Maintaining kidney health is extremely important for overall health and quality of life. If the kidneys are damaged or fail to function, serious health problems such as kidney failure may occur. Early symptoms of kidney failure can often be mild and easily overlooked, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
What is kidney failure?
Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys cannot adequately filter waste products from the blood. There are 2 main types:
- acute kidney failure
- Chronic renal failure
While acute kidney failure develops suddenly and is usually treatable, chronic kidney failure progresses over time and may be irreversible.
What are the symptoms of kidney failure?
Kidney failure is a serious condition in which the kidneys can no longer perform their functions. It can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-lasting). Symptoms of kidney failure are as follows:
- Decrease in the amount of urine
- dark urine
- bloody urine
- Swelling in hands, feet and legs
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Appetite and weight loss
- muscle cramps
- sleep problems
- Lack of attention
How is kidney failure treated?
More than one method can be used to treat kidney failure. The answer to the question of what is good for kidney failure may be as follows:
- If the cause of kidney failure is a disease such as diabetes or hypertension, controlling the disease may help preserve kidney function.
- Medications can be used to lower blood pressure, control fluid accumulation and maintain blood electrolyte balance.
- If the kidneys are no longer functioning adequately, the blood must be filtered and toxins removed from the body through dialysis.
- Kidney transplantation is the only treatment option for end-stage renal failure. For transplantation, the patient must find a suitable kidney donor.
- When the kidneys do not work adequately, fluid accumulation may occur in the body. Therefore, it may be necessary to limit fluid intake to the amount recommended by your doctor.
- It may be necessary to limit daily salt intake to 6 grams.
- It is important to limit potassium and phosphorus intake to the amounts recommended by your doctor.
- It is important to limit protein intake to the amount recommended by your doctor.
- Exercising regularly can help lower blood pressure and improve overall health.
- It is important to quit smoking.
- Keeping blood sugar under control in patients with diabetes can help protect kidney function.