Saturday, January 14, 2012

Health Tips - Chronic Kidney Disease?


Kidney being one of the most vital organs in our body is a reprocessing machine. It filters the blood and sends the waste from our body in the form of urine. And it is very important for this waste to be processed and rightly thrown out of the body This bean shaped organs have over one million filtering units called neutrons. Any abnormalities in their function can cause harm the kidney.
Today we particularly would like to discuss Chronic Kidney Disease. (CKD).
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
The slow progressively loss of functions of the kidney over a period is called Chronic Kidney Disease. It is also known by the name Chronic Renal Disease. This disease is like a slow poison growing gradually and if undetected or undiagnosed earlier then ends in Kidney Failure.
Kidney

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
  • Existing Kidney Ailment
CKD as it is called mostly arises due to an already existing Kidney ailment.
  • Diabetes
Diabetes is one major cause. In diabetes it if we see the Type 1 and Type 2 Mellitus which causes a condition called Diabetic Nephropathy is one of the main reasons of kidney ailment. If a patient is suffering from Diabetes and it is not in control, then the excess sugar which is accumulated in the blood can damage the golmerulus.
Glomerulus

  • Obesity
Directly related to Type 2 diabetes is Obesity. Hence obesity can be reasons for one to have Chronic Kidney Disease.
  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
This is another major cause and reason for kidney diseases. Blood pressure if not controlled can really harm the kidney over a period of time.
  • Aging
Age is a very important factor and it is observed that CKD is most common among those above 60 years of age.
  • Chronic Glomerulonephritis
A disease when a part of the kidney that does the filtering of waste and fluids from the blood is damaged. In some cases caused by low immunity, though the real cause is unknown.
  • Inherited  PKD
PKD which is an inherited disease can be a cause for Chronic Kidney Diseases and the patient can suffer from multiple cysts in both the kidneys. Since we can inherit Kidney disease, a family history of kidney disease can be a reason.
  • Atherosclerosis
Hardening or clogging of the arteries also known as atherosclerosis which leads to the kidney causes a condition known as ischemic nephropathy which again is a cause for Chronic Kidney disease.
  • Obstructed Urine Flow
Enlarged prostrate or difficulty or obstruction in the urine flow by stones or any type of kidney cancer is a reason for kidney disease. I f the urine flow is obstructed it cause too much pressure on the kidney and functions of kidney will be hampered thus causing prostrate, kidney stone, tumor.
  • Drug over use
Over usage of certain kind of drug that harms or damages the kidney is again a reason for kidney ailment. For example analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) if used regularly over for a long time causes analgesic nephropathy which in turn leads to kidney ailments. Regular use of anti-inflammatory medications also can be a cause for CKD.
  • Heart Ailments
Heart diseases or high cholesterol, liver disease can be reasons and stand at risk to suffer from chronic kidney disease.
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
This disease is an auto immune disease which kills the immunity of one body through foreign bodies and harm and attack the organs like the kidney.
  • Exposure to Toxins
Exposure to certain toxins like carbon tetrachloride, fuels, lead which are used in paints, pipes, or certain type of jewellery, soldering materials can cause CKD.
  • At Birth
The kidneys have not been properly formed or developed when the fetus was in the womb could lead to CKD once the baby is born.
  • Other Diseases
Other diseases like HIV, HIV infection, kidney stones, amyloidosis chronic kidney infections, sickle cell disease and certain cancers do lead to Chronic Kidney Disease.
  • Vascular Diseases
Vascular disease such as arthritis, vasculitis, or fibromuscular dysplasia.
  • Vesicoureteral Reflux
A urinary tract problem in which urine travels the wrong way back toward the kidney.
  • Malaria or Yellow Fever
Any previous attack of Malaria and Yellow fever can be a reason or cause of CKD.
  • Drug Abuse
Use of cocaine and heroin.
  • Injury
Any kind of physical injury or a blow or being hit in the abdomen which can seriously damage the kidney.
With control on our diabetes, high blood pressure, intake of salt, need to get more of vitamin D, proper diet can at least minimise the adversity of the disease. Avoiding alcohol, drugs, exposure to toxic metals, chemicals and fuels. To be conscious of Physical fitness.

 

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