KIDNEY FAILURE

Kidney failure is the condition in which the kidneys cannot perform their normal functions. When this condition develops, the kidneys experience disruptions in their following important functions:

• Excreting harmful and toxic substances from the body through urine

• Excreting excess water from the body

• Help controlling blood pressure

• Regulating the production of blood cells

• Contributing to the maintenance of bone health

A healthy kidney can perform all of these functions. Kidney failure occurs when both kidneys cannot perform their functions. If the disruption of functions is progressive and irreversible, this condition is called "chronic renal failure". However, if the loss of function occurs within a few hours or days and is reversible, this condition is called "acute renal failure".

Acute renal failure is a loss of kidney function that occurs in a very short period of time and is reversible. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the kidneys can usually return to normal function. In patients treated for chronic renal failure, conditions such as fever, certain medications, or excessive dehydration can rapidly worsen kidney function, but with timely intervention, progression can be stopped.

Kidney disease symptoms can be difficult to detect because they are often nonspecific and are not noticed until kidney function is very advanced. Common symptoms include:

• Excessive water and waste products in the body

• Inability to remove proteins from the body

• Eating disorders

• Hormonal imbalances

There are many diseases that can lead to kidney failure. Common causes include:

• Glomerulonephritis

• Diabetes (diabetes mellitus)

• Family diseases (such as polycystic kidney disease)

• Hypertension

• Amyloidosis

• Urinary tract obstruction

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidneys, and there are several types. Although it usually does not cause any significant discomfort, abnormalities can be detected in urine tests. In some cases, excessive protein loss and swelling in the body, known as "nephrotic syndrome," can occur. Glomerulonephritis can be acute or chronic; some can improve with treatment, while others require treatment to slow the progression. A kidney biopsy may be performed for diagnosis and treatment.

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disease that causes kidney failure. This disease involves multiple fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. The cysts usually do not cause obvious symptoms and are often detected incidentally. The disease usually occurs in adulthood and cysts can also occur in the liver. Genetic counseling can be helpful in assessing the risk of the disease in family members.

Diabetes is a disease that affects many organs and develops as a result of the deficiency or ineffectiveness of the insulin hormone that regulates blood sugar. Diabetes can be diagnosed with fasting blood sugar and glucose tolerance tests.

Diabetes is one of the important causes of kidney failure. The stages of kidney effects due to diabetes are as follows:

• Stage 1: Kidney size increases and filtering function is normal.

• Stage 2: Kidney filtering function is normal or increased.

• Stage 3: Protein excretion in urine begins; this period is important and progression can be prevented with intervention.

• Stage 4: There is significant protein loss in urine, high blood pressure is usually also seen.

• Stage 5: Kidney failure develops and filtering function decreases.

Good control of blood sugar and management of hypertension can slow the development of kidney disease. Hypertension medications can also be helpful in maintaining kidney health. Diabetic patients are at risk of kidney failure, so treatment and monitoring are important.

• Nervous System: Psychiatric disorders and nerve conduction disorders may be observed. In addition, impaired consciousness and problems with dialysis may also be experienced.

• Heart and Veins: Problems such as pericarditis, heart failure and hypertension may occur.

• Lungs: Problems such as lung inflammation and fluid accumulation may occur.

• Blood System: Anemia and clotting disorders are common.

• Skeletal System: Bone diseases, pain, fractures and deformities may develop.

• Digestive System: Bad breath, stomach ulcers and intestinal problems may be observed.

• Liver: Inflammation and damage may occur in the liver.