Canine Renal Insufficiency: Causes Treatment and Prevention

Canine Renal Insufficiency: Causes Treatment and Prevention

Comments by Dr. Becker:

Kidney failure occurs when a dog's kidneys are no longer able to remove waste and concentrate urine. Animal bodies produce toxins throughout the day, every day, and toxins circulate in the kidneys to be dissolved in water, filtered and excreted through the urine.

A healthy kidney produces very concentrated urine, which means that a lot of toxins can be tolerated and excreted with a small amount of water.

In contrast, a kidney with problems (kidney failure) needs more and more water to excrete the same amount of toxins. A dog with kidney failure will drink larger amounts of water until at the end he simply can not drink enough and the levels of toxins in his blood begin to rise.

There are two types of renal failure: acute and chronic.

Acute kidney failure (ARF) occurs suddenly and may be caused by:

Ingestion of a poison as an antifreeze, a medicine intended for humans, or the Easter Lily plant
An acute bacterial infection
Dehydration, usually because the dog does not have easy access to drinking water
Decreased blood flow in the kidneys - for example, a situation that may occur during a surgical procedure, or as a result of sunstroke, or because of heart disease
Urinary obstruction
Chronic Kidney Failure (CRF) is a slower process and develops for months or even years. It is more common in older dogs.

Acute renal failure can be reversed in some cases, in others it can become chronic. Unfortunately, most cases of chronic kidney disease are irreversible.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Renal Failure

When kidney failure is acute, symptoms appear quickly and are often severe. The first three to appear are:

Vomiting
Complete loss of appetite
Tagged lethargy
Other symptoms you may notice:

Tension on urination and decreased urine output
Disorientation
Physical weakness, loss of coordination
IRA is a very serious, life threatening situation and requires quick action if you want to save your dog's life.

No Time to Lose If Your Pet Suffers from Acute Renal Failure

If you notice any of the above symptoms, or if you know or suspect that your puppy has ingested a poison or is suffering from the effects of heat or dehydration, call your veterinarian or animal emergency clinic immediately and be prepared to transport it .

If the diagnosis is ARI, your pet will be hospitalized for intensive treatment. If you survive the initial crisis, and unfortunately many puppies do not, your chances of full recovery by kidney function will depend on organ damage, underlying cause of the condition and treatment you receive.

The goal of treating acute renal failure is to provide supportive care while the kidneys are recovering. It can take from several days to several weeks to determine if your dog will recover from the IRA, and at what time.

Urine production is a very important indicator for recovery. If a puppy continues to have low production or no urine as the treatment progresses, unfortunately, it means that the prognosis was very poor.

If conservative treatment is not improving a dog's health, there may be other options, such as dialysis or organ transplantation. Decisions about whether to go 'beyond' will depend on the availability of such resources locally, and even more importantly, how the owner feels about more aggressive forms of treatment.

Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRF)

Chronic kidney failure is one of the most common diseases seen in older dogs, on par with arthritis and cancer.

Unfortunately, when most dogs show signs of kidney disease, most of the irreplaceable tissue needed for good kidney function has already been destroyed.

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that while their dog is urinating a lot - often more than they urinated during their younger years - their kidneys continue to function well. But it is quite the opposite.

A dog with developing kidney disease will feel the need to drink and urinate more, in an effort to keep his body free from waste - a job that his kidneys once did with much less effort. This cycle of excessive drinking and urination will work for a while, but in the end, no amount of water will be sufficient for that function.

The moment your pet begins to show other obvious signs of illness, for example, lack of appetite, weight loss or low energy level, it means that it has produced significant irreversible kidney damage.

Other symptoms of CRF, which, unfortunately, are also symptoms of many other diseases are:

Decrease or absence of urine
Urinating at night
Blood in the urine
Vomiting and / or diarrhea
Bent posture; Reluctant to move
Poor condition of the coat
Chronic kidney disease can also cause:

Mouth ulcers and bad breath from the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream
Dehydration
High blood pressure, which can result in changes in the retina of the eyes
Anemia as a result of decreased production of red blood cells
Kidneys smaller than normal size, enlarged and / or painful
Fluid retention in the extremities and abdomen
Treatment Options

If the IRC in your puppy is caused by a factor other than the damaged kidneys - for example, a disease that decreases blood flow to the kidneys or a blockage of the urinary tract - it may be possible to reverse the problem in the kidneys by treating Appropriately the underlying cause. That is why it is important for your veterinarian to determine the source of the IRC.

If the disease is the result of irreversible damage to renal tissue, in many cases, renal function stabilizes completely for weeks or even months. And as the disease progresses and kidney function continues to deteriorate, your pet's symptoms can be minimized with supportive treatment.

Fluid therapy is a basic concept of treatment for dogs with kidney failure, especially to avoid dehydration due to the large amount of water that is not absorbed by the body.

Providing subcutaneous fluid (under the skin) may be necessary, and many pet owners can do this at home after some instruction by their veterinarian. Often potassium is added to the animal's fluid or feed to protect against muscle weakness and heart rhythm disturbances as a result of low electrolyte levels. In some cases, intravenous fluids may also be required.

Your dog should have access throughout the day to fresh, clean water. For example raising water overnight, will not solve your pet's urge to urinate in the middle of the night and could trigger a real health crisis.

You will need to carefully monitor the amount of food and water your pet consumes each day. If consumption decreases, additional fluids should be given to prevent dehydration. You should also weigh your pet at least weekly to ensure that you are consuming enough calories to maintain your weight and proper hydration.

The food you give your dog with IRC is also of vital importance for disease control and general well-being. A reduced amount of high quality protein and high moisture content are essential, but phosphorus consumption should be restricted. Since phosphorus is found primarily in high protein food sources, it is easy to identify when you need expert advice on how to feed your pet better.

Your holistic / holistic veterinarian is your best resource for advice on proper nutrition depending on the condition of your pet, and also the type of supplements, medications if necessary, and other therapies that will help maintain the health and quality of your pet. Life of your dog.

Prevention of Renal Insufficiency

Not all causes of canine kidney failure are known or understood, nor can all cases of ARI or CRI be prevented. However, there are a number of things within your control that you can employ to promote the health and longevity of optimal kidney function for your beautiful puppy.

• Many situations of acute kidney failure can be prevented by keeping dogs away from toxic substances such as antifreeze, heavy metals, rat poison and other pesticides, household medicines, and some foods and plants.

• Any dog ​​with a bacterial infection, urinary obstruction or other diseases that can compromise renal function should receive the appropriate treatment, and the sooner the better.

• Be sure to never mistreat or beat your dog and limit it to go out freely as this will decrease traumas in your kidneys that could lead to kidney failure.

• Limit the use of medications, vaccines, and surgical procedures throughout your life as this will reduce the amount of toxins that your liver and kidneys need to process. Renal insufficiency in older dogs is usually the result of worn out organs. The less stress your kidneys have on your pet, the longer they will function effectively.

• Feed it on a balanced diet, depending on the species rather than giving you commercial pet food as this food will provide your pet's body with the essential nutrition it needs for the health of all organs and systems of the body, including the kidneys. Highly processed low quality pet food - in particular, dry croquettes, which lack the quality moisture and protein that pets need - is linked to many of the degenerative diseases in today's pets.

• Make note of even small changes in your pet's behavior, appetite, thirst, and energy level. Do not assume that excess thirst and urine is normal. Rely on your instinct if you tell him to schedule an appointment with your holistic veterinarian to discuss your dog's health.

In any degenerative condition there is an opportunity - while your pet is in the "gray zone" between health and illness - to reverse, stop or even slow down the gray area and dangerous disease.

• Perform regular home health screenings and make sure your puppy visits at least once and preferably twice to your holistic or integral veterinarian each year. This is the best way to be aware of health problems and identify the problems that arise in your pet.

End Stage Renal Disease

End Stage Renal Disease

General information
When you are diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease it means that you are in the final stage of kidney disease and the kidneys do not work well enough to meet the needs of daily life. The kidneys are responsible for filtering debris and excess water from the blood in the form of urine.

If you have end-stage renal disease, also known as end-stage kidney disease (ESRD), your kidneys are functioning below 10% of your normal function. This means that the kidneys barely work or do not work at all. Kidney disease is usually progressive. Typically it does not reach the terminal stage until 10 or 20 years after the diagnosis of renal disease, which can also develop slowly.

CAUSES

Causes
Many types of kidney disease attack the nephrons (the tiny renal units that perform the filtration). The consequence is that the blood does not filter adequately and at a certain time, the ERET is present. Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are the two most common causes of ESRD. Diabetics can not break down glucose (sugar) properly and blood levels are kept high. Elevated blood glucose levels damage the glomeruli in the nephrons. If you have hypertension, the high pressure that is exerted on the small renal vessels causes damages that prevent that the glasses fulfill their function of filtering the blood.

RISKS

Risks
The two major groups at risk of having ERET are diabetics and hypertensives. You are also more likely to have the condition if you have family members who have the condition.

The risk of ERET also increases when you have any kind of kidney disease or condition, including:

Polycystic kidney disease
Alport syndrome
Interstitial nephritis
Pyelonephritis
Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus

symptom
You may have a wide range of symptoms, including:

Lower urine volume
Inability to urinate
fatigue
Feeling sick
Headaches
Weight loss of unknown origin
lack of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Dry skin and itching
Change in skin color
Bone pain
Confusion and difficulty concentrating
Other symptoms may include:

Bruise easily, in addition to bleeding frequently through the nose
Numbness in hands and feet
Halitosis (bad breath)
Excessive thirst
Frequent hiccup
Absence of menstrual cycles
Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome
Lack of sexual desire or impotence
Inflammation (edema), especially in the legs and hands
DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis
The doctor will diagnose ESRT by a physical examination and blood test to check kidney function.

TREATMENT

Treatment
There are two treatments for end stage renal disease: dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Dialysis
When you undergo dialysis, you have two options. One is hemodialysis, which is a treatment in which a machine is used to process the blood. It filters the waste with a solution and then returns clean blood to the body. This treatment is usually done three times a week and lasts three to four hours at a time. The doctor may also prescribe peritoneal dialysis (a treatment that involves the introduction of a solution into the abdomen, which is then removed through a catheter).

Kidney transplant
Kidney transplant surgery involves removing the diseased kidneys and replacing them with a donated organ. It is enough that you transplant a healthy kidney. That means that donors are often alive because they can donate a kidney and continue to function normally. Kidney transplantation is one of the most common transplant surgeries in the United States.

Other techniques
Diabetics and hypertensives must control their diseases. Both diseases are treated with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

It may be necessary to follow a diet with low sodium, potassium and other electrolytes, as well as restrict fluid consumption. It may be necessary to increase caloric intake and decrease protein intake.

Complications
The possible complications of ERET are:

Skin infections caused by dry skin and itching
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and / or hepatic insufficiency
Heart and blood vessel problems
Accumulation of fluid around the lungs
Hyperparathyroidism
Increased risk of infection
malnutrition
Nerve damage
Pain in bones, muscles and joints
anemia
Stomach and intestinal haemorrhage
Brain dysfunction and dementia
Abnormal levels of electrolytes
Changes in blood glucose levels
Convulsions
Weakening of the bones, joint disorders and fractures
FORECAST

Forecast
The diagnosis of an ERET used to automatically be a death sentence; However, advances in treatments allow patients to live much longer than before. Without dialysis or kidney transplantation the outcome is fatal. The outcome of treatment depends on the patient.

PREVENTION

Prevention
In some cases it is not possible to prevent end stage renal disease. However, you should keep blood glucose and blood pressure under control. Always get medical care if you have symptoms of ERET, because early detection and treatment can delay or prevent this disease.

Renal insufficiency

Renal insufficiency

Signs and symptoms

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is usually asymptomatic in the early stages: 1,2

Patients generally do not have symptoms, so it is essential to regularly monitor renal function in patients at risk.
Monitoring should be frequent if there are risk factors for CKD and / or before starting treatment with nephrotoxic drugs.
People living with HIV, whether or not they are receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, should be subject to a risk assessment on a yearly basis.
The estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be performed at the time of diagnosis, before starting the combined antiretroviral therapy and, subsequently, every 3-12 months, with a higher frequency if there are risk factors for CKD and / or Before starting and with the treatment of nephrotoxic drugs. 3
A test strip urine test should be performed at the time of diagnosis before starting the combined antiretroviral therapy and then every 6 months if the GFR <60 ml / min; If proteinuria ≥ 1 or more and / or GFR <60 ml / min, the ratio of albumin-creatinine to urine or the ratio of albumin to creatinine to urine should be measured. 3

Patients with CKD may not notice any symptoms until they reach the stage of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or transplantation (eGFR <15 ml / min / 1.73 m 2 ).
Symptoms of ERT include the following: 1
Nicturia
General discomfort
Anorexia / nausea / vomiting
Pruritus
"Restless legs"
Dyspnoea

Patients with acute renal failure due to glomerulonephritis caused by viral infection and immune reaction may have proteinuria and "nephritic sediment". Clinical symptoms are determined by the extent of proteinuria with loss of protein and renal function and including include: 4

Edema
Fatigue
Reduced operation
Susceptibility to infections
Hyperlipidemia
Anemia
Metabolic acidosis
Problems with calcium-phosphate metabolism

Signs and alarming symptoms of kidney disease in people living with HIV are the following: 5

Severe respiratory distress due to pulmonary edema, especially in cases of renal insufficiency, with bilateral crackles (in both lungs) in auscultation with stethoscope and hypoxia;
Hyperventilation (especially in people with metabolic acidosis), which can present deep and very fast laborious ventilation;
Shock state, whose rapid recognition and treatment is essential to maintain and / or restore kidney function and save life. Some symptoms of the shock are pallor, cold and viscous skin, weak but rapid pulse, capillary filling lasting more than 2 or 3 seconds, dizziness and fatigue.

Some patients, especially those treated with antiretroviral causing renal impairment may have Fanconi syndrome signs such as: 6

Renal insufficiency
Hypokalemia
Hypophosphatemia
Metabolic acidosis
Albuminuria / proteinuria
Hyperaminoaciduria
Glucosuria
Hypercalciuria
Hipouricemia
Phosphate and potassium loss.

7 Symptoms of kidney failure

7 Symptoms of kidney failure

Many people live with chronic kidney disease, and on the brink of kidney failure, without even noticing that there is a problem. The gradual transition from unhealthy kidneys to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and finally to renal failure, is very subtle and with very few early symptoms.

However, recognizing the symptoms of impending kidney failure can save years of health problems. These are the seven most common signs of kidney failure ...

1. Pain in the legs and back

The most common sign of chronic kidney disease is persistent pain in the legs and back, near where the kidneys are. Often you only feel pain on the side of the affected kidney. The discomfort can be so terrible that the affected women have compared it to the pain of childbirth.

2. Urgencia urinaria

Los riñones producen orina con el fin de filtrar los desechos del cuerpo. Esto significa que, a menudo, cuando los riñones se ven comprometidos, puedes sentir urgencia de orinar en medio de la noche, y podrías notar que tienes que orinar con más frecuencia, con mayor presión, y en grandes cantidades. La presión puede ser tan fuerte en tu vejiga que sientes que no puedes eliminar toda la orina cuando vas al baño (similar a una infección del tracto urinario). Si la orina contiene sangre, consulta inmediatamente a un médico.

3. Fatigue

Healthy kidneys produce adequate amounts of the EPO (erythropoietin) hormone that controls red blood cells, which carry oxygen, to energize the muscles and brain. Without the right amount of EPO, the body and brain often fatigue and require more sleep than usual.

4. Swelling

When the kidneys fail, their function of removing fluids from the body is delayed. Therefore, this excess fluid accumulates in the extremities, resulting in swelling of the legs, hands, ankles and feet, to such an extent that, often, you can not wear your shoes or put on a ring.

5. Irritated skin

Skin irritations, such as acne and itchy rashes, often occur due to excess waste that is scattered inside your body (the kidneys usually remove this waste through the urine), which can cause symptoms of excessive toxicity in The surface of the skin.

6. Nausea

Toxicity (or increased waste that can not be removed through blood or urine) will often lead to a general feeling of nausea and a lack of appetite and weight loss. In severe cases, vomiting will make it difficult to retain food and nutrients.

7. Metal flavor

Patients whose kidneys fail, often describe a metallic taste (also called Ammonia Breath) that remains in the mouth in the weeks and months prior to actual kidney failure. This metallic taste is due to uremia (excess byproducts of waste present in the bloodstream).

10 SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEYS - KIDNEY DISEASES

10 SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEYS - KIDNEY DISEASES

The kidney is an organ located in the posterior portion of the abdomen, parallel to the spine. Most of us have two kidneys, one on each side of the spine, but there are people born with only one.

The kidneys are essential organs for life, responsible for several functions, including blood filtration, blood electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium), blood pressure, water Body, stimulating the production of red blood cells, production of vitamin D, etc.

Many kidney diseases have little or no symptoms in their early stages. Most patients only discover that they are carriers of advanced kidney disease, when there is not much to do to save kidney function.

Advertising - Advertising


The best way to identify early kidney disease is through blood and urine tests. The blood creatinine dosage allows us to calculate the rate of blood filtration of the kidneys, whereas the simple urine test can identify the presence of blood, proteins, glucose or other substances that point to a possible renal disease (read: ANALYSIS OF Urine test ).

The big problem is that, despite being cheap and widely available tests for the population, ignorance of the symptoms that indicate kidney diseases makes a lot of people do not seek medical attention for evaluation of the kidneys. Therefore, kidney disease often causes no relevant symptoms and, when they do, patients do not know how to recognize them.

In this article we are going to talk about ten common signs and symptoms of kidney diseases. If you recognize any of these symptoms, seek a doctor to do an evaluation of your kidneys.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY DISEASE
Symptoms of kidneys # 1 - Blood in the urine (hematuria)

Hematuria is the name given to the presence of blood in the urine, is visible to the naked eye or only detectable in urine tests.

The presence of visible blood in the urine is called macroscopic hematuria. Urinating blood usually scares patients because it is a common belief that it is a sign that there is something wrong with the urinary tract. Hardly a person with blood in the urine does not have the initiative to seek medical attention.

The big problem is when the loss of blood is imperceptible. Microscopic hematuria is one that is only identified by urine tests. This type of bleeding in the urine may go undetected for years, as it is not perceptible to the naked eye.

The presence of blood in the urine, whether visible or not, can be caused by several diseases, including:

Advertising - Advertising


- Kidney cancer.
- Bladder cancer.
- Prostate cancer.
- Renal calculus.
- Urinary infection (Lee: CYSTITIS - URINARY INFECTION ).
- Benign hyperplasia of the prostate.
- Diseases of the glomeruli (glomerulonephritis).
- Sickle cell anemia.
Polycystic Kidney Disease.
- Kidney trauma.
- Medicines.
- Urinary tuberculosis.
- Physical effort.
- Excess of calcium in the urine.
- Endometriosis.

Symptoms of Kidneys -2 - Foamy urine

It is perfectly normal for some foam to appear on the toilet when we urinate because of the force of the urine stream in the water. However, if you notice a change in the pattern of the urine foam, especially if there is an increase in the amount and the time it takes to disappear, this may indicate a kidney disease.

Increased foam usually occurs when there is loss of protein in the urine, an alteration called proteinuria. Proteinuria is a sign of kidney disease and tends to occur in the following diseases:

- Diabetes Mellitus (see: SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES ).
- Lupus.
- Diseases of the glomeruli (glomerulonephritis).
- AIDS.
- Eclampsia.
- Obesity.
- High blood pressure (Read: Symptoms of Hypertension - High Blood Pressure ).
- Multiple myeloma.

Kidney Symptoms # 3 - Edema (swelling)

The kidneys are the organs that control the amount of water and sodium (salt) in our body. In kidney failure in advanced stages there is a reduction of the elimination of sodium by the kidneys and accumulation of water, which leads to the formation of edema.

Edema also occurs when there are large protein losses in the urine, a condition called nephrotic syndrome.

The swellings usually arise in the feet and ankles, rising towards the thighs as the disease progresses. In more severe cases, there may be fluid retention in the lungs, which can lead to a condition called acute lung edema.

Advertising - Advertising


Symptoms of Kidneys # 4 - Hypertension

Retention of sodium and water not only causes edema, but also causes hypertension. Both chronic renal failure and glomerulonephritis often occur with high blood pressure.

It is always good to remember that high blood pressure is one of the most common diseases in the population and that more than 95% of patients with hypertension do not have kidney disease. Disease of the kidneys should be suspected in the patient who develops hypertension suddenly, usually associated with one or more of the signs and symptoms described in this text. Patients whose hypertension has always been well controlled with medication, but who suddenly have worsening of it, should also be investigated for kidney disease.

Another cause of hypertension of renal origin is a disease called renal artery stenosis, which is nothing more than a partial obstruction of the renal artery, responsible for carrying blood to the kidneys.

Kidney Symptoms # 5 - Anemia

The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which is responsible for stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When renal function is impaired, as in advanced stages of chronic renal failure, there is a drop in erythropoietin production, causing the patient to develop anemia.

For more information on anemia, read: ANEMIA - Symptoms and Causes .

Kidney Symptoms # 6 - Fatigue

Fatigue in kidney failure can have several causes. The most common is the presence of anemia, explained earlier. However, the accumulation of toxins in the body, as well as increased acidity in the blood (called acidosis), can also cause inappetence.

The chronic renal insufficiency patient in advanced stages gets tired easily and has little spirits. If the patient is elderly, he may become apathetic.

The fluid retention in the lungs mentioned in item 3 can also cause fatigue and shortness of breath.

Kidney Symptoms # 7 - Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

In the same way that increased acidity and retention of toxins in the blood cause fatigue, they are also responsible for the loss of appetite. In advanced stages, renal insufficiency causes the patient to present a metallic taste in the mouth and bad breath. It is common for the patient to tolerate no more meat and begin to lose weight due to malnutrition

Nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning, can also be a sign of terminal kidney disease.

When the renal insufficient patient has the symptoms described above, the nephrologist usually indicates the onset of hemodialysis.

Kidney Symptoms # 8 - Pain in the back or pain in the kidneys

It is very common for patients, especially the elderly, to associate pain in the lumbar region with possible kidney disease. In fact, most kidney diseases, including chronic kidney failure, do not cause back pain. Lumbar pain is, in most cases, caused by osteoarticular problems of the spine.

However, there are some exceptions. The presence of a stone in a kidney or urinary tract can cause severe back pain, which tends to radiate into the groin. The lumbar pain of the stone in the kidney is unbearable and has no relation to movements of the trunk. This feature is important to distinguish it from the pains of the spine that are generally not as intense and worsen when the patient moves the trunk.

Another cause of lumbar pain of renal origin is the urinary infection, mainly the pyelonephritis, which is the infection of the kidneys.

Polycystic kidney disease can also cause low back pain because of the giant cysts that compress the surrounding structures. Bleeding, rupturing or infection of a cyst also often causes pain.

Kidney Symptoms # 9 - Awakening at night to urinate

Waking up at night to urinate is a very common symptom of benign prostate disease; However, it can also be an early sign of kidney disease.

When chronic kidney failure begins to progress, the kidney begins to lose ability to concentrate the urine. It is easy to notice that the first morning urine is always more concentrated because, as we are several hours without ingesting liquids, the kidneys reduce the elimination of water in the urine at night. Patients with kidney disease lose the ability to concentrate urine and end up needing to stop their sleep to urinate.

Kidney Symptoms # 10 - Absence of urine

Many people think that urinating is a clear sign of kidney health. The reasoning is simple: if I urinate is because the kidneys work well. This is a mistake. In the urine there is much more than water and it is impossible at first sight to know if the toxins in the body are being eliminated by the kidneys.

Urination only means that the kidneys still manage to excrete water. In fact, most patients with advanced chronic renal failure who need to start hemodialysis urinate at least one liter a day. Most of them only stop urinating one or two years after starting a regular hemodialysis program. Therefore, urinating, even large volumes, is not a guarantee that the kidneys are healthy.

Disruption of urine usually occurs with obstruction of the urinary tract, diseases of the prostate. Some glomerulonephritis are associated with acute renal failure, which causes a rapid reduction in the volume of urine.

Kidney disease: a silent problem

Kidney disease: a silent problem

Enrique has been having problems with managing his health. He knows he has high blood pressure and diabetes, but he can not resist serving extra portions of the fried bread that his wife prepares. During a checkup, Dr. Brenes did a blood test. The results showed that Enrique had developed a chronic kidney disease. Enrique wondered if the test results might be incorrect because he did not feel sick. Dr. Brenes explained that people who have kidney disease often do not know it. That is why it is called a "silent" disease.

People have two kidneys, each the size of the fist of the hand. The kidneys have an important function. They filter the debris from the blood and remove excess water from the blood to produce urine. The kidneys also control blood pressure and produce hormones that the body needs to stay healthy.

Kidney disease
Kidney disease can sometimes develop very quickly, and when that happens, it is known as an acute kidney injury. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, this form of kidney disease can sometimes improve.

The most common form of kidney disease occurs slowly, over a long period of time. This form is called chronic kidney disease. Some people know it as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal is another word used to refer to the kidney. Chronic kidney disease is a lifelong disease; will not disappear.

Chronic kidney disease is a widespread problem, especially in the elderly. In an early stage of the disease, the kidneys do not perform well to remove excess water and waste from the blood.

Over time, the problem worsens and the kidneys may stop working completely. This is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). When kidney disease worsens considerably, it can cause other problems like heart disease, bone disease, arthritis and nerve damage.

Who is at risk?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two main causes of kidney disease. People who have heart disease also have a high risk of developing kidney disease.

The family medical history also plays a role in a person's risk of developing kidney disease. That means that if someone in your family, like your mother, father, sister or brother has kidney disease, you are more likely to have it as well.

In addition, individuals of certain races and ethnic groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans seem to be more likely to develop kidney disease.

Age is another factor. As you get older, your kidneys may not work as well as when you were younger. Ask your doctor to help you keep track of your kidneys' functioning.

Tests to detect kidney disease
Kidney disease often has no symptoms. In fact, it may be that you feel good until you get to the point when your kidneys almost stop working. Only the doctor can determine if you have kidney disease.

There are two kinds of tests your doctor can do to determine if you have kidney disease: a blood test and a urine test.

The blood test, known as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), measures how much blood the kidneys filter per minute . The doctor uses this information to determine how well the kidneys are working. A GFR of more than 60 means that the kidneys are working well. A GFR of 60 or less may mean that you have a kidney disease. You can not increase your GFR, but there are things you can do to prevent it from decreasing (see the section called Preventing Kidneys from getting worse ).

The urine test indicates if you have a type of protein, called albumin, in the urine. The presence of protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage. It is most common in people who have diabetes. Your doctor may need to have additional tests to see if you have kidney disease or not.

Because most people who have a kidney disease also have diabetes, high blood pressure or both disorders, your doctor may also check if you have those problems.

The earlier kidney disease is discovered, the sooner a treatment can begin to maintain the health of the kidneys longer.

Prevent Kidneys from Getting Worse
There is no cure for kidney disease. However, there are things you can do to help prevent your kidneys from getting worse.

If kidney disease is at an early stage, so your kidneys are still working, your doctor may prescribe a blood pressure medication and a diuretic (a water pill) to lower your blood pressure Arterial and protect the functioning of the kidneys. In addition, you may need to make some changes in your lifestyle, such as consuming a special low-sodium diet and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease
If your kidneys have stopped working, or you are in the terminal stage of kidney disease, there are treatments that can replace kidney function. The two main options are dialysis and a transplant.

Dialysis is a special process that removes waste and water from the blood. Dialysis is done in a special center about three times a week or at home while you sleep.

The doctor will decide which option is right for you. A transplant is when you receive a healthy kidney from a donor. Because people have two kidneys, a living person, usually a family member, can give them one of their kidneys.

Talk with your doctor to determine if dialysis or a transplant are options that may work for you.

Medicare and kidney disease
The Medicare program can help cover the cost of certain education and treatment programs related to kidney disease. Contact the Medicare program for more information on the costs that this program covers. See the following publications: Medicare Coverage for Kidney Dialysis and Kidney

Who is at risk for chronic kidney disease

Who is at risk for chronic kidney disease

More than 10% of adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD), but most of them do not realize they have it. One of the challenges of detecting CKD is that there are virtually no symptoms until the later stages of the disease, when kidney damage has already occurred. Know your risk factors and get your CKD screening; Especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease
One of the most complex aspects of the detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is that the signs and symptoms appear late, once the condition has progressed. In fact, CKD is sometimes called a "silent" disease because it is difficult to detect, and most people with early-stage CKD are unaware that they have it.

Understanding the signs of CKD

Although paying attention to the symptoms of stages does not help with early detection, it is important to know what the signs are. Remember: you should not wait to have symptoms to take action. If you are at risk of having CKD , you should have screening tests at least once a year to find out if there are signs of chronic kidney disease. The earlier the CKD is detected, the greater the benefit of early treatment. Talk to your doctor right away if you notice any of these signs and symptoms.

Changes in the urine - which includes foamy or bloody urine, more or less urine than usual or the need to get up at night to urinate


Fatigue- lack of usual energy or feeling very tired


Itching - debris that builds up in the blood can cause severe itching

Swelling of hands or feet - swelling can occur when the kidneys do not remove extra fluid over time


Shortness of breath - the extra fluid that the kidneys can not remove can accumulate in the lungs; Shortness of breath may also be caused by anemia


Pain in the lower back - pain that is located near the kidneys that does not change or worsens when you move or stretch
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH OUR ELECTRONIC INFORMATION BULLETIN

Get the latest news on renal care as well as delicious recipes suitable for kidney patients and the valuable advice of people like you.
SIGN UP NOW
Other possible symptoms of kidney disease
High blood pressure
Poor appetite or nausea and vomiting
Swelling around the eyes, especially in the morning

Symptoms of kidney disease

Symptoms of kidney disease

Did you know that most people with kidney problems are not aware of it? This is because the first symptoms are almost imperceptible. It may take several years from the onset of signs of kidney failure to kidney disease, which is not the same. Learn the symptoms of kidney disease in the following article.


Knowledge is power: signs that you may have kidney problems
Doctors say that patients, conscious or not, of diseases in the kidneys and regardless of the stage of their illness, have to know their symptoms to be able to act as soon as possible. Thus, treatment is more effective and less durable. The following are the most common signs that a person is suffering from kidney failure, so it is vital to pay attention.

If you suffer from at least two or three of them, it is vital that you do not worry unnecessarily, but if you visit your doctor and perform blood and urine tests. Also keep in mind that many of these symptoms are not only related to kidney problems, so it is also good to know.



Urination changes: When the kidneys fail, the urine changes. You may have to wake up during the night to go to the bathroom, the liquid is foamy or with bubbles, you have to urinate more times or in greater amounts and urine is pale or otherwise, spend many hours and is dark, contains blood , You think you can not stand or have difficulties, tightness in the lower part of the pelvis or a lot of pressure.
Swelling: When the kidneys are insufficient they can not get rid of the extra fluids, so they accumulate in the body causing inflammation in the legs, ankles, hands and face.
Fatigue: The kidneys being healthy produce a hormone called erythropoietin. It is responsible for the body's creation of red blood cells, which carry the oxygen to the blood. As the kidney organs fail, it also decreases the production of this hormone. Then the muscles and mind get tired faster than usual. Patients do not have the energy or desire to do anything, they sleep a lot, they are exhausted, weak, exhausted without too much effort. This condition is known as anemia and may also be due to a lack of iron in the diet.

 Blood debris is removed through the kidneys. When they do not work properly, they accumulate in the bloodstream and can cause severe itching, which go beyond the skin, feel in the muscles or bones.
Metallic taste in the mouth or breath to ammonia : when accumulation of waste in the blood (ie, uremia), the taste of food can change and cause halitosis. Also some patients realize that they no longer like the taste of meat or lose weight because they have no desire to eat. The taste in the mouth at any time of the day is disgusting and does not go by brushing teeth, making swabs, eating gum, etc.
Nausea and vomiting: again due to uremia. It can also cause loss of appetite, lose several kilos, stomach that can not retain food or even liquids or medicines. Everything is rejected.
Shortness of breath: shortness of breath. This may be related to a failure of the lungs in two different ways. First, because the extra fluid that they can not eliminate is accumulating in the lungs and secondly because the anemia (lack of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the blood) leaves the body weakened and short of breath. It can be experienced without the need for exercise or an effort, just sitting or lying down, doing nothing else.
Feeling very cold at any time of year: anemia can make a person suffer from the cold even when the environment is warm, warm or have several blankets in their bed. Nor does it stop drinking a tea or a hot coffee or taking a bath with almost boiling water. It can happen that in summer with high temperatures the person also feels very cold in his house or in the street or the work. Chills, numbness of limbs, cold sweat are other related symptoms.
Dizziness and trouble concentrating: Anemia caused by kidney failure means that the mind is not getting the amount of oxygen it needs. This can lead to inconveniences to remember or memorize, dizziness, little concentration in any task that is being done, dispersion, little attention when speaking, etc. Not being able to remember what was done the previous week, the name of a relative, feeling dizzy all the time, etc.

Back Pain: Some people who have kidney problems and do not know it can attribute it to great effort, poor posture at work or even bad sleep at night. However, when this pain is maintained it means something else. The discomfort, puncture or even cramps are located in the lower part of the back or in the side of the body. Sometimes the pain comes to one of the legs or both. If the patient has polycystic kidney disease (ie, an accumulation of cysts in the kidneys or liver), he or she may also experience severe pain in the area.