Kidney Health And Kidney Disease Basics

 

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 its 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 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 the 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 Stones

This 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.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis 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 infections

Urinary 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 disease

This 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.

5 Steps for Preventing Kidney Stones

 

Kidney stones are characterized by a condition wherein the urine instead of flowing out of the body crystallizes into small masses which then block the urinary tract causing pain and infections thus leading you to requiring Bladder & Renal Stone Treatment. Some of the most prominent symptoms of kidney stones are: 

• Pain areas: in the back or side part of the body
• Pain types: can be severe, sharp, or sudden in the abdomen
• Pain circumstances: can occur during urination
• Gastrointestinal: nausea or vomiting
• Urinary: blood in urine or frequent urination
• Also common: sweating

Since symptoms of kidney stones can sometimes be misleading, it’s advisable to get professional guidance at the earliest from a Top Urologist in Bangalore. Although there’s no particular cause for kidney stones, slight changes in lifestyle can help avoiding it to a certain degree. 

Let’s discuss 5 effective ways of preventing kidney stones: 

• Stay sufficiently hydrated: Excess water helps dilute the elements that are potent of causing stones in the urine. Even some citrus beverages like orange juice and lime cordials help dilute stone formation.
• Increase calcium intake: Reducing calcium intake in the diet can lead to increased levels of oxalate in the urine. In order to prevent oxalate formation, one can take an age-appropriate amount of calcium which your doctor will be able to tell you.
• Regulate sodium intake: Kidney stones are triggered by increased sodium levels in the diet. A low sodium diet helps prevent the development of kidney stones. 
•  Check on the amount of animal protein: Uric acid levels are easily hyped by an increased intake of animal proteins such as seafood, eggs, red meat, etc., In fact, a high-protein diet is seen to bring down citrate levels, the element crucial to preventing kidney stones. Hence, only adequate amounts of meat is recommended for those looking to lead a stone-free lifestyle.  
• Foods can cause stones too: Foods such as spinach, beets, rhubarb, chocolate, tea, and nuts can lead to kidney stones as all these are rich in phosphate and oxalate leading to Bladder & Renal Stone Treatment. 

NU Hospitals offers the best Kidney Stone Treatment for adults and children. Call/visit the website to book your appointment today.

How to Differentiate Between Kidney Pain and Back Pain?

Sometimes, it can become difficult for all of us to identify between kidney pain and back pain. Our kidneys are placed beneath the rib-cage towards the back, and hence, kidney pain may sometimes be easily mistaken for back pain. In this article, we will talk about the symptoms and types of pain so as to make it easier to identify in the initial stages whether you have back pain or kidney pain, which must always be followed up by professional medical guidance. 

Kidney Pain 

Usually, it’s kidney stones or a kidney infection that causes kidney pain. So, look out for these features if you suspect kidney pain: 

Location of the pain: 

Kidney pain would usually occur in the flank area, which is the part on either side of your spine between the hips and the rib-cage’s bottom. 

Pain Analysis:

If it is a sharp pain, it may be kidney stones, while a dull pain would reflect a kidney infection. 

Although it won’t increase with moving around, it would definitely require treatment at the earliest to prevent further damage. 

Pain radiation: 

The pain may sometimes move towards the lower abdomen or the inner thighs and this phenomenon is known as radiation of the pain. 

Kidney Treatment: 

Irrespective of the source or cause of pain, kidney pain will need expert-guided treatment. The doctor may, depending on the issue, prescribe certain procedures such as Kidney stones treatment and kidney infection diagnosis etc., 

Book An Online Video Consultation with our Doctors For Kidney Disease In Bangalore

Associated Symptoms:

• Chills & Fever 
• Vomiting
• Dark urine or cloudy in texture 
• Frequent urination 
• Urinary pain
• Bladder infection 
• Urinary blood 

Back Pain

In terms of findings, back pain is more common than kidney pain. Back pains are a result of minor muscle pulls, bone and nerve injuries pertaining to the back. If you are confused whether the pain you're experiencing is back pain or kidney pain, look out for the features to know it’s the back. 

Location of pain:

Back pain, although can occur in a wide surface area, is usually felt in the lower back or on one of the buttocks. 

Pain Analysis:

A dull ache would mean a minor muscle pull, however, if it’s a sharp, burning sensation it may be revealing a damaged nerve. While muscle pains are known to affect both sides, nerve damage would cause pain in one side along with muscle spasms and weakness. 

For the best Urologist Doctors In Bangalore, you can visit NU Hospitals, Bangalore.