Kidney failure

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure is a condition, wherein the kidneys lose their ability to filter off waste from the body. As a result, waste products begin to accumulate and disrupt the body’s chemical balance.

What causes kidney failure?

The two major causes of kidney failure include hypertension and diabetes. Other causes include autoimmune disease conditions, injury or trauma to the kidney and genetic diseases like polycystic kidney disease. There have been instances when certain medications and drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and aleve can also be a significant cause of kidney failure. Other kidney disease conditions that can predispose an individual to develop kidney failure include hemolytic uremic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, infection and bladder cancer.

What are the different types of kidney failure?

Kidney failure are of two major types: Chronic kidney failure (CKD) and acute kidney failure (AKD). CKD is characterized by kidney failure, wherein the kidneys still possess some ability to carry out their function. Acute kidney failure is a condition, wherein the kidneys stop working suddenly, losing their ability to filter off wastes from the blood.

How does kidney failure spread?

Kidney failure is not a contagious disease and therefore does not spread from one person to another.

What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

Individuals with kidney failure experience the following symptoms:

•  Fluid gets accumulated and as a result, there is swelling in the arms and legs
• Decreased urine output; even though sometimes the urinary output remains normal
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Drowsiness, nausea
• Confusion
• In severe cases, individuals also experience seizures and can even go into the comatose state.

What are the different stages of kidney failure?

Chronic kidney failure progresses in 5 different stages and is measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These include:

Stage 1: In this stage, the GFR is 90 and kidneys are functioning normally.

Stage 2: In this, the GFR is between 60 – 89 and the kidney functioning has somewhat reduced.

Stage 3: GFR is between 30 – 59 and the kidney functioning has further reduced

Stage 4: GFR is between 15 – 29 and the kidney functioning has markedly reduced

Stage 5: GFR is less than 15 and the patient needs to be put on dialysis to filter off the wastes from the body

What is the treatment of kidney failure?

Treatment of kidney failure is done to prevent complications from setting in and allowing the kidneys some time to resume their normal functioning. The various treatment options include medications, dialysis and kidney transplant. Medications are given to control the blood potassium levels and bring the calcium levels back to normal. Dialysis is considered when there is a severe buildup of toxins in the blood. Kidney transplant is usually the last resort when dialysis and medications fail to yield positive results.

How can kidney failure be prevented?

Kidney failure can be prevented by paying close attention to over the counter medications that you tend to pop in large numbers. It is also necessary to manage your kidney diseases effectively if you are suffering from one. Also, making dietary changes and leading an active life can help your kidneys function better.

Diet and lifestyle changes in kidney failure?

Individuals with kidney failure need to consider certain dietary changes in order to avoid exerting load on the kidneys. The dietary changes recommended, include:

• Foods with low potassium should be opted. The foods that are low in potassium include strawberries, green beans, apples, grapes and cabbage.
• Processed foods that contain added salt should also be avoided.
• Individuals are also advised to limit their phosphorus intake. Therefore, it would be wise to limit the intake of milk, nuts, cheese, dried beans and peanut butter as these contain high levels of phosphorus.

What is Ayurvedic treatment of kidney failure?

The various Ayurvedic preparations that are helpful in treating the condition of kidney failure include gokshuradigugglu, chandraprabhavati, punarnavadigugglu, gomutraharitaki and punarnavadiqadha.