Maintaining kidney health can be said to be the same as maintaining the health of the whole body. Because if the kidneys are damaged, other organs and organ systems in the body can also be affected. This can trigger the development of various other diseases and can affect the condition of the body as a whole.
Kidney health is very important to maintain because kidney function in the human body is very important. Kidneys are in charge of filtering wastes in the form of cellular metabolic waste, such as excess salt, urea, nitrogenous waste, and also toxins that can harm the body.
In addition to being a filter for the body, the kidneys also have other functions, such as balancing water and electrolyte levels, regulating blood pressure, regulating the production of red blood cells, and regulating acid-base balance (pH) in the body.
If the kidneys are impaired, there will be a buildup of fluid, waste, and toxins in the body. Research also shows that impaired kidney function can be a risk factor for premature death, disability, and general deterioration of health conditions.
Types of Kidney Disease
Some of the most common types of kidney disease are:
1. Kidney stone disease
This disease is caused by the deposition of certain substances and minerals in the blood and eventually petrifies in the kidneys. Kidney stones can cause severe pain and if they are large, they can block the flow of urine in the urinary system.
2. Kidney infection
Kidney infections or pyelonephritis are usually caused by bacteria or viruses that enter through the urinary tract, so the risk of developing it increases if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). This condition can cause blood or pus to appear in the urine.
3. Polycystic kidney disease
This disease is classified as a hereditary disease characterized by the growth of many cysts in the kidneys. Polycystic kidney disease can interfere with kidney function and cause kidney failure.
4. Glomerulonephritis
This condition is caused by inflammation of the glomerulus, the structure that functions as a filter in the kidney. Generally this condition is caused by infection, congenital abnormalities from birth, or drugs. Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can also cause this condition.
5. Kidney failure
Kidney failure is generally divided into 2 types, namely acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure can be caused by dehydration, side effects of drugs, or because of bleeding so that blood flow to the kidneys is disrupted.
Meanwhile, chronic kidney failure is usually caused by high blood pressure and diabetes, which is a chronic condition and over time can interfere with kidney function. Patients with kidney failure may require hemodialysis (dialysis) or a kidney transplant, depending on the severity of the damage to the kidneys.
Treatment and Complications of Kidney Disease
Treatment of kidney disease is usually focused on the underlying disease. So, the drugs that may be given are very diverse, ranging from blood pressure lowering, antibiotics, to antidiabetic drugs to maintain blood sugar levels.
In addition, treatment is also carried out to correct the imbalance caused by kidney damage. For example, diuretic drugs will be given to help the buildup of body fluids caused by kidney failure, so that swelling is reduced.
Changes in diet and lifestyle to maintain kidney health are also recommended to prevent worsening of the patient's health condition, for example with a low-salt diet, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and reducing excess weight.
Kidney disease that is slow to detect or slow to treat can continue to worsen until it leads to kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure may have to undergo routine dialysis, or a kidney transplant if the condition has entered the worst degree. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to death.
Detection of Disorders in Kidney Health as Early as Possible
Checking kidney health is indeed not part of a series of tests that are generally carried out if you do not have any symptoms. However, if you have high risk factors for kidney disease, such as having a family history of kidney disease or having co-morbidities such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to be more aware of your kidney condition by having regular check-ups.
In addition, pay attention to signs and symptoms that can indicate kidney problems, such as decreased appetite, muscle cramps, swollen legs or ankles, and frequent urination at night.
Symptoms of more severe kidney disorders, such as accumulation of fluids in the body, reduced urine production, paleness, weakness, shortness of breath, to the occurrence of electrolyte disturbances, can indicate your condition has developed into symptoms of kidney failure.
If you feel these symptoms, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment and treatment. Drink lots of water, don't take drugs without a doctor's recommendation, and live a healthy lifestyle to maintain kidney health.