kidney
Kidney Functions
The kidney is an important organ for maintaining body balance. It plays a crucial role in the following aspects:
1. Waste exchange
The kidneys filter blood waste such as urea, creatinine, and other toxins.
These wastes are excreted through urine.
2. Control the fluid and electrolyte balance (Fluid and Electrolyte Balance) Control the water level in the body, not too much or too little. Control the balance of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (PO4-) and other ions.
3. Control the body's acidity-base balance (Acid-Base Balance) adjusts the pH balance of the blood to prevent the body from being too acidic or alkaline, removes hydrogen ions (H+) and maintains bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels.
4. Produce important hormones (Hormone Production) The kidneys produce hormones that play a role in various systems of the body, including:
✅ Erythropoietin (EPO) - stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow
✅ Renin (Renin) - controls blood pressure by controlling the contraction of blood vessels
✅ Calcitriol (Calcitriol, Active Vitamin D) - helps absorb calcium and phosphorus to maintain bone health.
5. Blood Pressure Regulation The kidneys help control blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). If the kidneys do not function properly, it can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension).
5. Blood pressure regulation
The kidneys regulate blood pressure through creatinine angiotensin aldosterone (RAAS).
If renal dysfunction occurs, it may lead to hypertension.
Summary:
The kidneys not only filter waste, but also balance the body, control blood pressure, produce hormones, and play an important role in overall health. Therefore, if kidney function is impaired, it may affect many systems in the body and lead to kidney disease or other complications.
Renal failure
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste, remove excess water, and maintain the body's balance effectively. This condition can occur in both acute and chronic forms.
Types of renal failure :
1. Acute Kidney Injury, AKI
The kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste.
The reasons may be insufficient blood supply to the kidneys, direct kidney injury, or the use of certain drugs that affect kidney function.
If treated in a timely manner, the kidneys may restore normal function.
2. Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD
This is caused by long-term slow deterioration of kidney function.
The main reason is usually chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or nephritis.
When renal failure enters advanced stage (ESRD), patients need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Causes of renal failure :
Diabetes – High blood sugar levels can damage kidney tissue.
Hypertension – Persistent hypertension can lead to deterioration of renal blood vessels.
Nephritis (Glomerulonephritis) - Inflammation occurring in renal tissue
Urinary tract or kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
Kidney stones that block the renal excretory system.
Using certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Symptoms of renal failure:
Fatigue, easily fatigued.
Swelling in the legs and ankles due to the body's inability to remove excess water.
Abnormal urination, such as reduced urination, blistering, or darkening
Uncontrollable hypertension.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Due to the accumulation of waste in the body, itching occurs throughout the body.
Difficulty breathing due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Treatment of renal failure:
1. Dialysis - When the kidneys are unable to function, it clears excess waste and water from the body.
2. Kidney transplantation - replacing the kidney with the donor's lost kidney function
3. Control risk factors such as blood sugar, blood pressure, and infection
4. Change diet - reduce intake of salt, protein, and high potassium foods.
Prevention of renal failure:
Control blood sugar and blood pressure at normal levels
Avoid long-term use of drugs that affect the kidneys.
Drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
Regular health check ups to detect diseases that may affect the kidneys
Why do you need dialysis?
Why dialysis?
Dialysis is a process that replaces kidney function when the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste, expel excess water, and maintain body balance. Therefore, if a patient has end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute kidney failure (AKI), dialysis is necessary.
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Reasons for dialysis
1. Remove waste and toxins from the body. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, waste such as urea, creatinine, and various toxins accumulate in the blood, which can be harmful to the body. If waste accumulates at high levels, it can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
2. Control the body's water balance. Kidneys help remove excess water from the body. If the kidneys don't work properly, water can accumulate in the lungs, heart, and other tissues, causing swelling, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Dialysis helps reduce excess water and prevent these complications.
3. Keep the balance between mineral salts and acid and alkali in the body.
Kidney has the functions of regulating the contents of calcium (K+), sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+) and phosphate (PO4-) in blood and maintaining the blood ph value.
If the kidney function is abnormal, abnormal mineral content will lead to arrhythmia, muscle weakness and coma.
4. Prevent complications from chronic kidney failure. Patients who do not receive dialysis when necessary may develop complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, anemia, and osteoporosis.
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Who needs dialysis?
Patients with renal insufficiency (ESRD) or renal insufficiency require dialysis. This typically occurs in less than 15% of cases with abnormal renal function.
If the patient has:
✅ Symptoms of severe renal failure, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and nausea
✅ The levels of waste in the blood are very high, especially BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine.
✅ Abnormal high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) may lead to arrhythmia.
✅ Pulmonary edema or severe hypertension that cannot be controlled by medication;
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Types of dialysis
1. Hemodialysis (HD) uses an artificial kidney machine to help filter waste from the blood. It is done at a hospital or clinic 2-3 times a week, 3-5 hours each time. It is suitable for patients who can travel to receive treatment.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) uses dialysis fluid through a catheter implanted in the abdomen to remove waste. Patients can do it themselves at home. It takes about 4-6 times a day or automatically while sleeping. It is suitable for those who want convenience in their daily life.
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What happens if you don’t get dialysis?
If you don’t get dialysis when it’s needed, waste products build up in your blood and become toxic to your body. This can lead to fluid overload, heart failure, difficulty breathing, abnormally high blood pressure, and arrhythmias. Eventually, this can lead to coma and death.
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Summary:
Hemodialysis is a process that helps replace the function of failing kidneys to save lives, reduce complications, and help patients live a quality life. The choice of dialysis type depends on physical condition, lifestyle, and doctor's advice.
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Post dialysis care
After dialysis, patients should take appropriate care of themselves to reduce complications and maintain a good quality of life. The following are important recommendations to follow:
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1. Get enough rest
✅ After dialysis, patients may feel tired, exhausted or dizzy. They should sit or lie down until they feel better.
✅ Avoid strenuous activities immediately after dialysis, such as lifting heavy objects or exercising heavily.
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2. Monitor the dialysis area
✅ Hemodialysis (HD)
Check the renal tubules/grafts/ducts. If swelling, redness, fever, or pain occurs, notify the doctor immediately.
Avoid pressing the dialysis site, such as measuring pressure or blood on the arm.
Avoid wearing sleeves that are too tight.
✅ Peritoneal dialysis (PD)
Pay attention to cleaning the dialysis tube to prevent infection.
Avoid getting wet around the garden, such as not soaking in a bathtub or swimming pool.
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3. Control diet and drinking water
✅ According to the doctor's advice, limit the amount of drinking water to reduce excess and swelling.
✅ Avoid eating high potassium foods such as bananas, tomatoes, mangoes, orange juice, and coconut juice to prevent arrhythmia.
✅ Limit sodium (salt) and phosphorus, such as processed foods, ready to eat foods, and milk, to prevent hypertension and osteoporosis.
✅ Consuming moderate amounts of protein, such as fish, egg whites, and lean meat, to help the body repair.
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4. Observe abnormal symptoms
After dialysis, attention should be paid to symptoms that may show signs of complications, such as:
Dizziness, fainting, or abnormal fatigue - may be caused by low blood pressure
Increased swelling in the legs, hands, or face - possibly caused by excessive water intake
Dialysis wound pain or fever - may be caused by infection
Difficulty breathing or chest tightness - may be pulmonary edema
If you have these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.
---5. Take medication on time.
✅ Medications prescribed by doctors, such as phosphate control drugs, antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, and vitamins for kidney patients, should be taken completely.
✅ Without consulting a doctor, one is not allowed to stop or purchase medication on their own.
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6. Engage in light exercise to recover the body.
✅ Walking, yoga, or gentle stretching can help you become stronger.
✅ Avoid vigorous exercise that may lead to excessive fatigue
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7. Regular physical examination
✅ Perform dialysis according to the doctor's prescribed time. Don't miss the dialysis.
✅ Regularly check electrolyte levels, blood pressure, and weight
✅ If you feel uncomfortable or have any questions about self-care, please consult your doctor.
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Summary:
Self-care after dialysis allows patients to live a normal life and reduce complications. The most important things are to get enough rest, take care of the dialysis line, control your diet, watch for unusual symptoms, and see your doctor as scheduled.
