What do kidneys do?

Kidneys are two bean-shaped vital organs of the body which work as filters in our body. They clean out the waste products or toxins from the blood. Kidneys help maintain the fluid balance in the body by balancing water, salt & other chemicals. This helps to control the blood pressure. Another important function of the kidneys is to help the bone marrow to make red blood cells.

Causes of kidney failure

There may be multiple reasons which cause the kidneys to fail, including but not limited to-

• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure/fluctuation in blood pressure
• Autoimmune diseases (weak immune system)
• Recurring urinary tract infections
• Lifestyle-
  • Food habits
  • Excessive drinking/Smoking
  • Mental tension
  • Obesity
  • Diet fads may cause a problem if not monitored properly
• Family history
• Glomerulonephritis , an inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units

Symptoms of kidney failure

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Changes in how much you urinate
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Muscle twitches and cramps
• Sleep related problems
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Persistent itching
• Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart.
• Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs.
• High blood pressure

Complications due to kidney failure

• Fluid retention, which could lead to swelling of arms and legs, fluid in your lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Anemia
• Hypertension
• Electrolyte imbalance, which could reduce your heart’s ability to function and may be life-threatening
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Decreased immune response, which makes you more vulnerable to infection

 

 

Disclaimer- The contents presented on this page are for informational purposes only, please consult your doctor for further information.