Signs & Symptoms of a Kidney Ailment
Kidneys are some of the most multifunctional organs in the body. They remove waste from the body through urine production, produce red blood cells, produce vitamin D, produce hormones to stabilize blood pressure and balance many of the body's fluids. Thus, when something goes wrong in the kidneys, the effect on the rest of the body can be dramatic and even life-threatening.
It's quite easy to overwork the kidneys through poor lifestyle choices. In addition, certain diseases can harm the kidneys over time.
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Types
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Kidney ailments range in intensity from mild conditions to life-threatening illnesses. One of the most common (and painful) kidney ailments is the kidney stone. Kidney stones form when minerals crystallize within the kidneys. Kidney stones are passed through the ureter and eventually out of the urinary tract. Other kidney ailments include kidney infection (a urinary tract infection that spreads to the kidneys), kidney cancer (various types of cell mutations within the kidneys) and kidney failure (the immediate or gradual loss of kidney functions).
Symptoms
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Certain changes in urine and urination patterns can indicate that the kidneys aren't functioning properly. Blood or pus in the urine frequently occurs with kidney infections, kidney cancer and kidney stones. Kidney failure can be associated with a decrease in urine production, intense lower back pain, weight loss and high blood pressure.
The symptoms of kidney ailments can be vague. People who are diagnosed with kidney cancer sometimes experience fatigue. However, fatigue is also a symptom of many other conditions or simply a matter of not getting enough sleep. A rule of thumb is to watch for changes in urine color or odor, changes in the frequency of urination and persistent flank or lower back pain that can't be traced to other factors.
Risk Factors
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High blood pressure (hypertension) is a risk factor for nearly all kidney ailments. Over time, the increased blood pressure can cause the vessels of the kidneys to break down. The result of this is that the kidney will have a more difficult time excreting waste, which eventually can cause the kidney cells to die or mutate.
Other factors that can lead to most kidney ailments are age, gender, diet, diabetes, family history, overall level of hydration and smoking.
Diagnosis
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If you have any of the above signs or symptoms, it's best to play it safe and visit a professional. Depending on the combination of symptoms, your doctor may suspect one ailment or another. CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs and other imaging techniques are often used to detect kidney cancers, kidney stones and kidney failure. For kidney infections, urine cultures and the presence of a fever can lead to a positive diagnosis.
Prevention/Solution
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The best prevention for kidney ailments is to identify controllable risk factors. Factors such as diet, smoking and hydration can be improved by lifestyle changes. If you have a pre-existing condition like hypertension or diabetes, your best bet is to stay a step ahead of your kidneys. Visit your doctor regularly, and don't ignore symptoms. While a doctor's appointment can cost money and time, losing your kidneys will cost far more.
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