HOW TO PREVENT KIDNEY DISEASE

                                          WHAT IS KIDNEY DISEASE?

 The kidneys are a pair of first-sized organs located at the bottom of the rib cage. There is one kidney on each side of the spine.

Kidneys are essential to having a healthy body. They are mainly responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, and other impurities out of the blood. These toxins are stored in the bladder and then removed during urination. The kidneys also regulate pH, salt, and potassium levels in the body. They produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells. The kidneys even activate a form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium.

                           What are the types and causes of kidney disease?

1.CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE:The most common form of kidney disease is chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that doesn’t improve over time. It’s commonly caused by high blood pressure. High blood pressure is dangerous for the kidneys because it can increase the pressure on the glomeruli i.e the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys where blood is cleaned. Over time, the increased pressure damages these vessels and kidney function begins to decline.

Kidney function will eventually deteriorate to the point where the kidneys can no longer perform their job properly. In this case, a person would need to go on dialysis. Dialysis filters extra fluid and waste out of the blood. Dialysis can help treat kidney disease but it can’t cure it. A kidney transplant may be another treatment option depending on your circumstances.

2.DIABETES:Is a group of diseases that causes high blood sugar. The increased level of sugar in the blood damages the blood vessels in the kidneys over time. This means the kidneys can’t clean the blood properly. Kidney failure can occur when your body becomes overloaded with toxins.

3.KIDNEY STONES: Is another common kidney problem. They occur when minerals and other substances in the blood crystallize in the kidneys, forming solid masses (stones). Kidney stones usually come out of the body during urination. Passing kidney stones can be extremely painful, but they rarely cause significant problems.

4.  URINATRY TRACT INFECTIONS: are bacterial infections of any part of the urinary system. Infections in the bladder and urethra are the most common. They are easily treatable and rarely lead to more health problems. However, if left untreated, these infections can spread to the kidneys and cause kidney failure.

                     What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Kidney disease is a condition that can easily go unnoticed until the symptoms become severe. The following symptoms are early warning signs that you might be developing kidney disease. They are;

1. Fatigue.

2. Difficulty concentrating.

3. Trouble sleeping.

4. Poor appetite.

5. Muscle cramping.

6. Swollen feet/ankle.

7. Frequent urination especially late at night.

                  What are the risk factors for developing kidney disease?

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing kidney disease.You may also be more likely to get kidney disease if you;

a. Have high blood pressure.

b. Have other family members with chronic kidney disease.

c. Are elderly.

d. Are of African, Hispanic, Asian, or American Indian descent.

                  How can kidney disease be prevented?

Some risk factors for kidney disease such as age, race, or family history are impossible to control. However, there are measures you can take to help prevent kidney disease. They are;

a. By drinking plenty of water.

b. Control blood sugar if you have diabetes.

c. Control blood pressure.

d. Reduce salt intake.

e. Quit smoking.

By: AMUSAN TITILOPE BLESSING