Kidneys & Dialysis

What do the kidneys do? The kidneys are among the vital organs in the body for healthy living. Most of us are unaware of the exact role of the kidneys in our body, and remain ignorant of the scope and extent of kidney diseases They act as a filtering and regulating mechanism, and perform many important and complex functions:

The Vital Role of Kidneys in Our Body

Kidneys are crucial organs that play a vital role in maintaining our overall health. They perform several complex functions that help regulate and filter waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from our body.

Key Functions of the Kidneys:

Waste Removal: Kidneys remove waste products like urea, creatinine, and uric acid from the body, which are formed from the digestion of protein and other metabolic processes.
Detoxification: Kidneys eliminate and detoxify drugs and toxins from the body, helping to protect us from harm.
Fluid Balance: Kidneys regulate the amount of water in the body, maintaining proper fluid balance and preventing dehydration or overhydration.
Electrolyte Regulation: Kidneys maintain the balance of essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood, which is crucial for proper muscle and nerve function.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Kidneys help regulate blood pressure through various mechanisms, including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Metabolic Regulation: Kidneys regulate metabolic processes like calcium and phosphorus, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and overall health.

How Kidneys Work:

The kidneys filter waste products, minerals, and electrolytes from the blood. Urea and other wastes are combined with water in the kidneys to form urine. The kidneys regulate the amount of waste products and excess fluids removed from the body.

Understanding Kidney Disease

Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged, impairing their ability to filter and remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood. This can lead to a buildup of toxins and electrolytes, causing harm to the body.

Types of Kidney Disease

Acute Kidney Disease: Sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by:

Severe dehydration
Medication toxicity
Infections
Obstruction in the urinary tract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often caused by:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Genetic predisposition
Other kidney diseases
Certain medications
Kidney stones or blockages
Cancer or prostate issues

Consequences of Kidney Disease

Reduced kidney function can lead to
Insulin resistance and diabetes
Hormonal imbalances, affecting
Sexual hormones (progesterone and testosterone)
Thyroid function
Other chronic health problems

Kidney Function and Compensation

The human body has two kidneys, but one healthy kidney can sustain life. If one part of the kidney is damaged, the healthy part compensates by working harder.

Kidney Function and Compensation

Kidney disease can progress silently, with many people losing over half of their normal kidney function before noticing symptoms. Common symptoms include:

Nausea and Vomiting
Tiredness and Fatigue
Loss of Appetite
Other symptoms may include
Swelling in legs, ankles, feet, or face
Changes in urination patterns
Blood or protein in the urine

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Kidney Failure and Treatment

As kidney disease worsens, symptoms can intensify.
In advanced stages (End-Stage Renal Disease or ESRD), dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary.

Debunking Common Myths About Kidney Disease

Myth 1: Kidney disease only affects older adults

Reality: Kidney disease can affect anyone, regardless of age, including children and young adults.

Myth 2: Kidney disease is always symptomatic

Reality: Kidney disease often has no symptoms in the early stages, making regular check-ups crucial for detection.

Myth 3: Only people with diabetes or high blood pressure get kidney disease

Reality: While diabetes and high blood pressure are major risk factors, other conditions like glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and family history can also increase risk.

Myth 4: Kidney disease is not preventable

Reality: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying conditions, and regular check-ups can help prevent or slow kidney disease progression.

Myth 5: Kidney disease means immediate dialysis or transplant

Reality: Many people with kidney disease can manage their condition with lifestyle changes and medication, delaying the need for dialysis or transplant.

Myth 6: You can live without kidneys

Reality: While it's possible to live with one kidney, having no functioning kidneys requires dialysis or a transplant to survive.

Myth 7: Kidney disease is rare

Reality: Kidney disease is a significant public health issue, affecting millions worldwide. By debunking these myths, we can raise awareness about kidney disease, promote prevention, and encourage early detection and treatment.

By debunking these myths, we can raise awareness about kidney disease, promote prevention, and encourage early detection and treatment.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical treatment that removes excess waste products, fluids, and electrolytes from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function.

Types of Dialysis:

Peritoneal Dialysis: Uses the peritoneum in the abdomen as a membrane to filter waste products from the blood.
Haemodialysis: Uses a machine to filter the blood outside the body.

Treatment Options

Dialysis: A life-sustaining treatment for people with ESRD.

Kidney Transplant: A surgical procedure to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy one.

Debunking Common Myths About Dialysis

Myth 1: Dialysis is a cure for kidney failure

Reality: Dialysis is a treatment that helps manage kidney failure, but it's not a cure. It can improve quality of life, but kidney function is still impaired.

Myth 2: Dialysis is only for older adults

Reality: Dialysis can be necessary for people of any age, including children and young adults, who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Myth 3: Dialysis means a sedentary lifestyle

Reality: While dialysis requires regular treatment sessions, many people on dialysis can still work, travel, and engage in activities they enjoy.

Myth 4: Dialysis is a straightforward process

Reality: Dialysis requires careful management of diet, fluid intake, and medications to ensure effective treatment and minimize complications.

Myth 5: Peritoneal dialysis is inferior to haemodialysis

Reality: Both peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis are effective treatment options. The choice between them depends on individual needs, lifestyle, and medical considerations.

Myth 6: Dialysis will drastically change my personality

Reality: While dialysis can impact daily life, many people adapt to treatment and maintain their personality, relationships, and interests.

Myth 7: Dialysis is a death sentence

Reality: With proper treatment and care, many people on dialysis can lead active, fulfilling lives. Advances in dialysis technology and care have improved outcomes and quality of life.

By debunking these myths, we can better understand dialysis and its role in managing kidney failure, promoting informed decision-making and improved care.

Current Data on Kidney Disease

Prevalence and Incidence

Over 1 in 7 US adults (approximately 35.5 million people) are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD).

CKD is more common in people aged 65 years or older (34%) than in people aged 45-64 years (12%) or 18-44 years (6%).

CKD affects slightly more women (14%) than men (12%).

Non-Hispanic Black adults have a higher prevalence of CKD (20%) compared to non-Hispanic White adults (12%)

Causes and Risk Factors

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, accounting for 46% of new cases.

Hypertension is the second leading cause, responsible for 29% of new cases.

Other risk factors include heart disease and family history of kidney failure.

By understanding kidney disease and its causes, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent or manage the condition, protecting their overall health.