Health Science | What is kidney failure? What are the causes of kidney failure?

James has been feeling very tired recently, and his limbs have been weak and swollen for more than half a month. At first, James thought it was a minor problem and didn't tell his family. Later, the situation became more and more serious, and he had to go to the hospital for a check-up, and it turned out that he had chronic kidney disease. Such examples are actually not uncommon in life.

What is Kidney Failure?

kidney failure refers to the loss of normal filtration and excretion functions of the kidneys, resulting in the inability to discharge waste, toxins and fluids in the body normally.

Classification of Kidney Failure?

kidney failure can be divided into Acute Kidney Failure and Chronic Kidney Failure.

1. Acute Kidney Failure

Acute Kidney Failure refers to a rapid decline in renal function in a short period of time, usually caused by some acute event, such as severe infection, trauma or poisoning. Acute Kidney Failure is usually reversible, and renal function may recover if treated in time.

2. Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic Kidney Failure refers to a gradual decline in renal function, usually due to a long-term disease process, such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic nephritis, etc. Chronic Kidney Failure is an irreversible process, which may eventually develop into end-stage renal disease, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.

What are the four main causes of Kidney Failure?

1. Kidney lesions

kidney failure caused by kidney lesions accounts for a large proportion of Chronic Kidney Failure, reaching more than 70%. For example, nephrotic syndrome, kidney stones, kidney cysts, chronic glomerulonephritis and other diseases.

2. Severe infection

The causes of kidney failure also include various serious infections, especially patients with sepsis can induce kidney failure through renal ischemia and renal toxicity mechanisms.

3. Drug-induced kidney failure

If long-term nephrotoxic drugs are used improperly, they will cause certain damage to the kidneys. When the damage slowly accumulates to a certain extent, kidney failure will occur. For example, painkillers contain phenacetin. Once taken for a long time, it will damage the kidneys and cause chronic interstitial nephritis, which will lead to kidney failure.

4. Diabetes and hypertension

Diabetes and hypertension are also one of the causes of kidney failure. If blood sugar and blood pressure are too high for a long time, it will cause vascular sclerosis and cause kidney damage.

How to diagnose Kidney Failure?

1. Clinical manifestations

kidney failure patients often show symptoms such as edema, hypertension, anemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc., and may also have cardiovascular lesions, respiratory system symptoms, neurological symptoms, etc.

2. Laboratory tests

Renal function indicators such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) in patients with kidney failure are significantly increased, urine volume is reduced, urine specific gravity is increased, and urine tests may show abnormalities such as proteinuria and tubular urine. Electrolyte and acid-base balance, anemia, etc. can also be checked.

3. Imaging tests

B-ultrasound, CT, MRI and other imaging tests can be used to evaluate the structure and function of the kidneys, determine the degree and range of kidney damage, and help formulate treatment plans.

4. Renal biopsy

For patients with unexplained kidney failure, a renal biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Renal biopsy can directly observe the pathological changes of the glomeruli, tubules and interstitium, which helps to clarify the cause and treatment plan.

How to prevent and manage Kidney Failure?

Prevention and management of kidney failure requires comprehensive measures, including lifestyle adjustments, drug treatment and regular monitoring of renal function.

1. Control underlying diseases

Effective management of diabetes and hypertension is an important measure to prevent kidney failure. Patients should monitor blood sugar and blood pressure regularly and follow the doctor's advice for treatment.

2. Healthy diet

Pay attention to low-salt, low-protein and low-fat diets, and avoid too much red meat and high-phosphorus foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

3. Maintain good living habits

Quit smoking and limit alcohol, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain moderate exercise.

4. Regular physical examinations

Especially for people with a family history of kidney disease or high-risk factors, urine routine, serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate should be checked regularly to detect abnormal renal function early.

5. Use drugs with caution

Avoid using drugs that are potentially toxic to the kidneys, and consult a doctor when using any new drugs.

6. Timely treatment of infections

Prevent and promptly treat urinary tract infections to prevent further damage to the kidneys from infections.

How to treat Kidney Failure?

The treatment of kidney failure depends on the severity and root cause of the condition:

1. Drug treatment

Used to control symptoms and complications, such as high blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and drugs to correct anemia.

2. Dialysis

When kidney function is severely lost, dialysis treatment may be needed to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. Dialysis includes two methods: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

3. Kidney transplantation

For patients with end-stage renal disease, kidney transplantation may be one of the most effective treatments, which can significantly improve the quality of life and survival.

4. Dietary adjustment and lifestyle changes

Reasonable diet and lifestyle adjustments under the guidance of doctors and nutritionists can help reduce the burden on the kidneys.

In short, kidney failure is a complex pathological process involving multiple causes and mechanisms. Early detection and intervention are key, and effective preventive measures and reasonable treatment plans can improve the prognosis of patients. Understanding kidney failure and its causes can help increase public attention to kidney health, so that active measures can be taken to protect our kidneys.