Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter excess wastes and excess fluids from your blood which is then extracted from your body through urine. Your kidneys also regulate pH, salt and potassium levels in the body. Kidneys produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of blood cells.
Advanced chronic kidney disease can result in the buildup of fluids, electrolytes and wastes in the body. Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of damage to kidneys. However, treatment may not keep kidney damage from progressing. In some cases, it can progress to end-stage kidney failure. In that case, artificial filtering through dialysis, or kidney transplant may be required.
Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney diseases include loss of appetite, vomiting, urinating more or less, nausea, swelling of feet and ankles, and chest pain if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart.
Common kidney problems include kidney, acute kidney injury, kidney infections and kidney cysts. People suffering from chronic kidney disease experience a gradual loss of kidney functions.
Common kidney problems include the below:
Kidney stones: The disease occurs when minerals and other substances in the blood crystallize in the kidneys, forming a solid mass called stone. Kidney stones usually come out of the body through urine, that can be extremely painful but rarely cause significant complications.
Polycystic kidney disease: This is a genetic disorder in which cysts or small sacs of fluid grow in the kidneys that can interfere with their normal functioning and also cause kidney failure.
Glomerulonephritis: These are extremely small structures inside the kidneys that filter the blood. The condition can be caused by infections and the use of drugs.
Urinary tract infection (UTI): This is caused due to bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Bladder and urethra are the most common areas of UTI infections. The condition is easily treatable and rarely leads to severe health issues. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread and ultimately result in kidney failure when kidneys stop functioning.
People suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure are at an increased risk of kidney diseases. Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract from conditions such as kidney stones and enlarged prostate can also cause chronic kidney disease. Other factors that increase the risk of chronic kidney disease include high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, obesity, older age, and frequent use of medications that can damage the kidneys.
Chronic kidney disease can affect many body organs over a period of time, with potential complications such as:
- Fluid retention that could lead to swelling in the arms and legs
- A sudden rise in the potassium levels in blood that could impair the health of the heart.
- Weak bones and an increased risk of bone fractures
- Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction or reduced fertility
- Decreased immune response that makes the person more vulnerable to infections
- Damage to the central nervous system
- Complications in pregnancy
- Irreversible damage to kidneys, that can eventually require dialysis or kidney transplant
To reduce your risk of developing kidney diseases, you should follow the instructions on the package while using non-prescription OTC medications, such as Ibuprofen for fever, and aspirin for pain relief. Avoid smoking as it can worsen existing kidney condition, and also maintain a healthy weight.
Treatment of kidney diseases and other chronic conditions can drain your savings, especially if you don’t have health insurance. PrudentRx.co is a rich source of all information that you can find about health insurance. The experts of PrudentRx also provide help to organizations to devise their custom health insurance plans. For more information, see PrudentRx drug list, and PrudentRx FAQs where you will find information about minimizing your copays including CVS copay optimization.