The kidneys perform a number of vital functions, while diseases of these organs can develop almost imperceptibly, while the absence of treatment is fraught with extreme renal failure. On the occasion of World Kidney Day, which this year is celebrated on March 9, a urologist, ultrasound doctor at Invitro-Rostov-on-Don Sergey Doroshenko told Izvestiya how to identify and prevent the development of such diseases.
He clarified that the most common kidney diseases include pyelonephritis, acute and chronic kidney failure, glomerulonephritis, and urolithiasis. As the doctor noted, kidney disease can develop almost imperceptibly, but at the same time, laboratory parameters can change even before the first signs of the disease appear. If the disease is detected in a timely manner during a preventive examination, this can help slow down the process of its development.
“First of all, there is usually difficulty or, conversely, involuntary urination, discomfort after it, and the appearance of cystitis is also possible. In addition, swelling of various parts of the body, such as the face or legs, is possible; causeless loss of appetite, the appearance of bloody patches in the urine. Often there is an increase in temperature and / or pressure, ”Doroshenko said.
The doctor explained that the kidneys are located under the ribs from the side of the back, slightly above the waist, so if there are problems in the functioning of the organ, pain can occur in this place. At the same time, sometimes pain can radiate to the lower abdomen or to the side, so people can confuse pain in the kidneys with other organs.
“In the early stages, the pain manifests itself inactively, periodically, in more advanced stages it already manifests itself much more often and stronger. Unfortunately, not every person at the slightest pain goes to the doctor, but in this case it is better to be careful and consult a specialist, ”the urologist emphasized.
According to him, it is recommended to check the kidneys under the supervision of a urologist no more than once every six months, but at least once a year. If the treatment of the kidneys is neglected, then it can be brought to a state of extreme renal failure. The most severe consequence is the dialysis procedure, when the kidneys cannot adequately excrete urine with decay products, and this is performed by the apparatus under the supervision of a nephrologist.
“At risk are those who often experience hypothermia or sudden changes in temperature, as well as people who often drink alcohol, have problems with the gastrointestinal tract (mostly talking about frequent constipation) and do not monitor their diet. It is also possible to develop kidney problems against the background of the abuse of certain drugs, ”Doroshenko warned.
To prevent kidney disease, the doctor recommended to control the amount of fluid drunk per day (about 35 ml per 1 kg of body weight), not to abuse alcoholic beverages and energy drinks, and also to avoid hypothermia of the pelvic region, lumbar and legs. In addition, it is important to limit the intake of salt, coffee and sweets, as well as regularly visit a urologist.
On March 3, the therapist Olesya Savelyeva explained to Izvestia the danger of low hemoglobin levels. According to her, this may indicate anemia – a disease in which a person feels tired, pain in the head and muscles.
