Diagnosis and Treatment
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Kidney Failure
Patients with kidney failure often present a number of the following symptoms:
- Edema
- High blood pressure
- Uremia
- Gross hematuria
- Flank pain
Patients with kidney failure sometimes may not have any of the above symptoms. In this case kidney failure is often indicated through routine examinations and abnormal labs.
There are two types of Kidney Failure: Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF) and Acute Kidney Failure (AKF). Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF) is when the kidneys stop working and do not regain function.
- This condition may also be referred to as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
- CKF may be caused by an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Heredity may also play a part in CKF.
- Patients with this disease have two different types of treatment options: dialysis or transplant.
Acute Kidney Failure (AKF) is caused by an unexpected event that damages the kidney.
- Some type of poisoning, severe infection or trauma may cause AKF.
- Dialysis is initiated to help eliminate the potential cause of AKF.
In most cases, kidney function is eventually restored.
Diagnosing Kidney Disease
Several factors come into play when detecting Kidney Disease. Specific lab values are often evaluated as well as renal imaging.
Kidney Disease Warning Signs
There are several signs and symptoms of kidney disease. Some of the most common include:
- High blood pressure
- Bloody colored urine
- Lower back pain (not motivated by movement)
- Burning sensation upon urination
- Difficulties urinating
- Changes in urination frequency
- Noticeable swelling around arms, legs and eyes
Controlling Kidney Disease
Maintaining control of kidney disease is a collaborative effort between the patient, doctor, patient's family and other medical professionals.
There are four options when faced with kidney failure:
- Kidney transplantation
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
- To choose no treatment at all, which will ultimately lead to death.