Uremia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when waste products associated with decreased kidney function build up in the circulation. Uremia refers to the effects of waste product buildup and implies “urine in the blood.” It has an impact on the entire body.
Uremia is most commonly caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to end-stage renal (kidney) disease (ESKD), but it can also happen suddenly, resulting in possibly reversible acute kidney damage and failure (AKI). Uremia can lead to major health concerns such fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, hormone imbalances, and metabolic issues. Uremia is always deadly if left untreated, and it was always this way before dialysis and transplantation were available.
Causes of uremia
Uremia is caused by severe and typically irreparable renal injury. Chronic renal disease is the most common cause of this. The kidneys are no longer capable of filtering and excreting waste from your body through urine. Instead, the waste enters your bloodstream, resulting in a potentially fatal disease.
Chronic kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Diabetes
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polycystic kidney disease high blood pressure (both type 1 and 2)
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Glomeruli, the filtration units of the kidneys, are inflamed.
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The tubules of the kidney and the tissues that surround them are inflamed.
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prostate enlargement
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Kidney stones that obstruct the urinary system for an extended length of time are known as kidney stones.
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recurring kidney infections
Symptoms of uremia
Uremia can cause the following symptoms:
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Dysfunction of the brain (problems with thinking and remembering).
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Fatigue.
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Fluid buildup causes shortness of breath.
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Appetite loss is common.
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Muscle spasms
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Nausea and vomiting are common side effects.
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Itching.
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Weight loss that hasn’t been explained.
COMPLICATIONS OF UREMIA IF REMAINS UNTREATED
If left untreated, uremia might lead to significant problems. Excess acid in the body, as well as hormone and electrolyte imbalances – particularly potassium – can harm the heart. These issues can wreak havoc on your metabolism, or the mechanism through which your body converts food into energy. Toxin accumulation in the circulation can also induce calcification of blood vessels (harden). Calcification causes difficulties with the bones, muscles, heart and blood vessels.
Uremia can also cause the following complications:
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Acidosis is a condition in which the body’s pH (too much acid in your blood).
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Anemia is a condition in which a person (too few healthy red blood cells).
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Blood pressure is too high.
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Hyperkalemia is a condition in the body’s (too much potassium in your blood).
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Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much par (too much calcium and phosphorus in your blood leading to elevated parathyroid hormone levels and bone abnormalities).
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Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive (underactive thyroid).
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Infertility is a problem that many couples face (inability to get pregnant).
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Malnutrition
Additionally, Uremia can also cause the following complications:
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Edema of the lungs (fluid in your lungs).
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Platelet dysfunction and blood clotting problems cause bleeding.
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Uremic encephalopathy is a kind of encephalopathy caused by a build (decreased brain function due to toxin buildup).
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Angina (chest discomfort) (chest pain).
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Atherosclerosis is a disease that affects the arteries (hardened arteries).
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Heart failure is a serious condition.
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Valve disease of the heart.
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Pericardial effusion is a kind of pericardial effusion that occurs (fluid around your heart).
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Stroke.
Treatment of Uremia
Medications used to treat uremia are usually used to treat related metabolic and electrolyte problems including anemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and iron insufficiency. Erythropoietin (EPO) for anemia, iron, phosphate binders, calcitriol for PTH suppression and hypocalcemia, water-soluble vitamins (eg, folate, vitamin C), and, perhaps, oral bicarbonate solution or tablets for acidosis are among the agents utilized. The patient’s clinical condition, which may fluctuate with the acute clinical situation, influences medication selection and dose.
The kidneys have already been severely damaged by the time a person develops uremia symptoms. Dialysis is the most common therapy for uremia. Dialysis eliminates wastes, toxins like creatinine, and excess fluids from the blood, which the kidneys would normally perform. Dialysis may be divided into two types. The following are —
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a kind of peritoneal dialysis A tiny tube called a catheter is placed into the abdomen of a uremic person during peritoneal dialysis. The abdomen is packed with fluid. It absorbs all of the undesirable waste and fluids. The remnants are eventually eliminated from the body and flushed away.
Hemodialysis: A machine is used to eliminate waste from the circulation in this method.
If the kidneys are too damaged for dialysis, a kidney transplant is an option. The end-stage of renal failure is referred to as this. A healthy kidney is retrieved from a willing donor and placed into the afflicted individual’s body during a kidney transplant.
Regenerative medicine, which is now undergoing extensive investigation, is another possible alternative for treating injured kidneys. To help mend the kidneys, this procedure employs cells from other regions of the body.
Prevention of Uremia
To keep toxins under control, people with end-stage renal disease should undertake dialysis on a regular basis. If you have chronic kidney disease, you may be able to slow or stop the course of the illness by:
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Blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical issues may all be controlled.
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Taking the medications that have been given to you.
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Avoiding drugs that might harm your kidneys even worse.
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Eating a diet that is good for your heart.
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Exercising.
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Keeping a healthy body weight.
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Smoking cessation.
CONCLUSION
Finally, uremia-related kidney or renal failure can be avoided in a variety of ways. Taking proactive actions to manage diabetes and maintain excellent cardiovascular health, for example, is an effective strategy to avoid kidney failure. Uremia and renal failure can be avoided by eating a well-balanced diet, exercising frequently, and maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Uremia typically needs dialysis and close observation. Uremia that is severe might result in a coma or death. Heart disease is the most prevalent health issue in patients with uremia.