A nephrologist doctor explains the different degrees of kidney failure and warns of health problems that damage the kidneys
The kidneys are part of the group of organs essential to life. This is because they filter our blood and regulate fluids, hormones, acids and salts in the body. This is how the kidneys eliminate harmful substances from the body. However, some factors can damage organs, leading to acute injury, chronic disease and kidney failure.
“In the acute form, kidney damage occurs rapidly and can lead to loss of kidney function for hours or days and is potentially reversible. But, when chronic, the problem lasts for more than 3 months. It also causes loss of function chronic and progressive renal disease”, explains the nephrologist of the SĂŁo Luiz hospital and the AlemĂŁo Oswaldo Cruz hospital, Dr. Caroline Reigada.
Kidney failure
According to the doctor, acute renal failure can be divided according to its causes, which can be pre-renal, renal and post-renal. “Pre-renal causes are dehydration, extensive burns, blood loss, heart failure, abusive use of laxatives and diuretics,” he clarifies.
Renal factors, on the other hand, are diseases that affect the various compartments of the kidneys themselves, explains the specialist. For example: vasculitis, nephritis, infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C and HIV, misuse of anti-inflammatory drugs, sepsis (general inflammation of the body secondary to an infection), cholesterol embolism, hepatorenal syndrome, and clots in the veins of the kidney.
In the post-renal case, we have cases of urine flow obstructions, obstructive tumors such as cervical cancer, and fibrosis in the retroperitoneum, the doctor points out. “The importance of dividing the etiology of acute kidney injury (previously called acute renal failure) is precisely to understand the mechanism of the problem, in order to fight and cure it, preventing the damage from spreading and becoming irreversible”, he points out. .
chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (or formerly known as chronic renal failure) is a more serious condition with a progressive nature. “That is, there is no return to adequate renal function. The condition can even reach the last degree of renal dysfunction (which is grade 5), the one in which only dialysis or transplantation can save the patient’s life”, explains the nephrologist
In Brazil, the most widespread disease capable of progressively destroying kidney function is systemic arterial hypertension (high blood pressure). Because it’s silent, hypertension has no symptoms. However, the diagnosis should be made as soon as possible by measuring blood pressure. The second most important disease that deteriorates the kidneys is diabetes.
“When this disease is not controlled, i.e. the ideal glucose levels are not reached, the kidneys are overloaded. In the long run, they secrete proteins that we should not eliminate. This can lead to chronic end stage kidney disease (stage 5 ), and the patient will then have to start a kidney replacement program, such as dialysis,” says the specialist.
in addition to hypertension And diabetesa obesity and the to smoke it can also lead to chronic kidney failure. Therefore, weight control and healthy lifestyle habits are essential. “These are potentially preventable causes. That’s why it’s important to get checked for high blood pressure and diabetes, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, eat a balanced diet, and quit smoking,” says Dr. Caroline.
🇧🇷The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Terra newsletter. Click here!
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
