The kidneys are the pair of organs present in the lower back region. The kidneys cleanse the body's toxins and filter the blood. These toxins are expelled from the bladder when one urinates. Kidney failure results when the kidneys are unable to filter blood waste sufficiently.

Even though kidney failure appears to be a rare condition, it is still essential to understand it well and its related aspects. This article by Dr Niren Rao, a renowned urologist in Delhi practising at Delhi Urology Hospital, has provided important information regarding kidney failure symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. For more information, keep reading.

Factors Which Interfere With Kidneys Function

The health and function of the kidneys can be affected by a variety of circumstances, including:

• Specific acute and chronic conditions
• Hazardous exposure to contaminants in the environment or specific drugs
• Profound dehydration
• Inadequate blood flow through kidneys
• Injury to the kidneys.

The body accumulates too many toxins if the kidneys can't work properly. If left untreated, this might result in kidney failure, which poses a risk to one's life.

Signs of Kidney Failure

Early kidney failure typically doesn't show any visible symptoms. Up to 90% of individuals with chronic kidney disease are unaware of their condition, says Dr Niren Rao, the best doctor for kidney stones in Delhi.

When kidney disease gets worse, potential symptoms could include: 

• A decreased output of urine swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet as a result of fluid retention brought on by the kidneys' inability to properly remove water waste
• Extreme drowsiness, exhaustion, or inexplicable breathlessness
• Constant nauseous
• Chest pressure or discomfort convulsions
• Coma.

Urine Colour During Kidney Failure

The colour of one’s urine is a small window to the body's health. It doesn't provide much information regarding the state of kidney function until the kidney damage has advanced.

However, variations in urine colour may be a symptom of some problems.

• Clear or Pale Yellow. One is well hydrated if the urine is clear or pale yellow in colour. In most circumstances, this colour is ideal.

• Amber or Dark Yellow. Perhaps one is dehydrated. Reduce the intake of dark sodas, tea, and coffee while increasing the water intake.

• Orange. This might indicate dehydration or indicate that one has bile in the bloodstream. This is not often caused by kidney disease.

• Red or Pink. Blood may be present in urine if it has a pink or slight red tinge. Additionally, specific foods, such as beets or strawberries, may be the reason for it. A fast urine test can distinguish between the two.

• Foamy. Extra bubbles in the urine indicate that it probably contains a lot of protein. A protein-rich urine sample indicates kidney dysfunction.

Diagnostic Tests

Kidney failure can be identified by the doctor using a number of tests. The following are some of the most popular tests:

• Urinalysis. The doctor will ask for a urine sample to check for anything unexpected, such as an unusual protein or sugar that has leaked into the urine. The doctor may also examine the urine sediment to check for red and white blood cells, high levels of germs, and large concentrations of tube-shaped particles known as cellular casts.

• Blood Samples. Blood tests to measure kidney-filtering chemicals such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine may be prescribed by the doctor. These values may suggest acute kidney failure if they rise quickly.

• Imaging. Exams like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds produce images of the kidneys and urinary system, enabling medical professionals to look for blockages or other problems.

• A Sample Of Kidney Tissue. The presence of odd deposits, scarring, or infectious organisms is checked in tissue samples. The doctor will obtain the tissue sample during the kidney biopsy.

Kidney Failure Treatment

Kidney failure is manageable in several ways. The reason and stage of kidney failure will determine the kind of treatment one requires.

Dialysis:

Dialysis filters clean the blood using a machine. The machine carries out the kidneys' function. Depending on the type of dialysis, one might be attached to a huge machine or a portable catheter bag. In addition, one might also need to adhere to a low-potassium, low-salt diet.

If one attends the planned appointments for dialysis, even though kidney failure cannot be cured, one’s life may be prolonged.

Kidney Transplant:

A kidney transplant is an additional option for treatment. One no longer requires dialysis because a transplanted kidney can function normally. Receiving a donor kidney that is compatible with the patient's body typically involves a considerable wait. The procedure might go more swiftly if one has a living donor.

Not everyone needs transplant surgery as a therapy option. Additionally, the procedure might not succeed. Following surgery, one must take immunosuppressant medications to stop the body from rejecting the replacement kidney. These medications have their own, sometimes severe, adverse effects. One should discuss eligibility for a kidney transplant with a skilled urologist doctor.

Reducing Alcohol Consumption:

Alcohol use will make the kidneys work even harder if one already has kidney failure. One won't experience the effects of alcohol until one has dialysis to remove it from the blood since it doesn't metabolise out of the system. The doctor will advise one to fully stop alcohol use if one has kidney failure or advanced kidney disease. 

Diet Modifications

There is no particular diet for kidney failure sufferers. The recommended diet for one will frequently depend on the stage of kidney disease, and how healthy one is generally. The following suggestions could be made:

• Restricting potassium and sodium. Keep an eye on the amounts of these two nutrients one consumes. Aim to consume less than 2,000 milligrammes of potassium and sodium each day. 

• Adhering to protein recommendations. Reduce protein intake if one has mild to moderate kidney disease. 

However, depending on the doctor's advice, one might eat more protein if one has end-stage kidney failure. In addition to these basic recommendations, if one has a kidney illness, the doctor could advise one to stay away from particular foods.

If one experiences any issues with kidney stones, failure, or cancer, one must seek immediate medical attention from a urologist for a thorough evaluation. A prominent urologist with more than 18 years of expertise, Dr. Niren Rao, is available for consultations at Delhi Urology Hospital. The doctor is also renowned for offering successful kidney cancer treatment in Delhi and making sure the patient receives the proper care to handle any potential problems. Pay a visit right away to find out more!