Blue Haven Hospitalities

Archive for the ‘Kidney ailments’ Category

Kidneys are one of the most important organs responsible for eliminating waste products from the body. The waste products are produced due to metabolic activities taking place inside the body. A pair of kidneys present in the lower abdomen acts as a body filter, which purifies the impure blood by removing the toxins, excess minerals, salts, and water in the form of urine. Renal failure or kidney failure occurs when the kidneys don’t perform their function of eliminating wastes properly. Kidney failure is generally classified into two types as acute and chronic renal failure. Acute renal failure occurs suddenly, whereas chronic renal failure develops very slowly in a person. The symptoms of kidney failure are frequent urination, blood in urine, loss of weight, back ache, weakness, high blood pressure, dehydration etc. If the above said symptoms are seen in an individual it is advisable to consult a kidney specialist called urologist immediately and take the necessary tests and treatment. Renal failure can be confirmed in a person by taking the needed tests like blood test, urine test, checking blood pressure etc. Renal imaging and renal biopsy are two advanced techniques for detecting renal failure. Renal imaging takes snaps of the kidney to monitor its function whereas renal biopsy takes sample of the kidney for diagnosis. The chances of kidney failure, can be minimized by, taking less intake of sodium, potassium and phosphate in the diet and also by drinking more water. The symptoms should be diagnosed and treated at an early stage, as it may lead to further problems and even death.

In recent days, among the various transplants performed, kidney transplantation is of great importance since many individuals are affected by renal failure. Renal failure occurs in a person due to various reasons like diabetes, hypertension and several other kidney disorders caused due to improper metabolism. Kidney transplant is very essential during renal failure because the waste products will get accumulated causing complications and even threat to life. By kidney transplant, the recipient’s affected kidney will be removed and replaced with donor’s healthy kidney. Any person can donate their kidney while living or even after death. If the recipient’s kidney is replaced with the kidney of a living person then it is called living donor transplant. Instead if the donated kidney is taken from dead person then it is called deceased donor transplant. The kidney collected from the dead person should be preserved in cold conditions for a particular time period before transplant. It is necessary that the tissues and blood group of the donor and the recipient should match. In the case of living donor transplant, the kidney to be donated is removed from the donor by surgery. But in recent days, laparoscopy is usually performed on the donor to remove the kidney easily without much pain. Then it is placed in the recipient’s abdomen. Both the donor and the recipient will be examined and monitored for about 3 to 5 days after which both can lead a normal life. With advanced technology, the complications in kidney transplant is very much reduced when compared to olden days.

Kidney stones are caused due to the deposition of highly concentrated waste products like acids and salt in the kidney. There are various techniques to prevent the formation of kidney stones apart from surgery. A person having kidney stones should drink plenty of water as it helps in eliminating the concentrated waste products from the body. It helps in diluting the stones if present and dissolves them. Atleast 7 to 8 glasses of water is a must. The diet should be rich in fibrous food. Protein rich food should be avoided as it may lead to more acid content in the urine. Kidney stones are mostly composed of calcium and sodium. Dairy products should not be consumed less as it is rich in calcium. Hence, our diet should not contain calcium and sodium enriched food. The possibilities of preventing kidney stones are more in an individual who is brisk and active doing regular exercise. A patient suffering from this disorder will have pain in the abdomen during urination and frequent urination will be caused. If the symptoms are seen in an individual it is advisable to consult a doctor and get the necessary tests done. The presence of kidney stones can be diagnosed by taking X-ray, ultrasound scan and CT scan. If the kidney stones are detected in an early stage, the stones can be dissolved without performing surgery. Kidney stones are supposed to be one of the most painful disorder hence the physician will prescribe medication to relieve pain along with medicines to dilute and dissolve the stones.