Kidney failure is becoming increasingly prevalent in Indonesian society, which is a serious health issue. Unhealthy modern lifestyles, including high salt, sugar, and fat diets, as well as a lack of awareness about maintaining kidney health, are contributing to this rise. Additionally, the increasing incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, which are major risk factors for kidney failure, is concerning. There is a need to raise public awareness about this disease in order to implement preventive measures more effectively.
What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure is a medical condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. Healthy kidneys function to remove waste from the body through urine and maintain electrolyte and fluid balance. However, when this function is disrupted, toxic waste will build up in our bodies, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
There are two main types of kidney failure:
Acute Kidney Failure: This type occurs suddenly and can usually be treated promptly and appropriately.
Chronic Kidney Failure: This type is characterized by long-term kidney damage that develops gradually and is usually difficult to reverse.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Failure?
Symptoms of kidney failure can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of kidney failure. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
Extreme Fatigue: Kidneys that are not functioning properly can cause a buildup of toxins in the body, which can make you feel weak and lethargic.
Swelling: Fluid buildup in the body, especially in the feet, ankles, and face, is a sign that the kidneys are not working or functioning properly.
Changes in Urination: This can include increased or decreased frequency of urination, darker urine, or foamy urine.
Nausea and Vomiting: The buildup of waste in the body can affect the digestive system, causing nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Shortness of Breath: Fluid buildup in the lungs due to kidney failure can make it difficult to breathe and cause shortness of breath.
Confusion and Difficulty Concentrating: Electrolyte imbalances in the body due to kidney failure can affect brain function and focus.
So What Causes Kidney Failure?
Some of the main causes of kidney failure include:
Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, causing a gradual decline in kidney function.
Hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: An inherited condition that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys themselves.
Medications: The use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can damage the kidneys if used continuously over a long period of time.
Infections: Some infections, such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection), can trigger kidney failure.
And How to Overcome Kidney Failure?
Treatment for kidney failure depends largely on the type and severity. There are several commonly recommended solutions:
Lifestyle Changes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential to slow the progression of kidney failure. This includes following a low-salt and low-protein diet, engaging in regular exercise, and strictly controlling diabetes and blood pressure.
Medications. For chronic kidney failure, your doctor may prescribe medications to help control blood pressure, reduce symptoms, and slow kidney damage. Medications may also be given to treat symptoms such as anemia and fluid retention.
Dialysis. If kidney function declines below 15%, dialysis is needed. Dialysis is a process that filters the blood externally to replace kidney function.
Kidney Transplant. For patients with end-stage kidney failure, a kidney transplant is the best solution, where the damaged kidney is replaced with a healthy donor kidney.
Kidney failure is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. With proper treatment, whether through lifestyle changes, medication, dialysis, or transplantation, patients with kidney failure can continue to live productive lives. At K-Lab, we offer initial examinations to check for kidney problems using the following tests: Urea (BUN), Creatinine (eGFR), Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl), Microalbumin/Creatinine ratio, and Urinalysis (10 types + microscopy). For more information about these tests, you can contact our clinic via WhatsApp at 081381367915. Don't wait until you're sick, because staying healthy is priceless!
Sumber:
Alodokter
Kementerian Kesehatan RI
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
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