About diseases of the kidney
Introduction
Each person has two kidneys that are located near the middle of the back below the rib cage. A kidney is a very important part of the body that is responsible for the removal of waste products from the body, produce of hormone that control body functions like regulating the blood pressure and regulating the mineral and fluid levels in the body. Kidneys contain millions of tiny structures known as nephrons that filter the blood. Nephrons are responsible for the removal of waste products and extra water which are excreted from the body as urine. Most diseases of the kidney attack the nephrons leaving the kidney unable to remove waste products from the body. The causes of diseases of the kidney are genetic complications, medicines and injury. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of diseases of the kidney are at a greater risk of suffering from kidney diseases.
Types of diseases of the kidney
- Chronic pyelonephritis: it is a painful condition that occurs when there is blood in the urine and when infections find their way into the kidney causing an inflammation.
- Kidney stones: occurs when an individual has excess calcium oxalate or uric acid in the urine that hardens to form crystal like stones that are very painful to pass. They may be small or as large as a pearl. Its signs are fever and chills, vomiting, blood in the urine, extreme side or back pain, cloudy smelly urine and a burning feeling during urination.
- Polycystic kidney disease: it is a generic disorder that is characterized by a cyst that enlarges the kidney. Some of the cyst s do not cause any harm to the kidney but some of them cause kidney failure depending on their size and location. It is characterized by back and lower side pain, urinary tract infections, headaches and blood in the urine.
- Cancer of the kidney: forms in the tiny lining tubes inside the kidney. People at risk of suffering from cancer of the kidney are those who smoke, have certain genetic conditions and those who misuse pain medicines over a long period of time. It is characterized by blood in the urine, side pain, loss of appetite, abdomen lump and unexplained weight loss.
- Systemic lupus: is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to produce antibodies that are against the kidney membranes. The systemic lupus results in protein and albumin in the urine.
Treatment of diseases of the kidney
The treatment of diseases of the kidney always depends on the cause of the diseases.
- Infections are treated using antibiotics.
- Inflammation that is caused by immune reactions may be hard to treat but it can be controlled with immunodepressants.
- Dialysis: is removing the waste products in the body by inserting a tube that is connected to a machine in the vein. The clean blood is the returned to the body using a different tube.
- Transplant is used to treat end stage kidney failure. This usually works well as the bad kidney is usually replaced with a healthy one. The patient is put on some medications to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney.
Prevention of diseases of the kidney
The following are the measures that an individual can follow to prevent diseases of the kidney.
- Have regular blood pressure check ups as a normal blood pressure will reduce the chances of suffering from diseases of the kidney. Also work towards maintaining a normal blood pressure through reducing the amount of salt intake and sodium filled foods.
- Be active in sports and exercise as they help keep your body functioning normal.
- Drink a lot of water as it is very easy on the kidney and can assist the kidney in cleaning out impurities from your body system.
- If you notice any changes like blood or smell in your urine, see a doctor for further investigations. Early diagnosis of diseases of the kidney will reduce the chance of kidney failure.
