Kidney Care - Basic

Kidneys are a vital organ that help expel urine from the body. They filter approximately a cup of blood every two minutes and remove the waste through urine.

In the cases of kidney dysfunction, the body begins accumulating fatal toxins that disrupt the healthy chemical balance. Over time, the kidneys stop working altogether, giving rise to uremia. This can result in either acute or chronic kidney failure.

Acute kidney failure begins abruptly without causing any symptoms. On the other hand, chronic kidney failure slowly progresses over a span of three to five months before causing end-stage renal disease.

Since the symptoms of kidney failure resemble other medical conditions, it's important to notice the early signs to acquire a complete kidney diagnosis. The symptoms of kidney dysfunction depend on the underlying cause giving rise to the condition.

The main symptoms of acute kidney failure comprise:

• Persistent weakness with fatigue 
• Fever 
• Nausea and abdominal pain 
• Muscle cramps and back pain 
• Less than normal or excess urine output 
• Manuals bleeding 
• Poor appetite 
• Pale skin 
• Inflammation 
• Growth of abdominal mass

The primary symptoms indicating chronic kidney failure include the symptoms of acute failure. Other signs of chronic kidney failure are:

• Headache
• Itching and dry skin 
• Urinary incontinence
• Recurrent infections of the urinary tract 
• Insomnia 
• Bad mouth odour 
• Lack of mental alertness 
• Odd metallic flavour in the mouth 
• Weak muscle tone

Kidney dysfunction can result from various conditions from primary renal disorders such as IgA nephropathy, polycystic kidney disorder, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis etc., to systemic diseases. These systemic conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple myeloma, lupus, interstitial disease, neoplasms and cystitis.

Kidney dysfunction can also occur due to a sudden accident causing injury in the kidney and increasing creatinine or urea.

After a thorough analysis of the patient's existing symptoms, doctors recommend a kidney function test for a comprehensive understanding. The primary tests included in the examination are:

• Complete Urine Examination: This component of the kidney test analyses the presence of protein, blood and an imbalance of other elements through physical assessment, biochemical exam and microscopy. 
• Complete Blood count: This assessment evaluates the overall profile of the patient's blood system. 
• Renal Profile: In this renal function test, the examination includes the diagnosis of creatinine, urea, calcium, chloride etc., for detecting the waste saturation level. 
• Vitamin D-25 Hydroxy (D2+D3): This test checks for low levels of Vitamin D, which aids in promoting kidney function and waste management.

Depending on the cause of kidney dysfunction, doctors recommend suitable treatments. In treating kidney dysfunction, the doctor aims to remove the underlying causes of kidney failure.

It focuses on age, medication allergies, preferences and the patient’s overall health. Various kinds of treatments can include medications, diet restrictions, monitoring of vital parameters, and dialysis for extreme dysfunction.

Apollo 24|7 provides access to prompt kidney diagnosis through online test scheduling and home delivery of results with affordable kidney function test prices. It offers a certified digital healthcare platform with experts for sample collection and advanced technology for complex assessments. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amitava Ray, Family Physician, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata.

Frequently asked questions

What does the kidney function test include?

The kidney assessment analyses the effect of impairment in the waste disposal system of the body. It involves an analysis of both the blood and urine, including complete blood count, urine and renal profile and vitamin D.

When should a person consider a kidney diagnosis?

The signs of kidney disease remain dormant for a long term before causing serious complications. A patient must consider kidney testing as soon as the symptoms appear, including:  Fatigue and dizziness Excess or less urination  Blood in urine  Dry and itchy skin Swollen ankles and feet  Puffy eyes  Muscle cramps

What is chronic kidney failure, and what are its symptoms?

Chronic kidney dysfunction is a result of gradual impairment of the kidney over a long duration. The reduced waste filtering can lead to serious complications like anaemia, nerve damage etc. The main symptoms of CKD are:  Poor appetite Excess or less urination  Itchy, dry skin Muscles cramps  Trouble concentrating  Puffy face

What is the available treatment for kidney failure?

The treatment of kidney failure depends on the type of impairment along with age, underlying causes and preferences of patients. Generally, the doctors recommended medications, lifestyle alterations and dialysis to correct the dysfunction.

Who is more prone to facing kidney failure?

Kidney complications can happen to anyone. However, some individuals are more likely to suffer from kidney failure, including: People beyond the age of 60  Persons with a medical record of kidney dysfunction  Individuals with a family history of kidney diseases  Patients suffering from diabetes, and high blood pressure

What does the renal function panel check?

The renal profile analyses the overall health of the kidney by evaluating different parameters. The primary objective of the assessment is to find out the reason behind the kidney impairment for appropriate treatment, including:  Creatinine Urea Blood Urea Nitrogen Uric Acid Calcium Phosphorus Sodium  Potassium Chloride