If we talk about the kidney failure that means we talk about big killer. Let’s we keep a glimpse on health problems, there are so many. But, some are major diseases like- heart diseases, respiratory diseases, liver diseases, diabetes and cancer, like that kidney/renal failure is one of these which endangers the people and lead to death. The kidneys failure don’t lead only mortality and burden of morbidity/ ill health but, also lead the harassment of the family economically, mentally, and physically day after day. In India a lots of kidney patients lose their lives due to economical problems. Because, they can’t afford the charges of dialysis/transplant. But, dialysis is the procedure that, help to live for some long duration.
Let’s we know a little about kidney’s structures, roles and diseases. The kidneys look like bean shaped, two in number that sit opposite each other on both side of the spine, between 4 and 5 inches long and contain an estimated 1 million filtering units called nephrons. The kidneys are vital organs play a vital role is processing the blood, the heart pumps before it goes into general circulation. Every minute, about 1200 ml. of blood flows through the kidneys, about one fifth of all the blood pumped from the heart. Blood is pumped from the heart into the kidneys through the renal artery which branches directly from the abdominal aorta, a section of the body’s main artery called components of the urinary system. The kidneys are multi talented powerhouse of the activity. Some of the core functions of the kidneys include-
Waste Excretion: There are many things our body doesn’t want to be inside of it and the kidneys help get rid of some of them. The kidneys filter out toxins, excess salt, urea, nitrogen based waste created by cell metabolism. Urea is synthesized in the liver and transported through the blood to the kidneys for removal
Water level balancing: As the kidneys are key in the production of urine, they react to change in the body’s water level throughout the day. As water intake decreases the kidneys adjust accordingly and leave water in the body instead of helping excrete it.
Blood pressure Regulation: The kidneys need constant pressure to filter the blood. When it drops too low, the kidneys increase the pressure. One way is by producing a blood vessels constricting protein (Angiotensin) that also signals the body to retain sodium and water. Both the constriction and retention help restore normal blood pressure.
Red Blood Cell Regulation: When the kidneys don’t get enough oxygen. they send out a distress call in the form of erythropoietin a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more oxygen carrying red blood cells.
Acid Regulation: As cells metabolize, they produce acids. Food, we eat can either increase the acid in our body or neutralize it. If, the body functions properly it needs to keep a healthy balance of these chemicals. The kidneys do that, too.
This is very important for us that most people are born with two kidneys, but many people can live on just one which is big grace towards god. The Kidney transplant surgeries with live donors are common medical procedures. Because, of all of the vital functions the kidneys perform and the toxins, they encounter, the kidneys are susceptible to various problems.
What’s? Nephrosis, Acute Nephritis, and kidney/renal failure.
Acute nephritis occurs with the spaces between the renal (kidneys) tubules that form urine, become inflamed is also called nephrosis. The nephritis is of three types, are Interstitial Nephritis, Pyelonephritis and Glomerulonephritis.
Unfortunately, having acute nephritis If, you don’t contact to a qualified doctor or it goes untreated due to any region. You may develop acute kidney failure, is condition in which one or both kidneys suddenly lose their ability to function properly, as the same delay in medication can lead to severe kidney/ renal failure.
What causes acute nephritis?
- Infections ( such as Strep throat, Hepatitis, Escherichia coli etc.)
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Decreased blood flow caused by low blood pressure.
- Autoimmune kidneys disorders.
- Drug uses like, Antibiotics or pain killers.
- Genetic Diseases.
- Diabetes.
Home Care:
In initial stage of nephritis not in kidney failure, you may need to drink more water than you usually do. Water helps your kidneys flush out any waste products that may be hampering your recovery. You may also be advised to eat less sodium to prevent fluid retention.
Symptoms of Acute Nephritis:
The most common symptoms for all three types of acute nephritis which can help you to diagnose early and cure it. So each and every person should care about some occurring symptoms of all of these are below –
- Pain in the pelvis.
- Pain/burning sensation while urinating.
- Frequent need to urinate.
- Cloudy/foamy urine.
- Blood/ pus may be present in urine.
- Pain in the kidney area and/or abdomen.
- Swelling in the body, commonly in the face, legs and feet.
- Vomiting, loss of appetite.
- Fever.
- High blood pressure.
In renal failure, there may be problems with increased fluid in the body (leading to swelling), increased acid levels, raised levels of potassium, decreased levels of calcium, increased levels of phosphate, and in later stages anemia. Bone health may also be affected. Long-term kidney problems are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
If, you have some of above symptoms you must consult to nephrologist without any delay. If, you are detected with kidney failure you must take prevention and go under treatment.
To avoid the foods are below-
- Foods high in salt include:
Readymade meals (sandwiches), Bacon, Ham, Smoked fish, Cheese.
- Foods high in potassium include:
Bananas, Baked Potatoes, Oranges, Chocolate, Dry fruits.
- Foods high in phosphorus include:
Dairy products such as cheese, Yoghurt, Baked Beans, Lentils, Sardines, Bran Cereals.
And also avoid more intake of water (No more than 1-2 lit. in 24 hrs.)
Who is at risk for acute nephritis/renal failure?
Certain people are at greater risk for acute nephritis/renal disease. The risk factors include-
- A family history of kidney disease and infection.
- Having an immune system disease (such as lupus).
- Taking too many antibiotics or pain medications.
- Recent surgery in the urinary tract.
Over View.
Think your kidneys as your body’s filter/ a sophisticated waste removal system comprised of two bean shaped organs. Every day your hard working kidneys process 200 quarts of blood in a day and remove two quarts of wastes products and excess water. If, the kidneys suddenly become inflamed. you will develop a condition called acute nephritis. Acute nephritis has several causes and can lead to kidney failure. Unfortunately, if you have kidney failure, in this case, you may need regular dialysis until you don’t get your kidney transplant. Dialysis filters your blood the same way your kidneys would, but requires a machine. Sometimes some causes of kidney failure improve and dialysis is no longer needed. Once again I would like to say, be aware about your health, make aware others if, you can do among the community. And remember it, a healthy community provides healthy & cheerful life.
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Dr. Md. Amanullah is associated with Patna Dialysis Centre.Email: amanllah@gmail.com
Thanks a lot for very informative article.
Is there any islamic medicine that cure kidney problem?
Islamic medicine? Might as well be Hindu medicine, Christian medicine, Buddha medicine, and etc. Best that you ask a doctor. Don’t rely on religious medicine because that will would be fatal to your health.
Assalamoalikum sir I have Patient of kidney fail means shrink kidney since from 4 months and I have a lot of try to treat her
I hard there in india muslim doctor that he have complete kidney treatment is this true?? Reply me I will be thankfull..