Healthy kidneys form the basis of a healthy life. However, in some cases, the kidneys cannot function properly and effectively and cannot function adequately. This condition may be called kidney failure. Kidney failure is a condition in which waste materials and excess fluid from the body cannot be filtered properly. This condition can occur due to a number of factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, genetic factors or long-term medication use. Symptoms may be mild at first, but over time, symptoms of kidney failure can become serious.
Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys cannot perform their normal functions. Kidneys play an important role by clearing waste materials and excess water from the body, regulating electrolyte balance, controlling blood pressure, regulating the production of red blood cells, maintaining bone health and maintaining acid-base balance in the body. Kidney failure refers to a condition in which there is deficiency in one or more of these functions. Kidney failure is generally classified into two basic types. Types of kidney failure and stages of kidney failure are as follows:
Acute Renal Failure:
- Prerenal Causes: Conditions that cause reduced blood flow to the kidneys, such as severe blood loss or severe vasodilatation (sepsis).
- Renal Causes: Conditions that directly affect kidney tissue, for example kidney inflammations.
- Postrenal Causes: Conditions where the flow of urine is blocked, for example urinary stones or prostate enlargement.
- Chronic renal failure:
- Early Stage (Stage 1-2): Kidney damage is mild and symptoms often go unnoticed. Kidney function can still perform most functions.
- Middle Stage (Stage 3): Kidney damage increases and symptoms appear. Blood pressure rises, water and electrolyte imbalances may occur in the body.
- Advanced Stage (Stage 4-5): Kidney failure has progressed and become serious. Toxins accumulate in the body, blood pressure control is difficult, bone health may deteriorate and anemia may develop.
What are the symptoms of kidney failure?
The kidneys perform various functions that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Kidney failure is basically when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess water from the blood. Kidney failure can be acute or chronic. Acute kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys suddenly stop functioning. Chronic renal failure is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their function. Kidney failure symptoms may vary depending on the degree and type of kidney failure. Common symptoms of kidney failure are:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- Decrease in the amount of urine
- Presence of blood or protein in the urine
- Swelling
- Fire
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- difficulty concentrating
- Loss of memory
How is kidney failure treated?
Kidney failure treatment varies depending on the degree and type of kidney failure. Treatment methods used in acute renal failure are:
- Giving fluids to increase urine output
- Using medications to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
- Using steroids or other medications to support kidney function
- Elimination of medications or toxins that harm the kidneys
In the treatment of chronic kidney failure, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required. Dialysis is a treatment method that enables the kidneys to filter waste and excess water from the blood. Dialysis can be done in two ways:
- Hemodialysis: Blood is taken out through a machine and given back to the body after being filtered.
- Peritoneal dialysis: Fluid is injected into the peritoneal cavity through a catheter. This fluid filters waste and excess water from the blood and is then eliminated from the body.
Kidney transplantation is the process of transplanting a kidney from another person to a person with kidney failure. Kidney transplantation offers a better quality of life than dialysis. In the treatment of kidney failure, it is important to also treat the underlying cause of kidney failure. For example, if there is high blood pressure that causes kidney failure, blood pressure must be controlled.
What is good for kidney failure?
Kidney failure can be fatal if left untreated. Kidney failure treatment varies depending on the degree and type of kidney failure. In the treatment of acute kidney failure, various treatments may be used to help regain the function of the kidneys. In the treatment of chronic kidney failure, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required. The following measures can be taken to reduce the risk of kidney failure:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Do not smoke.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar under control.
- Use medications according to your doctor’s instructions.
Where does kidney failure pain occur?
Kidney failure usually does not cause significant pain in the initial stages. The kidneys themselves are not very sensitive to pain, so they usually do not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, as kidney failure progresses or underlying conditions that damage the kidneys develop, pain and discomfort may occur. Pain caused by kidney failure can usually be felt in the following areas:
- Waist area (waist pit and sides)
- abdominal area
How to understand a healthy kidney?
A healthy kidney is approximately 10-12 cm long and 5-7 cm wide in adults. The shape of the kidneys is similar to beans, pink in color and soft texture. A healthy kidney performs functions such as filtering waste and excess water from the blood, regulating blood pressure, regulating the electrolyte balance in the blood, stimulating the production of red blood cells and regulating the production of vitamin D. Symptoms that indicate a problem in kidney function include:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- Decrease in the amount of urine
- Presence of blood or protein in the urine
- Swelling
- Fire
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- difficulty concentrating
- Loss of memory