The Gravest Kidney Diseases
Introduction
Kidneys are like the unsung heroes of our bodies. They work silently, filtering out waste and excess fluid, keeping us healthy. But what happens when these vital organs get sick? It’s important to know about the worst kidney diseases and the risks they pose, including the possibility of death.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
This is a sneaky one because it often shows no symptoms until it’s too late. CKD happens when your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood like they should. Without treatment, CKD can lead to kidney failure, where they stop working altogether. This can be life-threatening, as your body can’t get rid of waste and extra fluid, leading to a buildup of toxins.
Kidney Stones
Imagine tiny rocks forming inside your kidneys. Ouch! Kidney stones can cause severe pain when they move through your urinary tract. In some cases, they can block the flow of urine, which can lead to infection or damage. While kidney stones usually won’t kill you directly, complications from severe cases can be dangerous.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
This is a genetic condition where fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can get bigger and damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. PKD can also cause high blood pressure and problems with blood vessels in the brain and heart, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Sometimes, your kidneys can suddenly stop working properly due to injury, infection, or certain medications. This is called acute kidney injury. If not treated quickly, AKI can be life-threatening. It can cause dangerous levels of waste and fluid to build up in your body, leading to serious complications like heart failure or death.
Glomerulonephritis
This mouthful of a disease happens when the tiny filters in your kidneys, called glomeruli, become inflamed and damaged. This can lead to protein and blood leaking into your urine, along with other problems. If left untreated, glomerulonephritis can cause kidney failure, which can be deadly without dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Shielding Your Kidneys: Top Preventive Measures for Lifelong Health
Here are five preventive measures to keep your kidneys healthy:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from your body. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to maintain optimal kidney function.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports kidney health. Limit your intake of processed foods, salt, and sugar to reduce the strain on your kidneys.
- Monitor Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage your kidneys over time. Regularly check your blood pressure and manage it through diet, exercise, and medications if necessary.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which can harm your kidneys. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
- Avoid Overuse of Painkillers: Non-prescription pain medications can harm your kidneys if taken too frequently or in high doses. Use these medications only as directed and consult your doctor for alternative pain management strategies.
Why You Need a Plan
Facing any type of disease can be scary, both emotionally and financially. Medical bills can pile up, and the stress of managing your health can take a toll on you and your loved ones. Moreover, Data from the World Health Organization released in 2020 show that 39,380 deaths in the Philippines were related to kidney disease, or 5.84% of all deaths. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan in place, like a pre-need complete memorial service from Golden Future. We offer comprehensive life plans that can ease the burden, both emotional and financial, on your family during difficult times.
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