What Causes Kidney Failure, And Can It Be Treated?

What causes kidney failure, can it be prevented, and can it kill easily? Get to know all the answers to this trending topic.

Chronic kidney disease, commonly known as chronic kidney failure, causes a gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter waste and surplus fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. Advanced chronic renal disease can cause harmful levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste to accumulate in your body.

In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you may experience minimal signs or symptoms. You may not be aware that you have kidney disease until it is late.

Chronic renal disease treatment focuses on decreasing kidney damage progression, which is usually accomplished by addressing the underlying cause. However, even addressing the cause may not prevent kidney disease from worsening. Chronic kidney illness can lead to end-stage kidney failure, which is lethal in the absence of mechanical filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.

What Causes Kidney Failure?

The following factors can raise your risk of developing chronic kidney disease:

• Heart (cardiovascular) disease
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Family history of kidney disease
• Abnormal kidney structure
• Older age
• Being Black, Native American or Asian American
• Frequent use of medications that can damage the kidneys

Symptoms Of Kidney Failure

Below are the symptoms of kidney failure:

• Sleep problems
• Urinating more or less
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Dry, itchy skin
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Muscle cramps
• Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs
• Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• High blood pressure (hypertension) that’s difficult to control
• Fatigue and weakness

How To Prevent Kidney Failures

• Manage your blood sugar: Diabetes requires proper management because it increases the risk of heart disease and kidney failure.
• Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and renal failure.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity has been linked to illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can cause kidney failure.
• Adopt a heart-healthy diet. To avoid weight gain, eat foods high in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that are low in sugar and cholesterol.
• Reduce salt intake: Excess salt consumption has been linked to high blood pressure.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can damage your kidneys by decreasing blood flow to them. Consult your doctor to get specific water intake recommendations.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol increases blood pressure and adds to weight gain.
• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers blood supply to the kidneys and impairs their function.
• Be cautious with pain medications: High doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can affect your kidneys.
• Manage stress: Reducing stress and anxiety helps maintain healthy blood pressure, which benefits your kidneys.
• Exercise regularly: Swimming, walking, and running can aid in managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight.

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