The kidneys are organs that play a vital role in the body's metabolism. Kidney failure often leads to various complications. What are the risk factors and how can you prevent it? Let's discuss this further.
The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body's metabolic stability. Their primary function is filtration, which filters the blood flowing into the renal circulation, removing toxic substances from the body and excreting them through urine. During this process, the kidneys also regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. When the body experiences dehydration, for example, due to severe diarrhea and insufficient fluid intake, the kidneys will attempt to reduce urine production to maintain adequate fluid levels and maintain electrolyte balance.
Not only do they remove toxic substances from the body, regulate urine volume, and maintain electrolyte balance, the kidneys also play a role in regulating the body's acid-base balance. If not properly maintained, serious complications can arise, including loss of consciousness. The kidneys also contain enzymes that regulate blood pressure. Therefore, the kidneys play a crucial role in helping maintain stable blood pressure. In addition to enzymes, the kidneys also produce the hormone erythropoietin, which plays a role in red blood cell production. Furthermore, they contain calcitriol, which helps maintain bone health.
Causes of kidney failure
Based on the course of the disease, kidney failure can be divided into two major groups: acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure. Acute kidney failure, or acute kidney injury (AKI), usually occurs suddenly and abruptly. It can occur within hours to days of the underlying cause. Chronic kidney failure, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), on the other hand, occurs gradually, occurring months to years after the initial onset of the underlying cause. AKI requires immediate treatment because it can usually be managed quickly before complications develop that are difficult to control.
CKD, on the other hand, requires long-term therapy and monitoring. In its early stages, CKD often causes no symptoms at all because it doesn't interfere with daily activities. Therefore, CKD is often found in severe cases with various complications. Routine screening through regular medical check-ups is crucial for early detection and appropriate treatment before complications arise due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Many factors can cause kidney failure, including a history of diabetes mellitus with poorly controlled blood sugar levels, hypertension with uncontrolled blood pressure, kidney inflammation, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Kidney failure can also be caused by urinary tract obstructions or stones, congestive heart failure, long-term use of medications with side effects on the kidneys, cysts, and autoimmune diseases.
Prevention of kidney failure
Kidney failure can happen to anyone, at any age, with various risk factors increasing the likelihood of developing kidney failure. AKI is more common in young people, while CKD occurs in older people. However, in some cases, the opposite can occur, depending on the underlying cause.
Several measures can be taken to help prevent kidney failure, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and exercising regularly. Control your blood pressure by avoiding foods and drinks high in salt or sodium.
Control your blood sugar well by avoiding foods and drinks high in sugar. Additionally, avoid consuming NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other medications that have side effects that can disrupt kidney function in the long term. Avoid smoking, as this habit can damage blood vessels, including those in the kidneys. The kidneys play a role in removing toxins from the body.
Therefore, reducing alcohol consumption can help reduce the workload of the kidneys. These various measures can help prevent kidney failure. It is important to undergo regular screenings before symptoms appear to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment before complications occur.
Written by Dr. Valda Garcia Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene
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