The kidneys are often the most ignored and forgotten organ of our body. This pair of fist-sized organs are positioned at the bottom of the rib cage of the back. There is one kidney on either side of the spine.
To maintain a healthy body, it is essential that the kidney function that their optimum levels. Since, they are essentially responsible for filtering out toxins like waste products, excess water, and other impurities out of the blood. These toxins come through the kidneys to the bladder which is then removed during the urine. They play a large role in the upkeep of the health by balancing pH, salt, and potassium levels in the body. They also secrete hormones that control the blood pressure and the creation of red blood cells. A form Vitamin D is stimulated by the kidneys to help the body absorb calcium. So when the kidneys come under any duress or are damaged by lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking and lack of physical activity the kidneys will not be able to function well enough for the body’s upkeep. The damage may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other long-term health issues. Kidney disease can contribute to worsening of other health problems, including weakened bones, neural damage, and malnutrition. That’s why it is essential to get kidney disease treatment if one already has kidney issues. Early detection can prevent the kidney from getting further damaged. If these kidney diseases or health issues that damage the kidneys are not checked and treated in time, over time the kidney may be irreversibly damaged and may even stop working completely. This is also called chronic kidney disease. That’s why kidney specialists in Bangalore urge the patients to take better care of this often forgotten organ. Types of kidney diseases:Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney functions. At the point when it has reached a serious stage, high levels of fluid, electrolytes and toxin and waste will build up the body.The severity of the disease will gradually advance to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without dialysis that is artificially filtering out the toxins in the blood or with a kidney transplant. Kidney StonesThis common kidney disease is easily treatable but may require surgery if left untreated. Kidney stones occur when minerals and other substances in the blood crystallize in the kidneys to form solid masses akin to stones. These stones usually pass out of the body through urine. The passing urine tends to be painful but doesn’t usually cause any significant problems. However, in case the size of the stones are too large to pass through urine, surgery as per doctor’s recommendation may be required. GlomerulonephritisGlomerulonephritis occurs because of an inflammation of the glomeruli which are extremely small structures inside the kidneys that filter the blood. This type of disorder may be caused by infections, drugs, or problems are congenital. It often gets better on its own. Urinary tract infectionsUrinary tract infections (UTIs) another common issue that easily treated by some of the best urology specialists in Bangalore. This is caused by bacterial infections in any part of the urinary system. Because UTI is easily treatable they seldom lead to any other health problems. However, if left untreated and ignored, the infections can spread to the kidneys and is known to have caused kidney failure. Polycystic kidney diseaseThis is a genetic problem that leads to the formation of several cysts which are small sacs of fluid to grow in the kidneys. These cysts can block the proper functioning of the kidney and invariably cause kidney failure. To avoid the threat of any of these kidney issues from happening one must keep a healthy lifestyle and maintain follow up appointments and not miss the medications as prescribed by the doctor.
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Dialysis
Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that is used to perform many normal functions of the kidneys. Dialysis is needed when your own kidneys can no longer function properly. Kidney dialysis is a lifelong process unless a kidney transplant is performed. When is dialysis needed? Dialysis is needed when you develop an end-stage kidney failure usually caused by chronic kidney disease. In end-stage kidney failure, your kidneys do not get better and you will need dialysis for the rest of your life. Can dialysis cure kidney disease? No, dialysis is a treatment for kidney disease, not a permanent cure. When kidneys fail, dialysis is chosen as a replacement. Dialysis is an artificial process that carefully eliminates wastes, salt, and extra water from the blood without removing substances the body needs. This process helps control blood pressure and keeps the body’s electrolytes in balance. Types of kidney dialysis
Hemodialysis is a type of dialysis treatment that uses a machine to clean your blood. It can be performed at a dialysis center or at home.
Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment that cleans your blood by using a cleaning solution called dialysate. Peritoneal dialysis may be done at home or wherever you have a private and clean area.
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure to place a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person’s body who is suffering from end-stage kidney failure. NU Hospitals in Bangalore, India is recognized as one of the best hospitals in Nephrology, Urology and Fertility (IVF) treatment over the last 20 years. At NU, kidney transplant team has extensive experience in the most complex types of kidney transplantation. Learn more about transplants at NU Hospitals The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. Its main function is to produce fluid for semen, which transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that begins most often in the outer part of the prostate. It may spread to the inner part of the prostate and beyond the prostate to other parts of the body. Who gets prostate cancer? Most men who get prostate cancer are above the age of 50 years and the risk increases with age. Other risk factors are family history and smoking. What are the stages of prostate cancer? Stage 1 The doctor is unable to feel the tumor, but has been found during TUR-P or was found by needle biopsy that was done for elevated PSA. Stage 2 The doctor can feel the tumor by rectal examination and it appears confined to the prostate gland. Stage 3 Cancer has spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissues like seminal vesicles Stage 4 Cancer has spread to other organs like bladder, rectum, the pelvic lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body, most commonly to the bones. How is prostate cancer treated? Your doctor may use one or more of the following methods – surgery, hormone treatment, radiation and anti-cancer drugs. The choice depends on the stage of the cancer, your age and other medical co-morbidities. Radical prostatectomy is used to treat cancer localized in the prostate and involves complete removal of the prostate. Often the pelvic lymph nodes are removed as well. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-ray beam to kill cancer cells. Radiation may be given from a machine located outside the body (external radiation therapy), or from a radioactive substance introduced directly into the tumor. Sometimes a combination of these methods is used. Both surgery and radiation provide excellent 10-year survival rates. Your doctor can help advise you about the best treatment for your kidney cancer. Hormonal therapy is used to treat prostate cancer which has spread beyond the prostate. The 2 basic techniques involve:
NU Hospitals provide the cutting-edge prostate cancer surgery and treatment in Bangalore, India. We also provide Kidney transplant surgery. While the only way to know if you have kidney disease is to get tested, but here are 7 possible signs that prove that you may have kidney disease. If you’re at risk for kidney disease due to high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure or if you’re older than age 60, it’s important to get kidney treatment at regular intervals. Be sure to mention any symptoms of kidney failure to your doctor.
A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired and weak. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
When the kidneys aren’t filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood rather than leaving the body through the urine. This can cause difficulty in sleeping. There is also a link between obesity and chronic kidney disease. So it’s important to keep a check of your weight.
Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They help in removing wastes and extra fluid from your body. Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease, when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood.
If you feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, this can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidney filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate.
Healthy kidneys typically keep the blood cells in the body when filtering wastes from the blood to create urine, but when the kidney’s filters have been damaged, these blood cells can start to leak out into the urine.
Decreased kidney function can lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in your feet and ankles.
This can be a general symptom but a buildup of toxins resulting from reduced kidney function can be one of the causes. Equipped with some of the finest kidney specialists and world-class amenities, NU Hospitals has positioned itself as one of the best kidney hospitals in India. When properly functioning, kidneys help eliminate wastes and excess fluids from the blood and expel them from the body in the form of urine. Located on either side of the spine and posterior to the abdomen, they also control the quantities of various minerals and water in the body, apart from being indispensable for the production of red blood cells, blood pressure regulating hormones and Vitamin D. That said, there are many tests available to determine any signs of kidney failure or damage. Here are a few of them:
Serum Creatinine Test: Creatinine is a water product that results from the normal wear and tear of muscles. It is expelled by the kidneys at a constant rate. The normal levels for a healthy adult male ranges from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/dl and from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/dl for a female. A creatinine level of over 1.4 mg/dl is an early sign that the kidneys are not functioning optimally. Urine Analysis: Kidney doctors also assess the level of proteins and urine in the urine to determine the extent of kidney damage. Of course, infection is just one of the reasons for proteins in the urine, another major reason being physical workout. Therefore, the nephrologists may also for a 24-hour sample or repeat this test after a few weeks to be sure of the cause. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This is a compound which forms in the liver from the breakdown of proteins that we eat. Normal BUN levels range between 7 and 20. Greater the BUN level, the lower the efficiency of kidney function. Biopsy: This is performed using a thin needle to collect tiny samples of kidney tissue for the purpose of examining them under a microscope. This is usually done to identify a specific disease, evaluate the amount of damage or ascertain the reasons for an unsuccessful kidney transplant. Micro albuminuria: This is a dipstick test used to detect the presence of albumin in the urine. This is usually performed in cases where a person is highly predisposed to develop kidney disease, or at a greater risk of getting affected by diabetes or high blood pressure. These are some of the basic tests that are performed to assess the magnitude of kidney function. It is always a good idea to get your kidneys checked as part of your regular health checks for maximum effectiveness of kidney treatment, if found to be faulty. Keeping your kidneys functioning properly and free of any ailments is a vital aspect of your physical well-being. As with every other system in our body, ensuring this is quite simple; healthy diet, physical activity and relinquishing smoking and alcoholism are the broad outline of the fundamentals needed to be kept in mind to maintain kidneys in top nick. In a majority of cases, these prophylactic measures suffice. However, in case of more serious complications, medical intervention becomes necessary. NU Hospitals is a kidney hospital located in Bangalore that specializes in the intricacies and path breaking innovations in renal care. But first, let us now examine the specific steps we can take:
Drink adequate amounts of water and fluids A major reason for formation and accumulation of the stones is due to lack of water to dissolve them and flush them out of your system. However, it is also important to know the right type of fluids that can actually aid your body. Water is the best drink, followed by limited quantities of fruit juice with the fiber and minus added sugar. Do not drink sodas, caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Egg whites Egg whites are the richest sources of proteins and low in phosphorus and cholesterol. It consists of all the essential amino acids that keep your kidneys healthy. There are certain proteins which strain your kidneys and also produce lots of wastes while being metabolized in the body. The proteins in the egg white are the high-quality proteins that produce less waste and promote kidney health. Olive oil Olive oil is consists of an anti-inflammatory fatty acid, oleic acid. It consists of mono saturated fats and also has anti-oxidant properties that protects against oxidation and prevent inflammation. There are many studies that reveal that use of large amounts of olive oil reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, this considerably aiding in effective kidney treatment. Monitor your blood sugar and pressure Diabetes and high blood pressure are a welcome mat for a host of kidney diseases and damage. Therefore, if you have high blood sugar levels and/or pressure, or are prone to these due to hereditary and lifestyle factors, make sure you undergo regular tests to keep them in check. A word of caution here. Kidney dialysis is sometimes mistaken to be a cure of sorts, or a process that can keep/ make the kidneys healthy. However, that’s not entirely true. Dialysis is at best an interim treatment option that can be carried out till such time as a matching donor becomes available for a transplant. Notwithstanding the above steps, if there is a serious progression in the severity of kidney damage, please visit a nephrologists immediately. If diagnosed in the initial stages, the treatment options are relatively less complicated, but in the end stages, kidney transplant is the only reliable medical solution. |
AuthorNU hospitals is a tertiary care center for nephrology, urology and IVF treatments. Archives
June 2020
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