Simple Tips To Learn About Kidney Disease
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1. Kidneys get rid of waste from the body and help us to hold on to the right amount of fluid and electrolytes.
2. They also send out hormones that keep your blood pressure steady.
3. They play a role in making red blood cells and prevent you from getting anemic.
4. They even make a form of vitamin D that’s good for your bones.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease
1. Gradual loss of appetite.
2. Fatigue.
3. Edema-swelling of feet and ankle even around eyes.
4. Decreased mental sharpness.
5. Erectile dysfunction in men.
6. Twitching of the muscles and cramps.
7. Persistent itching.
8. Frequent urination especially at night should also alert to the disease.
9. Later in disease may lead to chest pain and shortness of breath.
10. Seizures or coma in severe cases.
Simple Tests
The tests include urine tests, urinalysis to check for protein, creatinine clearance, microalbumin, and sugar. In addition to blood tests, CBC, blood chemistry, checking for serum creatinine, BUN, GFR, blood sugar, Hba1c, and in advanced cases need imaging studies like an MRI.
Some of the medications if used for a prolonged period of time can further damage the kidneys.
1. Antibiotics used for a prolonged period like Penicillin, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides, the most toxic is neomycin.
2 Diuretics if taken for a prolonged period.
3. NSAIDs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen.
4 Laxatives.
5. Supplements, including fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) if taken for a prolonged period.
6. Overuse of pain meds causes up to 5% of chronic kidney disease and can also lead to chronic kidney failure.
7. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid are used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux.
8. Safer heartburn medicines like (Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac) are less likely to cause these issues.
Prevention of Kidney Disease
1. Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure.
2. Low fat and low sugar diet.
3. Avoid smoking or using tobacco.
4. Limit alcohol.
5. Keep a healthy weight.
6. Exercise most days of the week.
Healthy Diet
Diets higher in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and lower in meat and sweets may protect against kidney disease.
1. Iron supplement if anemic.
2. Diuretics to reduce swelling in the body.
3. Vitamin D or a calcium supplement.
4. Medical treatment if that doesn't help.
Treatment for kidney disease may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
