What are the symptoms of kidney disease? expert statement

Kidney disease is not always painful. The disease of this organ is very easy to overlook, so it is worth knowing about diseases that may indicate disorders. About how often tests are taken, says the professor. Bożena Birkenfeld.

1. How do you know that your kidneys are sick?
2. How do you take care of the kidneys? Expert: We have an impact in early detection of diseases

The kidneys play many very important functions in our bodies. They not only flirt and excrete waste products, but also regulate other major processes. The kidneys serve us throughout our lives, and kidney disease affects many aspects of health. Congenital diseases include various kidney defects, for example polycystic kidney disease, which results in a less active parenchyma and impaired organ function. Acquired diseases include kidney tumors, nephritis (acute and chronic) and nephrolithiasis.

The main function of the kidneys is to produce urine, which is used to excrete many toxic chemicals produced in the human body’s metabolism process. Probably not everyone knows that the kidneys are also involved in metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, and production of hormones and vitamins. The kidneys are also necessary to maintain the proper water-electrolyte balance, produce red blood cells and cleanse the body of toxins – emphasizes the professor. Bożena Birkenfeld from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin.

Unfortunately, kidney problems are not always painful and can be easily overlooked. If left untreated for years, kidney disease eventually leads to kidney failure. Then the only solution is hemodialysis (cleansing the blood of toxins with a device). Unfortunately, dialysis is stressful for the patient. They are held every few days and consist of several hours of treatment in a specialized centre. It also happens that it is too late for dialysis and the only salvation is a transplant.

– Therefore, the consequences are very serious and it is worth doing everything to avoid the advanced stage of the disease – the specialist assures.

How do you know that your kidneys are sick?

a. Bożena Birkenfeld notes that pain in the lumbar region is a frequent symptom of progressive kidney disease. Other diseases that should worry us include:

However, in many cases, despite the pathological condition, these symptoms may not occur. This is why regular testing is so important.

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On June 21, the national educational campaign “Respect your health and get your kidneys checked” was launched with the aim of raising awareness of kidney diseases and encouraging them to get diagnostic tests. What tests to perform? In the first class Abdominal ultrasound (at least once every two years). Another simple and accessible test is urinalysis and determination of various factors from the blood taken from the patient, including urea, creatinine, albuminuria and e-GFR.

– For the proper functioning of the kidneys, it is important not to overburden it with: excess salt, high-protein diet, consumption of alcohol, painkillers or other substances – they may then be damaged and deny their function – explains the professor. Bożena Birkenfeld.

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Source: Zbigniew Wojtasiński / PAP