Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Kidney Disorders
The improper routines in today’s modern lifestyle including consumption of alcohol, smoking, substance abuse, lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits are known to cause several lifestyle diseases and problems. Kidney Disorder is one such prominent ailment that is slow and progressive. It may go unnoticed in the initial stages. Eventually, the person experiences kidney failure.
Chronic kidney disorder (also called chronic renal disease/renal failure) is more widespread than what people usually realize. The primary kidney function is to filter excess waste, impurities and water from the blood which is excreted from the body as urine. This functioning level can go down as low as 25% of prescribed standards if kidneys are affected severely. Due to kidney failure, abnormal levels of fluids and toxins accumulate in the body which can cause life-threatening situations.
High blood pressure, presence of urine in blood and fatigue are some of the common signs that reveal kidney-related impairments. This may be caused by underlying health conditions as diabetes and certain specific kidney diseases like polycystic kidneys. Diagnosis is done using blood test, scanning of the kidney and biopsy. Treatment route for chronic cases focuses on reducing the symptoms as there is no permanent cure for this irreversible disorder.
Renal Disease Symptoms
- Low blood haemoglobin levels (Anaemia)
- Dark coloured/foamy urine/blood or protein in the urine/urine with offensive smell
- Reduction in the quantity of urine output
- Swelling in feet, hands, ankles and face (Oedema)
- Decreased mental alertness/concentration difficulties
- Exhaustion
- Increased blood pressure(Hypertension)
- Sleeping difficulties including insomnia
- Persistent widespread itchy skin(Pruritus)
- Erectile Dysfunction in males
- Frequent urination at night
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling of nausea
- Unexpected headaches or changes in body weight
- Breathing difficulty(panting)
- Lower back pain in the renal area accompanied by fever
Common Kidney Disorders
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) - These are bacterial infections in the urinary system which commonly manifests itself in the urethra and bladder. It is usually treated with fluids and antibiotics and rarely leads to complications.
- Glomerulonephritis-This is caused by inflammation of glomeruli which are tiny structures filtering blood in the kidneys. This condition using resolves on its own.
- Kidney Stone Disease - The crystallization of solid masses of minerals and other materials in the kidneys results in kidney stone formation. While smaller stones may be flushed out through urine using medication, the larger ones need treatment particularly if it causes blockage of the urinary tract. Options include-
- Lithotripsy where shock waves break the stone to smaller pieces which are later expelled through urine.
- Ureteroscopy in which involves surgical stone removal using appropriate tools.
- Mini PCNL for kidney stones - In Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), minimally invasive techniques is deployed using a miniature endoscope for removing large and complex renal calculi/deposits.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease - This is a genetic disease which causes the formation of multiple kidney cysts thereby interfering in its function. It can lead to renal failure.
- Chronic Kidney Disease - High blood pressure causes this long-term condition which does not improve with time. Treatment choices include dialysis to remove the body toxins or transplantation for kidney failure.
Health Tips for Kidney Disease
- Controlling Diabetes - Since Diabetes primarily accounts for kidney failure, it must be treated with medication, regular glucose monitoring, physical activity and healthy diet for controlling blood sugar.
- Lowering Blood Pressure - High blood pressure damages the kidney blood vessels which can cause excess fluid accumulation in the body hampering the excretion process. Hence it must be controlled by reducing stress levels, exercise and diet.
- Consuming Healthy Diet - Dietary changes must be done by lowering sodium, phosphorus and potassium levels and protein intake. Healthy fruits and vegetables must be consumed instead of processed and sugar-rich foods.
Thus early detection, treatment and lifestyle changes slow the progression of kidney disorders.
