One of the major causes of kidney disease is longstanding diabetes mellitus which manifests into diabetic nephropathy. According to internationaly surveys, in more than 65% people, diabetes is the key cause for kidney disease. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are also other notable causes of kidney disease. Direct kidney infection is the other cause for kidney disease. After the diagnosis of diabetes, it takes approximately 8-9 years before it manifests into kidney disease.
Though kidney transplant is an option for those suffering from end-stage kidney disease, it is not without its peritnent risks. The patient has to take many medications in order to avoid rejection of the transplanted kidney which in turn alters the blood sugar level, and the patient has to take additional medications again to control his diabetes. Dialysis is another treatment option in a large number of cases though that option is also not without its pertinent drawbacks in terms of treatment duration, costs, etc; the patient has to undergo dialysis at least 3 times a week. Two types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Early diagnosis:
The initial symptoms of kidney failure may include abdominal pain, vision changes etc, hypertension etc. Diagnosis of kidney disease in its early stages is of immense value in treating the disease. Basic tests to measure the level of serum creatinine and urea can detect kidney disease. Microalbuminuria is also an early indication for renal disease. These tests can be done on an annual basis to detect and treat renal disease early and effectively. Diabetic patients should also be careful of vision changes because vision changes can be an indication for renal disease in diabetics.
Initial symptoms to take care of:
- Nocturia: Urination at night caused by increased nocturnal urine secretion.
- Hematuria: Blood in the urine.
- Dysuria: Difficulty or pain in urination.
- Edema due to failure of the kidney to produce and excrete waste resulting in volume overload.
- Lethargy and fatigue: This is caused due to failure of kidney to produce erythropoetin and red blood cells.
- Abdominal pain, groin pain, leg pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and chills are also symptoms related to renal disease.
Patients, remember please:
- Proper diet and exercise.
- Increase calcium and phosphorous intake.
- Monitor cholesterol levels.
- Hepatitis B immunization.
- Maintanence of blood pressure.
- Control of blood sugar.
- Avoid nephrotoxic drugs.
- Control of fluid and salt intake.
- Prevent anemia.
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