Effective kidney function is vital to life. We focus on this important organ and the warning signs you should heed if your kidneys are not healthy.
Kidneys, unlike hearts, do not have a glamorous connotation. But, as with hearts, life without kidneys - or dialysis treatment to mimic kidney function - is unsustainable.
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The kidneys are the body’s tireless waste removers and chemical laboratories. It is responsible for a number of key tasks in the body. The kidneys:
regulate the composition of your blood by keeping the concentration of ions in the blood constant and the volume of blood even. The kidneys are also responsible for keeping the blood pH levels in check.
eliminate waste products by filtering them out of the blood.
help to regulate the blood pressure by producing renin, an enzyme which increases blood pressure if it is too low.
stimulate the production of red blood cells by producing the hormone erythropoietin.
maintain the body’s calcium levels.
What are the causes of kidney problems?
Kidney damage can occur silently and slowly over months or years, known as chronic renal failure, or it can happen abruptly, with acute renal failure.
Causes of chronic renal failure (CRF)
High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the most important causes of chronic kidney failure. Diabetes, in fact, is the leading cause of chronic kidney failure, accounting for more than a third of all cases. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure (higher than 140/90 mm Hg is now regarded as poorly controlled) is the second leading cause of chronic kidney failure.
Other factors causing a slow decline in kidney function include the natural ageing process, , race (chronic renal failure is more prevalent in blacks), obesity, atherosclerosis, inherited kidney disorders and the auto-immune disorder lupus erythematosis (very prevalent in women in the Western Cape).
Long-term exposure to certain drugs, e.g. painkillers like aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, toxins such as lead and mercury and alcohol abuse are other culprits.
Causes of acute renal failure (ARF)
Acute renal failure follows a dramatic decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, or damage to the kidneys or when urine flow from the kidneys is obstructed.
Decreased blood flow to the kidneys accounts for 50 to 60 percent of all cases of acute renal failure. A severe drop in blood pressure or sudden loss of blood may lead to a shutdown of blood flow to the kidneys. This can occur due to major surgery, trauma, a heart attack, major burns or serious infection. In children, dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea is the most commont cause of kidney failure.
Damage to kidney tissue due to inflammation of the kidneys, injury or certain drugs and toxins, may lead to ARF. About 30 to 40 percent of cases fall into? this category.
Some medication is toxic to the kidneys, even in healthy people. This includes certain antibiotics (mainly streptomycin or gentamicin), paracetamol, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) and contrast agents used in specific X-ray tests. The elderly, diabetic and other patients with underlying kidney disease are most at risk.
Obstruction of the urinary tract pushes urine back into the kidneys, leading to kidney failure in 5 percent of cases. Blockage may be caused by kidney stones, tumours or, rarely, an enlarged prostate.
Symptoms of acute renal failure:
Swelling of the hands and feet
Decreased urinary output or dark-coloured urine (resembling coca-cola)
Sudden confusion or agitation, or even seizures or coma (due to overload of waste products)
Muscle cramps (due to chemical imbalance in blood)
Shortness of breath due to elevated blood pressure and fluid build up in lungs
Abnormal heart beat (due to chemical imbalance in blood).
See your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Symptoms of chronic renal failure:
Some people have no symptoms l. In others, symptoms appear late in the course of the disease and are often non-specific:
Increased fatigue and lethargy,
Insomnia (an early symptom)
Increased urination at night (an early symptom)
Shortness of breath with exertion,
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Skin can become itchy, pale or yellow
Hiccups can be a late sign, while confusion and seizures can occur as renal failure worsens.
Visit you doctor when you experience these symptoms.
Reduce your risk
Protect your kidneys by following these suggestions:
Your kidneys need constant flushing. Drink eight glasses of water daily to enable your kidneys to work optimally.
Don't abuse alcohol or other drugs, including over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatories. Long term use of aspirin in high dosages can damage your kidneys - so can taking too much paracetamol for one day.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic medical conditions, carefully follow your doctor's recommendations to ensure that your kidneys are not put under strain.
Avoid long-term exposure to heavy metals Ongoing exposure to lead, found in certain paints, lead pipes, soldering materials and jewelry, can lead to chronic renal failure.
Consult your doctor when you experience any symptoms of possible kidney problems.
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