What Causes Kidney Failure

The kidneys are a pair of organs that are located in the lower back. Each of the kidneys is one side of the spine. The function of a pair of healthy kidneys is to filter blood and remove toxins from the body.
The toxins from the kidneys are sent to the bladder, which is removed during urination. Apart from
Kidney transplant
Another treatment option is a kidney transplant. If the body accepts the transplanted kidney it will function normally which usually last from 10-20 years. Most patients go with a living donor from a family member. It is necessary for the kidney to 
being the bodies, the hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cells are made in the kidneys. They also balance some elements in the blood like sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Kidney failures are of two kinds acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failures. Chronic Kidney Failure is also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Both, acute and chronic kidney failures, occur when the kidneys can’t filter waste from the blood properly. When this happens the wastes accumulates to a dangerous level causing the blood’s chemical to get imbalanced.

There are many reasons why the kidney’s health deteriorates or other kidney diseases may occur when:

●      Other chronic or acute problems that have done permanent damage over time

●        Polycystic kidney disease

●      Diabetes

●      High blood pressure

●      Urinary tract issues

●      Blocked kidneys due to recurring kidney stones

●      Heart attack

●      Blood clot in the kidney

●      Drugs, alcohol and smoking

●      Infection

●      Chemotherapy

Here are some of the common symptoms one may notice if suffering from kidney failure:

●      Itching

●      Muscle cramps

●      Nausea and vomiting

●      Not feeling hungry

●      Swelling in your feet and ankles

●      Too much urine (pee) or not enough urine

●      Trouble catching your breath

●      Trouble sleeping

In the case of acute kidney failure:

●      Abdominal pain

●      Back pain

●      Diarrhea

●      Fever

●      Nosebleeds

●      Rash

●      Vomiting

The signs of early-stage kidney disease are often subtle but the following are the common symptoms:

●      Decreased urination

●      Swelling in the limbs (fluid retention)

●      Shortness of breath

With acute kidney failure, the damage may not always be permanent. The kidneys may go back to normal or almost normal with proper treatment if other serious health problems don’t disturb the healing process.

When the patient has CKD the kidney treatment recommended is either dialysis or a kidney transplant. This is a serious treatment needed to live. While on kidney dialysis or with a kidney transplant many live long lives even as there is no cure for CKD.

The best hospitals for kidney failure treatment in Bangalore will suggest the following :

Kidney Dialysis

During dialysis, a machine is used to filter the blood and toxins out of the body. The kidneys functions are performed by the machine. While on it the doctors may suggest a low-potassium and low-salt diet along. It is important to understand that dialysis doesn’t cure kidney failure, but it can extend life so other treatments can be scheduled.

5 Factors Which Make India an Ideal Medical Tourism Spot

India receives thousands of international medical tourists annually from around the globe. The main source being the developed countries like the US and the UK.

Medical tourism in India is growing in a huge scale as one can get here quality healthcare at a reasonable cost.

Here are a few major factors that make India an excellent medical tourism spot:

• Low-cost Treatment

The cost of healthcare treatment in India is very less compared to that in other countries like the US or UK. In fact, the travel expenses like airfares, hotel, food and stay are also quite affordable.

• World Class Services

Most Indian healthcare centers provide international standard care and accommodations to their patients. These hospitals also provide international patient services 24/7, as well as assistance with many essential stuffs like visa application and hospital admission etc. 

• Ease of Communication 

Despite India's diversity of languages, English is widely spoken by most of the people and almost universally used by medical professionals. In India, you can find a number of hospitals with an availability of language translators too. 

• Ancient Medical Therapies

India offers a powerful way to heal and recover from a disease in the form of ancient natural therapies like Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Yoga. Many hospitals in India offer these amazing techniques to aid in post-treatment recovery. It contributes in psychological benefits as well.

• Proficient Medical Professionals

Hospitals in India have highly trained physicians, nurses and staff with relevant experiences. The doctors are well-trained from the country’s top medical universities. They profoundly practice advanced technology and enhanced techniques for the treatments.

NU Multispeciality Hospital is one among the best hospitals in India. We aim to deliver a comprehensive Nephro-Urology service all over the world. We are serving care in Kidney and Renal treatment for 15+ years and performed more than 400 Kidney Transplants in the past 8 years.

NU Hospitals provide an ample range of services for international patients and their family/attendants.

Enquire for any assistance!

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF KIDNEY FAILURE?

Our kidneys are responsible for a variety of critical tasks, including blood filtration, regulation of blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. Kidney failure, also known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), implies permanent damage which is both progressive and irreversible, to the kidneys. This disease impairs all the functions of the kidneys. This aggravates various other conditions such as blood pressure, anemia and bone disease.

What leads to kidney failure?

These common risk factors are:

• Diabetes: The foremost risk factor for CKD is diabetes. More often than not, diabetes is detected during the later stages, by which time other organs like the kidneys will have been affected.
• Hypertension: When uncontrolled, is a very high risk factor for kidney failure.
• Family History: A family history of renal dysfunction increases the risk of getting affected by chronic kidney disease.
• Infections: Recurrent urinary or kidney infection are also red flags for this disease.
• Over-the-counter medications: Popping pills without a qualified doctor’s supervision can not only wreak havoc with the kidneys, but also cause many other harmful side-effects.
• Glomerular disease: The presence of proteins in the urine is a tell-tale sign of an impending kidney damage, and if undetected and untreated, even kidney failure.

SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The common signs and symptoms include:

• Unexplained anemia
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Problems getting sleep
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in urine
• Swelling of feet and the face
• Recurrent vomiting
• Nausea
• Unexplained weight loss

By the time the symptoms manifest themselves, it is usually too late and the kidneys are already severely damaged.  Therefore, it is vital not to wait for the symptoms to appear before a kidney checkup.

Kidney Failure Treatment Options

The treatment for CKD depends on the stage of the disease. The first three stages are early onset stages where the underlying cause must be treated and no specific medicines for kidney failure is administered. Quitting smoking is a very important step. Any instances of kidney or urinary infections must be looked into at the earliest.

In the advanced stages, the kidney function may be reduced by as much as 60-70%. In these cases, there should be more emphasis on controlling the blood pressure and things which are harmful to the kidneys.

There are certain medications such as Angiostein-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiostein Receptor Blockers which are proven to prevent further progression.

In stage 5, where the kidney damage exceeds 80-90%, medications do not have any effect and the only solutions are either dialysis, or, if the patient is fit enough, a kidney transplant.

Regular physical activity can help control the blood pressure, sugar levels, keeps the weight under control, all of which help in preventing further progression of this disease. Moderate exercises like walking, cycling etc. is definitely beneficial in the early stages.

As the kidney disease worsens beyond stage 4, the prospect of kidney failure becomes very real and it needs to be controlled with specific medications and certain dietary changes such as reduced salt and fluid intake and checking for any signs of heart problems. When the kidney fails, the only treatment options are kidney dialysis and transplant.

In the unfortunate eventuality of requiring a dialysis or transplant, a modern, well-equipped hospital makes a world of difference. NU Hospitals is a state-of-the-art kidney care hospital that has the all the necessary facilities and experienced specialists to successfully manage the most complex renal conditions.

Four Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

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.