The kidneys are a pair of fist-sized organs which are located at the bottom of the rib cage. Each kidney is on both sides of the spine. Kidneys are important for having a healthy body. They help filter impurities from the blood, such as waste products, excess water, or others. All the toxins removed from blood are stored inside the bladder and removed while people urinate.
The kidneys help regulate the body’s pH, salt, and potassium levels. It is responsible for producing hormones which help in regulating blood pressure and controlling the building of red blood cells. It also activates a type of Vitamin D in the body, which helps in absorbing calcium. If the kidney becomes diseased, the doctors suggest undergoing a kidney transplant. Before proceeding with any procedure, people should know about the kidney transplant cost in Delhi.
What are kidney diseases?
Kidney diseases occur when your kidneys become diseased or damaged and cannot perform their function. Damage may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and other long-term (chronic) conditions. These diseases can lead to other health issues, including weak bones, nerve damage, and malnutrition.
If the disease worsens, the kidneys may stop working completely. In these cases, dialysis will be needed, through which the kidneys will function properly. A treatment option that purifies and filters the blood with the help of a machine is called dialysis. However, it can only sustain the patient’s life and cannot cure the disease.
What are the major signs of kidney disease?
Kidney disease rarely has any signs in the early stages. It must be at a relatively advanced stage before any symptoms appear. An atypical level of urea or creatinine in the blood is the earliest sign of a kidney-related issue. It can be a severe condition called uremia.
A blood test is a normal part of the routine physical exam, also called a basic metabolic panel (BMP). Through this test, doctors can identify any atypical levels of these chemicals. Other than blood test results, several physical signs can indicate kidney disease.
Mentioned below are some major signs people face while having kidney-related issues.
1. Concerns with urination
Kidney function is closely tied to urine production. People should be concerned about the signs including urinating more or less frequently than normal, especially at night. People also experience pain or burning while urinating, a decrease in urine production, and cloudy, foamy, or discoloured urine.
2. Blood in your urine
The condition in which blood is found in the urine is called hematuria. It might be a sign of several conditions and should be investigated immediately by the healthcare providers at the kidney transplant hospital in Delhi NCR.
3. Swelling
The kidneys remove excess fluid from the blood. When it doesn’t occur, that fluid builds up in the human body. This causes swelling in the hands, legs, feet, ankles, face, and more. Swelling can also occur in the lungs. It can cause shortness of breath. Another sign can be swelling or puffiness around the eyes.
4. Back pain
People can feel kidney pain in the back or sides, usually in the middle of their back, just below their rib cage.
5. Fatigue
A secondary function of the kidneys is to help make red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. The decrement of red blood cells (RCBs) is referred to as anaemia. It causes tiredness, decreased stamina, and sometimes dizziness or memory concerns. Fatigue brought on by kidney disease can also be caused by a buildup of metabolic waste in the blood.
6. Loss of appetite
A loss of appetite is usual in people with advanced kidney disease. It may lead to undernutrition and weight loss. People experiencing kidney disease should talk with a healthcare provider about finding appealing foods that provide nutrients.
The bottom line
Usually, kidney disease gets unnoticed until the symptoms become severe. Including a kidney function test as part of your regular checkup will help you and your doctor to address any potential underlying causes of kidney problems. People suffering from any issues associated with their kidneys must consult the healthcare providers at the kidney transplant hospital in Delhi NCR. Explore the website to know more.