Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Dialysis Dependent Patients Capable of Renal Recovery

Patients who have lost all kidney functions because of disease may become dependent with dialysis treatment but this method alone does not cover all the functions of the kidneys, health experts say. In a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), health care providers are advised to be aware of the possibility of renal recovery among dialysis dependent patients even though the occurrence is rare. Some may have better prognosis before they start their treatment but full recover may still not be possible.


The kidney filters and excretes the waste products from the body and is one of the organs responsible in keeping the balance in the body. If this organ is damaged, the whole body will be ridden with waste that may lead to other health problems. Kidney failure often forces men and women to have continuous dialysis treatment because their kidneys are already severely damaged. There are some patients who have gotten better after undergoing treatment because kidney failure is not always a permanent condition. Dialysis may only be needed for a short period of time when it is an acute kidney failure. Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis are two of the methods that are used for this kind of treatment.


It is common among patients who have acute kidney injury to regain their renal function especially when they have not yet been using dialysis for a long time. Health care providers may need keep an open eye and determine if the patient is already recovering the lost kidney function. Data on this phenomenon is being gathered through various health studies. Several diagnostic exams may be performed when patients are suspected of recovering their kidneys lost function.


Diabetes and high serum albumin level when starting the treatment may decrease the chances of recovery. While those who have episodes of acute renal failure, low blood sugar, and low serum albumin level before treatment have higher chances of gaining back their health. This helps men and women to follow through with their treatment, even though the possibility is low. Click here to know more about kidney problems, dialysis causes and treatments.



URL References:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21166875
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC270015/
healthline.com/health/acute-kidney-failure?toptoctest=expand

Friday, January 17, 2014

Follow the Easy Tips in Having Health Kidneys

Kidney problems are one of the most common problems in developed countries, health surveys show, and oftentimes these kidney diseases are linked with other health problems as well. The growing public concern on kidney diseases is greater than before as approximately one in every ten adults in the United States have developed chronic kidney diseases (CKD), according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearing house (NKUDIC). This only shows that caring for one’s kidneys is a needed and is supposed to be a responsibility of the patient as well as the health care providers.


Heart disease, high blood pressure, race, diabetes, age, and a family of kidney problems are risks factors in developing kidney diseases. These tips on keeping the kidneys healthy may be used by men and women alike who are at high risk of developing kidney problems. Tips from the National Kidney Disease Education Program include the following:

-      Make sure to maintain a healthy blood pressure level. The kidney helps in regulating the blood pressure. Blood pressure levels may vary depending on age and gender but the usual is below 120/80. Health care providers may set achievable blood pressure levels through diet and medications.

-      Avoid too much salt. Salt often triggers the body to retain more fluids. For those who are at risk of kidney problems, this might become a problem as the kidney will have more fluids to filter.

-      The medications are only to be used as directed. Medications affect the kidneys because most drugs are excreted through the kidneys.

-      Maintain an active lifestyle. Having an active lifestyle not only keeps your kidneys healthy but also the rest of the body.

-      Maintain a proper body weight. Overweight and obese individuals are at risk of developing kidney problems.

-      Curb your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol in the body destroys the kidneys. Many people who have drinking problems develop kidney and liver diseases.

-      Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is good to our body.

-      Kidney damage is often exacerbated caused by too much smoke.

-      Keep the cholesterol levels in check and manage blood sugar problems properly.


It is easy to have healthy kidneys, health experts say, as long as the person knows what to do.



URL References:
kidneyfund.org/kidney-health/are-you-at-risk/
kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/kustats/
nkdep.nih.gov/learn/keep-kidneys-healthy.shtml