Kidney Health and Possible Disorders

Kidney that can function properly is one of the requirements to have a healthy body. Damaged kidneys can trigger the development of various other diseases and will affect the overall body condition. Kidney function in the human body is very important. The kidneys are tasked with filtering out excess wastes in the form of salt, urea, nitrogenous wastes from cell metabolic processes, and also poisons that can harm the body. Aside from being a filter, the kidneys also have other very important functions, namely:

• Balance the water content in the body.
• Regulate blood pressure.
• Regulates the production of red blood cells.
• Regulate the production and balance of acid-base (pH) in the body.

There are still many other things that need to be considered and remembered well, about this important pair of bean-shaped organs and the size of a fist. Here are important facts about the kidneys that you need to know.

Types of Kidney Disease

Some common types of kidney disease are:

• Kidney stone disease

This disease is caused by the deposition of certain substances and minerals in the blood which eventually petrified in the kidney. Kidney stones can cause extreme pain and if they are large, they can block urine flow in the urinary system.

• Urinary tract infection

This disease, commonly called UTI, is caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary system.

• Kidney failure

Kidney failure is generally divided into two types, namely acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure can be caused by dehydration, drug side effects, or due to bleeding so that blood flow to the kidneys is disrupted. While chronic kidney failure is generally caused by high blood pressure and diabetes, which is a chronic condition and over time can interfere with the work of the kidneys. Patients with kidney failure often require hemodialysis (dialysis) or kidney transplantation depending on the severity of damage to the kidneys.

• Polycystic kidney disease

This disease is classified as a type of hereditary disease which is characterized by the growth of cysts in the kidney. Polycystic kidney disease can interfere with kidney function.

• Glomerulonephritis

This condition is caused by inflammation of the glomerulus, a structure that functions as a filter in the kidney. Generally caused by infection, birth defects, or drugs. Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can also cause this condition.

Danger Caused by Disorders of the Kidney

Kidney that is disturbed or damaged will lead to a buildup of fluid, waste, and toxins in the body. This disorder will cause symptoms of swelling in the ankle, weakening of body condition, insomnia, shortness of breath, vomiting, and decreased consciousness. If it is detected too late and overcome, the kidneys can finally stop working and endanger the lives of sufferers. When kidney function is disrupted, the performance of other organ systems such as the heart will also be affected. Research also shows that impaired kidney function can be a risk factor for premature death, disability, and worsening general health conditions.

Detection of Kidney Disorders as Early as Possible

Early detection of kidney disease is one of a series of routine public health checks. However, for those of you who have risk factors for kidney disease, such as a family history of kidney disease, regular consumption of certain drugs, or having comorbidities such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to be more aware of your kidney condition by doing regular kidney checks. In addition, pay attention to the signs and symptoms that can indicate interference with the kidneys, such as decreased appetite, muscle cramps, swollen limbs or ankles, and frequent urination at night. More severe symptoms can mean your condition has developed into symptoms of kidney failure, such as accumulation of fluid in the body, reduced urine production, pale, weakness, shortness of breath, to the occurrence of electrolyte disturbances. If any of the symptoms mentioned, it's a good idea to consult a doctor. The doctor can do a physical examination and recommend supporting examinations to assess kidney function, including:

• Urine test.
• Blood tests, such as creatinine and urea.
• Kidney ultrasound.
• CT scan
• Determination of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
• Kidney biopsy.

This series of tests will show how kidney function, kidney damage, type and stage of kidney disease, and if there are abnormalities in the shape of the kidneys or the presence of tumors.

Treatment and Complications of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is usually treated based on concomitant diseases that cause kidney disorders. Treatment can be by administering drugs to control blood pressure, cholesterol, antidiabetic drugs to maintain blood sugar levels, and diuretic drugs to help reduce swelling due to the buildup of body fluids. Changes in diet and lifestyle are also recommended to prevent worsening your health conditions, for example with a low salt diet, stopping smoking, regular exercise, and reducing excess weight. Kidney disease that is slowly detected or slowly treated can continue to worsen until it leads to kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure may have to undergo routine dialysis, or a kidney transplant if kidney failure has entered its worst degree. If not treated at all, kidney disease can cause death.

Routine Health Check for Kidney

Because of its important role in filtering waste and toxins, the kidneys are vulnerable to various disorders and damage. This is why maintaining kidney health is as important as maintaining your overall body health. Perform routine health checks and see a doctor immediately if you feel symptoms related to decreased kidney function, or if you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. For those of you who regularly consume drugs and supplements such as certain herbs, also need to regularly check kidney function. Drink plenty of water, do not carelessly consume drugs including over-the-counter drugs without a doctor's recommendation, and live a healthy lifestyle, is an important step to maintaining kidney health.