What will happen if your kidney cannot function Well

If there is a 15 % drop in your kidney function, it is considered kidney failure.

Signs from the accumulation of waste products and extra water will show in swelling of your limbs.

To restore or replace your failed kidney function, you have one of three treatment choices:

  • peritoneal dialysis
  • hemodialysis
  • kidney transplant

ESRD (End-stage renal disease) is kidney failure treated by a kidney transplant or kidney dialysis.

You should follow your doctors’ recommended advice and consider your preferences and choose a treatment that’s right for you. Right medication and treatment will help you.

You also need to know and consider getting used to the significant shifts that will be happening in your life.
Kidney failure will cause changes in your daily activities and may even change your relations with friends and family.

The more information you have about what to anticipate, the better you’ll be able to equip and take care of your treatment.

What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

Signs and symptoms don’t show in earlier stages of kidney failures.

Healthy kidneys inhibit the buildup of wastes and excess fluid in the body and balance the salts & minerals—such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium in your bloodstream.

The kidneys also produce hormones that help control blood pressure, red blood cell production and keep your bones healthy.
As the kidneys start to function in-adequately, other conditions and diseases also develop in your body.

As your kidney efficiency goes down, you may

  • headaches
  • have swelling in your feet, legs, or ankles
  • itch
  • tiredness during the day and have sleep apnea
  • weight loss, and unhealthy feeling
  • producing little or no urine
  • muscle cramps, weakness
  • stiffness, pain, or fluid in the joints
  • feeling unclear, trouble in focusing, or memory problems

Following the right treatment plan can help you avoid or tackle most of these symptoms.

Health problems, people with kidney disease, develop.

Kidney disease can lead to other health issues like :

High blood pressure High blood pressure is both a cause and consequence of kidney disease.

High B.P. damages the kidneys, and impaired kidneys don’t help in controlling your blood pressure.

On failure, your kidneys can’t get rid of excess water. This water excess can cause swelling, raising your blood pressure.

Heart disease: Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the same leading causes of Kidney disease and heart disease:

People with kidney disease are at more considerable risk for heart disease and vice-versa.

Anemia. When kidneys are impaired, they don’t make sufficient erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that helps build red blood cells.

RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.

In the condition of anemia, some organs—such as your heart and brain —get less oxygen and may not operate as well as they should.

Anemia can make you feel sickly and lethargic.
In some cases, Your doctors may prescribe iron supplements to make more red blood cells.

Mineral and Bone Disorder Kidneys balance the calcium and phosphorus levels in your bloodstream and make hormones that help keep your bones healthy.
As kidney function decreases, your kidneys:

  • Produce limited hormone that helps your body absorb calcium. And like dominos, the low level of calcium in your blood triggers PTH ( parathyroid hormone release); PTH transfers calcium from your bones into your blood.
  • Kidney failure leads to excess phosphorus in your blood, and it pulls calcium from your bones.
    Your bones may become weak and thin without treatment. You may feel pain in your bones or joints.

A good eating plan, supplements, medicines, and dialysis may help.

Malnutrition-As your kidney disease worsens, you may lose interest in food, and it can be a challenge to keep yourself well fed. You may taste food differently and may not feel hungry.

Infections and other stresses can make it hard for your body to use food applicably.

Considering a dietitian to be sure about a good diet and the right foods can have long-term profits for people with kidney disease.

Feeling itchy: Itching is common and can happen for different reasons. You may feel an itch because of dry skin.

Or you could be feeling itchy because you have excess phosphorus in your blood.

Less phosphorus intake may help stop the itch.

Your physician may prescribe a medication called a phosphate binder to limit phosphorous from getting into the bloodstream.
Sunlight may help some people find relief.

How to live well with kidney failure?

Living well with kidney failure is a challenge, but you will feel better if you may:

  • stick to a suitable treatment
  • Visit your doctor regularly medicines and take your medicines as prescribed
  • Develop an eating plan with a dietitian that includes foods that helps your health and you enjoy eating.
  • staying active is the key —take a walk or do some other physical activities to stay fit

If you have kidney failure, take control of what you eat and drink, and maintain a healthy balance of minerals, salts, and fluids in your body.

Can I be active with kidney failure?

Yes, Physical activity is an essential part of keeping healthy muscles, bones, and heart stronger.

Any physical activity makes blood travel faster through your body, so your body receives more oxygen.

Your body requires oxygen to utilize the energy acquired from food.
Physical exercises also lift your mood and make you feel better.
Discuss with your physician before you start an exercise routine.

Start gradually, with easy activities such as walking at an average pace or even gardening. Work up to more challenging activities such as fast running or light yoga.

The aim is to be active as many days as possible.

Content Reviewed by – Asian Hospital Medical Editors

 

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