weight loss with your doctor.
- 3 Give up smoking. It damages the kidneys and aggravates the existing disease.
- 4 Get regular medical examinations and if there are diseases, keep them under control. If you have any diseases or conditions that increase your risk of kidney disease, be sure to treat and consult your doctor.[4].
Diagnosis of renal failure
There are several studies that are used to diagnose kidney failure. These include:
- 1 Analysis of urine. The doctor prescribes it to check for any abnormalities, including abnormal protein or sugar that ends up in the urine. Urine sediment testing may also be done. This allows you to measure the number of red and white blood cells, detect high levels of bacteria.
- 2 Measurements of urine volume. Measuring urine output is one of the simplest tests to diagnose kidney failure. For example, a low urine output may indicate that kidney disease is related to a blockage of urine flow, which could be caused by multiple diseases or injuries.
- 3 Blood test. It is used to measure substances that are filtered by the kidneys. For example, such as urea nitrogen and creatinine. Their rapid growth may indicate acute renal failure.
- 4 Examination of the kidneys. Tests such as ultrasound, MRI, and computed tomography are images of the kidneys themselves as well as the urinary tract. This allows the nephrologist to look for blockages or abnormalities in the kidneys.
- 5 Kidney tissue sample. Tissue samples are examined for abnormal deposits, scarring, or infectious organisms. A biopsy is used to collect a sample. This is a simple procedure and is often performed under a local anesthetic to relieve any discomfort. The sample is collected with a biopsy needle inserted through the skin into the kidney. X-ray or ultrasound equipment is used to locate the kidneys and help the doctor guide the needle[4].
Treatment of renal failure in mainstream medicine
Treatment will depend on the primary cause of acute kidney injury. The goal is to restore normal kidney function. The doctor must conduct a detailed examination and, on its basis, choose the correct, most effective treatment. It usually consists of these aspects.
Diet
The doctor may prescribe a diet that strictly controls the amount of fluids the patient is consuming. This will reduce the build-up of toxins that are normally eliminated by the kidneys. A diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein, salt, and potassium is generally recommended.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent any infections that occur in your body at the same time. Diuretics can help the kidneys get rid of fluids. Calcium and insulin help prevent dangerous increases in blood potassium levels.
Dialysis
Some patients may need dialysis. This procedure is not always prescribed. It involves draining blood from your body into a machine that filters them out. Pure blood is returned to the body. If the patient’s blood potassium level is dangerously high, dialysis can be life-saving. As a rule, this procedure is necessary if there are changes in the mental state of a person, if he is disturbed, urination stops, pericarditis develops[3].
Kidney transplant
The benefits of a transplant are that the new kidney can work perfectly and no dialysis is needed anymore. The disadvantage of the operation is that after it the patient must take immunosuppressants. These drugs have their own side effects, some of which are serious. In addition, transplant surgery is not always successful.[4].
Healthy foods for kidney failure
- It is very important to limit the amount of protein consumed. You can find out more about this in the section with prohibited products. So, the main sources of energy are fats and carbohydrates.
- Vegetable fats (olive oil, flaxseed oil) are an excellent alternative to animals that can overload the body.
- From carbohydrates, it is allowed to eat porridge. Rice and corn are considered particularly beneficial. But some of them are strictly prohibited – potatoes or dried fruits, for example. Because they are able to raise the level of potassium in the blood.
- To improve the taste of dishes, you can add herbs, spices without salt to them.
- Sour juices from fruits and vegetables (tomato, orange, lime, lemon) are allowed.
It is important to make sure that the diet is enriched with vitamins, useful elements, but certainly taking into account the fact that there are forbidden ones among them. It is best to consult your doctor for the correct diet.
Traditional medicine for renal failure
- 1 It is necessary to prepare a collection of corn stigmas, birch and blueberry leaves, linden flowers, burdock root, as well as the leaves of a string, dried crus, astragalus, mint, sage. All components must be mixed, chopped. Then 2 tbsp. l. collection, pour two glasses of boiling water, drain into a thermos and let it brew overnight. Take a quarter glass three times a day.
- 2 Another remedy is sea buckthorn broth. To prepare it, you need to pour boiling water over 100 grams of fresh rosehip berries, then discard it on cheesecloth and let it dry a little. Then – brew in a thermos with boiling water and let it brew for a couple of hours. Fresh sea buckthorn berries also need to be doused with boiling water, minced, and squeezed out of this mixture. The present rosehip liquid must be filtered, cooled and mixed with sea buckthorn, add 50 ml of lemon juice with sugar, let the drink brew for 2 hours and drink 50 ml three times a day half an hour before meals.
- 3 In case of kidney disease, supporters of traditional medicine are advised to take a decoction of echinacea, prepared with all its parts: flowers, leaves and roots. 50 g of chopped echinacea should be poured with a liter of vodka, and kept in a dark place for 14 days, shaking from time to time. Then strain and take 10 drops every 4 hours.
- 4 You can prepare a medicinal collection from simple plants: taken in equal proportions of lemon balm, mint and calendula. You need to grind this mixture and 4 tablespoons. pour two glasses of hot water, bring to a boil over low heat, and then pour into a thermos and let it brew overnight. Drink 100 ml once a day for 1 months.
- 5 A decoction of black currant leaves, raspberry twigs and rose hips affects the kidneys well. All components in equal proportions must be crushed and brewed like simple tea. Drink 1 glass throughout the day for several months.
Dangerous and harmful foods for kidney failure
Your doctor may prescribe a protein-restricted diet. Meat, poultry, eggs, cottage cheese – it is important to consume these products in minimal quantities. The exact norm of protein per day for each patient is determined by the doctor, depending on the stage and characteristics of the course of the deficiency.
- It is important to reduce the amount of salt you eat. It retains water in the body, which contributes to the appearance of edema, aggravates hypertension.
- Phosphorus also needs to be minimized. In the presence of kidney failure, phosphate is more slowly excreted from the body. This triggers the production of a hormone that flushes calcium out of the bones. From this they become fragile, osteoporosis can develop.
- Potassium is prohibited, as its high content in the blood can even lead to cardiac arrest. This element is found in foods such as bananas, herbs, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, wheat sprouts, avocados, and beans.
- The doctor may limit the amount of water a person can consume. With kidney failure, the patient is thirsty, but the kidneys have difficulty excreting large amounts of fluid, which is fraught with edema.
- It is imperative to exclude foods that are irritants to the kidneys – coffee, strong tea, chocolate, spicy dishes, broths from meat, fish, mushrooms, alcohol.
- Article: Chronic kidney disease, source
- Статья: «Kidney Failure (Symptoms, Signs, Stages, Causes, and Treatment)
- Article: “Acute Kidney Failure”, source
- Article: “Kidney Failure”, source
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The administration is not responsible for any attempt to use the information provided, and does not guarantee that it will not harm you personally. The materials cannot be used to prescribe treatment and make a diagnosis. Always consult your specialist doctor!