Introduction
Kidneys and nephrons make up the central functional units of the renal system. They perform essential functions to regulate blood filtration and remove waste products from our bodies.
So, most renal disorders target these two organs and impair their functions, putting our bodies at risk. Renal disorders such as uraemia, renal failure, renal calculi, and nephritis affect the renal system and cause dysfunction of its major organs such as the kidneys and the nephrons.
Uraemia
Uraemia is a renal complication that occurs as a result of damage to your kidneys. This is due to increased concentrations of urea in the blood. It is usually associated with fluid, electrolyte, hormone imbalances, and metabolic abnormalities. It occurs due to toxic levels of creatinine and urea in the body.
Uraemia refers to the build-up of urine in the blood and affects the entire body.
It can be regarded as a severe condition that affects patients with chronic kidney disease. Uremia can also occur as a result of acute kidney injury.
High-risk Factors for Uraemia
- People with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Glomerulonephritis (GN)
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Causes Of Uraemia
Kidneys are usually involved in filtering waste and fluids from your body through urine and faeces. They can help in the normal regulation and function of the human body. If the kidneys are damaged, they cannot perform their functions properly, allowing multiple toxins to build up in your blood.
Familiar causes of this condition include:
- High levels of urea
- High levels of creatinine
- Any recurring kidney infections
- Bacterial infections in the renal organs
- Kidney stones block the urinary tract making it difficult to urinate
Signs and Symptoms of Uraemia
- Problems with thinking and remembering
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps in legs
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching
- Unexplained weight loss
Complications of Uraemia
- Acidosis – increased build-up of acid in your bloodstream
- Anaemia – lack of red blood cells
- Hyperkalemia – accumulation of high potassium levels in your blood
- Infertility – unable to get pregnant
- Malnutrition – nutrient deficiency in your body
Diagnosis of Uraemia
- Blood tests
Preliminary tests are carried out to estimate the levels of GFR, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, potassium, phosphate, calcium, and sodium levels in your blood. If the test results show high levels of these compounds in your serum, it indicates uremia.
- Urine analysis
Urine samples are collected and analysed for specific parameters such as urine content, appearance, and concentration.
Prevention of Uraemia
- Keeping diabetes in check
- Controlling blood pressure
- Doing cardiovascular activities
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining diet and exercise
Renal Failure
This is a medical disorder where the kidneys can no longer perform their regular functions. They are unable to filter and clean blood. As a result, toxic levels of waste products can accumulate in the body.
Risk Factors for Renal Failure
- Old age
- Peripheral artery disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Liver diseases
Causes of Renal Failure
- Liver failure
- Certain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Serious burns or severe dehydration
- Blood or fluid loss
- Urinary tract obstructions
Signs and Symptoms of Renal Failure
- Fatigue
- Stomach upset
- Dry or itchy skin
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble concentrating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain or pressure
- Seizures or severe coma
Diagnosis of Renal Failure
- Physical exam
Blood tests are conducted to measure levels of creatinine, urea nitrogen, serum sodium and potassium in your blood.
- Urine tests
Urine tests are conducted to estimate urine output and check for blood and proteins in your urine sample.
- Renal biopsy
This medical procedure is carried out to analyse a portion of kidney tissue to evaluate any renal problems.
- Imaging techniques
Tests such as CT scans or angiograms are conducted to check whether there’s any obstruction with urine flow or if the kidneys are enlarged.
Renal Calculi
Renal calculi generally refer to the high accumulation of waste products and fluid in the body leading to the formation of tiny crystals called kidney stones.
Causes and risk factors of renal calculi
- Not drinking enough water
- Following high sodium or protein diet
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Being obese
- Certain medications such as antacids or diuretics
Diagnosis of Renal Calculi
- Blood tests to check levels of calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, and electrolytes in the blood
- Kidney function tests
- Urinalysis to examine colour, odour, and output of urine
- Stone examination to determine the size and type of renal calculi
- Imaging tests such as CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and pyelograms to see stones or blockage in kidneys
Nephritis
It is a disease condition defined as the swelling and inflammation of the nephrons. Nephrons are regarded as the functional units of the kidneys. This disorder is also known as glomerulonephritis or tubulointerstitial nephritis. It can also affect other parts of the renal system, such as glomeruli, tubules and renal interstitium.
Causes of nephritis
- HIV and Hepatitis B infections
- Bacterial infections caused by E. coli
- High consumption of antibiotics
- Allergic reaction to certain medications
- Low potassium levels
- Formation of kidney stones
Signs and Symptoms of Nephritis
- Pelvic pain
- Burning sensation or pain while urinating
- A frequent need to urinate
- Cloudy or foamy urine
- Blood or pus in the urine
- Abdominal pain or discomfort near the kidney area
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- High blood pressure
Diagnosis of Nephritis
- Physical exam to determine the presence of infections or abnormal lab tests
- Blood tests to indicate levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
- CT scan or renal ultrasound techniques
- Renal biopsy
Treatment for Renal Disorders
uraemia, renal failure, renal calculi, nephritis
- Dialysis
If your kidneys indicate significant damage or are unable to perform their functions properly, health procedures such as dialysis are initiated to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. This can be done in two ways: Haemodialysis or Peritoneal dialysis.
- Kidney transplants
In case of severe renal conditions or critical phase levels, one can opt for a kidney transplant and receive a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor.
- Medications
Depending on the severity, the doctor prescribes antibiotics and other medications in the form of oral tablets or intravenous injections to treat kidney infections.
- Electrolyte supplements
Pills and IV fluids are prescribed to be taken regularly for maintaining electrolyte levels such as sodium, potassium and magnesium in the body.
Conclusion
Renal disorders need to be treated well and prevented to live a healthy life. It is better to consult a doctor whenever we find any signs or symptoms pointing in the wrong direction. Early detection and diagnosis can help prevent renal diseases from worsening and be treated effectively. We must follow a balanced diet, drink enough water, follow exercise routines, do yoga, avoid unnecessary consumption of medicines, and be active. We need to eat and sleep on time and plan our routine effectively. The required measures have to be considered to ensure better health.