Chronic kidney failure is kidney failure with a level of more than 3 months which is caused by various causal factors, one of which is diabetes, diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, chronic kidney failure has a significant impact, triggering a number of complications that are dangerous to health. Although chronic kidney failure cannot be completely cured, immediate dialysis can help reduce the symptoms that will be experienced. Recognizing chronic kidney failure is an urgency from an early age in order to prevent and treat it through appropriate procedures, take a look at the various factors and cures in the following article.
Previously, you need to remember that the kidneys play an important role in maintaining your health. Some of the main functions of the kidneys as we know are to filter toxic compounds in the body, regulate water balance to maintain blood pressure and optimal function of body cells. These functions are essential for maintaining the body's internal balance and maintaining overall health.
How Does Chronic Kidney Failure Occur?
Chronic kidney failure is a serious condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to perform important functions such as filtering the blood and removing waste. There are several factors that can cause or increase the risk of chronic kidney failure:
- Diabetes: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys (glomeruli) causing kidney damage. Diabetes is the main cause of chronic kidney failure.
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure or hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and affect kidney function.
- Heart disease: Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure, can disrupt blood flow to the kidneys and cause chronic kidney failure.
- Use of certain medications: Some medications, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other anti-inflammatory drugs, if used in high doses or for prolonged periods, can damage the kidneys.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors: Smoking habits, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of chronic kidney failure. Exposure to certain environmental toxins may also contribute.
- Age: Natural aging can cause a decline in kidney function over time, and the risk of chronic kidney failure increases with age.
It's important to remember that chronic kidney failure is often a condition that develops slowly over many years. Early signs may not be very obvious, so it is important to monitor your kidney health regularly, especially if you have certain risk factors, such as diabetes or hypertension. Regular blood and urine tests can help detect kidney problems at an early stage so that appropriate treatment and management can be initiated.
Treatment of Chronic Kidney Failure
The following are several treatment options for chronic kidney failure, including:
- Dialysis: Dialysis is the process of removing waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
- Kidney transplant: Kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is transplanted into the body of a person who has kidney failure.
- Conservative care: Conservative care involves managing symptoms and planning end-of-life care. This option is usually chosen by patients who do not want to undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes such as controlled diet and hydration are recommended to manage symptoms and slow the progression of kidney failure. It is important to maintain a healthy life to maintain the kidneys so that their quality does not decline quickly, you can follow these initial steps:
- Fulfilling body fluid needs.
- Sport.
- Limit consumption of foods high in sugar and salt.
- Limit your consumption of saturated fat intake.
- Follow a special diet according to doctor's recommendations.
You still have to consult a doctor for further treatment so that you get the appropriate procedure. Immediately make a doctor's appointment with EMC Hospital if you or someone you know experiences kidney failure. Early treatment can be done by educating yourself regarding the causes and solutions to chronic kidney failure for immediate prevention and treatment.
Article written by dr. Irman Firmansyah Sp.PD, FINASIM, SH, MH (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).