Kidney illness can strike anyone at any age. However, persons over 60 are more prone to get the condition. People may not realize they have an issue with their kidneys at first since the symptoms are subtle. The disease progresses at its own pace, and although a physician’s consultation and therapy may suffice for one person, another may require the services of specialists such as nephrologists and geriatric medicine specialists.
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disorder?
There are a number of signs that can indicate that you have kidney disease. First and foremost, if blood is found in your urine, you must pass a special urine test. Proteinuria, a high creatinine level, elevated blood pressure, and other symptoms may also occur.
Most of the time kidney disorders bring chronic renal failure. Clinical manifestations of chronic renal failure may be diverse such as:
- skin problems; dryness, decreased elasticity
- brittle nails
- hair loss
- weakness
- decreased performance
- increased anxiety and irritability
- hearing problems
- vision disorders
The progression of chronic renal failure entails the development of the following symptoms;
- the skin of men and women becomes pale, acquires a grayish or yellowish tint;
- due to blood clotting disorders, hematomas and bruises appear on the body;
- spontaneous bleeding from the nose, anus, stomach, etc.
- digestion disorders, etc.
Chronic renal failure in its last stages is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, edema, deep loud breathing, and leg cramps. A reduction in the daily amount of urine up to 200 ml is regarded as clear evidence of illness development. The stool turns fetid, and a foul odor emanates from the mouth.
Diagnosis of renal insufficiency
The doctor will be able to detect kidney failure based on the patient’s symptoms as well as his physical appearance: edema, pallor, and dry skin. The doctor will also evaluate if there is hypertension, and during cardiac auscultation, a distinctive sound – the noise of pericardial friction – may be detected.
In the case of an increase in blood pressure, the doctor will have to distinguish whether hypertension caused chronic kidney failure or, on the contrary, the pressure increased due to kidney damage.
To confirm that kidney failure occurs, doctors use such tests:
- general urinalysis: there will be reduced urine density, there will be protein and, most likely, red blood cells and leukocytes;
- a general blood test: hemoglobin levels will be reduced in it, and in case of inflammation (if, for example, pyelonephritis occurs or kidney failure was caused by an inflammatory disease), ESR will be increased;
- biochemical blood test: the levels of urea, residual nitrogen, creatinine will be increased – the same nitrogenous slags that we have already mentioned for a long time;
Any sort of acute renal failure, as well as chronic renal failure, will be detected by these tests. That is, they will not provide a complete picture to the doctor, and it may be required to pump fluid into the body (through a prerenal form) or, on the other hand, it should be limited and focused on improving renal circulation and hemodialysis.
Urography, an ultrasound and X-ray examination procedure, can provide some clarification. Ultrasound will reveal pyelonephritis or renal tissue necrosis if renal failure is the reason. Urography will identify which ureters are obstructed and at what level, as well as whether the stone may be removed separately, crushed with ultrasound, or the kidney must be removed.
What does the treatment include?
The treatment may be diverse based on the symptoms and side diseases. However, we can classify them into some general groups.
- Compliance with the medical regime and nutrition.
- Treatment of the underlying disease.
- Medical treatment: taking sorbents, anabolics, iron preparations, multivitamin therapy. vitamin D, etc.
Dialysis may also be recommended for the patient. Dialysis is a method of purifying blood by the use of an artificial filter. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are two types of dialysis. Hemodialysis is done outside the body, while peritoneal dialysis is done inside. The decision between these two categories is influenced by personal preferences, lifestyle, and the overall clinical situation.
In more challenging circumstances, the patient may be advised to have a surgical procedure such as a kidney transplant.
Other preventive methods include managing other renal illnesses and not allowing them to progress to critical stages.
It’s easier to prevent than to cure! Stay healthy! Take care of yourself and your loved ones! In case you need help with care and treatment don’t hesitate to contact us! Our professional staff is always here for you.