Uremia is a condition when the level of urea in the body is so high that it becomes toxic to the body. Uremia is one of the main symptoms of kidney failure and is also a sign of the end stages of chronic kidney disease.
Uremia can occur because the kidneys cannot function properly. This condition makes the kidneys unable to filter and dispose of metabolic waste substances, including urea, through urine. As a result, urea remains in the blood. Uremia can be fatal and life threatening.
Some Symptoms of Uremia
The following are symptoms that can occur when urea builds up in the blood:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Difficult to concentrate
- Pruritus
- Headache
- Extreme fatigue
- Pain, numbness, or cramping in the legs
If left untreated, uremia can cause a variety of complications, ranging from depression, anemia, high blood pressure, severe itching due to mineral imbalance, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, amyloidosis, brain damage, and even death.
Get to know Uremia Treatment
Treatment of uremia is through dialysis or dialysis. This action is performed to remove metabolic wastes and toxins from the bloodstream using a machine. Dialysis is divided into two types, namely hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis
The hemodialysis dialysis process is carried out using two hoses that are separated by a filter machine. Blood will be drained from the body through the first tube to the filter machine. After being filtered, the blood is flowed back into the body through a second tube.
Previously, doctors usually performed Cimino surgery to maintain smooth blood flow to the filter machine during the hemodialysis process. Hemodialysis process at least takes about 4 hours and is only done in a hospital.
Peritoneal Dialysis
In the peritoneal dialysis medical procedure, the process of washing blood is carried out using a catheter tube in the abdominal cavity permanently, so it does not require a filter machine. The dialysis fluid is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a tube.
After that, this fluid works to filter toxins in the body and is removed after a few hours. This action can be done at home. To maximize the washing of blood in the stomach, the dialysis fluid should be changed about 4-6 times a day.
Kidney transplant
Kidney transplant or kidney transplant is the last step of treatment that can be done for patients with kidney failure who have uremia. Healthy kidneys from donors will replace the patient's kidneys that have been damaged. Before kidney surgery, the doctor will match the donor kidney with the patient's body.
Uremia Prevention Types
Efforts to prevent the occurrence of uremia is to avoid kidney disease early on. Some of the ways you can do this are:
- Avoid smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Take care of the health of the heart and blood vessels,
- Consumption of healthy foods and adequate fluid needs in the body.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Uremia is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. If you have symptoms associated with kidney disease, it is important to check with your doctor. The earlier a treatment plan is implemented, the better your chances of preventing uremia.