Causes and Treatment at Home for Chronic Kidney Disease
Causes and Treatment at Home for Chronic Kidney Disease
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that lie on either side of the spine in the lower middle of the back. Each kidney weighs about pound and contains approximately one million filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron is made of a glomerulus and a tubule. The glomerulus is a miniature filtering or sieving device while the tubule is a tiny tube like structure attached to the glomerulus. The kidneys are connected to the urinary bladder by tubes called ureters. Urine is stored in the urinary bladder until the bladder is emptied by urinating. The bladder is connected to the outside of the body by another tube like structure called the urethra.
Chronic Kidney Disease Causes
Although chronic kidney disease sometimes results from primary diseases of the kidneys themselves, the major causes are diabetes and high blood pressure.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus cause a condition called diabetic nephropathy, which is the leading cause of kidney disease in the United States.
High blood pressure (hypertension), if not controlled, can damage the kidneys over time.
Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation and damage of the filtration system of the kidneys, which can cause kidney failure. Postinfectious conditions and lupus are among the many causes of glomerulonephritis.
Polycystic kidney disease is an example of a hereditary cause of chronic kidney disease wherein both kidneys have multiple cysts.
Use of analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) regularly over long durations of time can cause analgesic nephropathy, another cause of kidney disease. Certain other medications can also damage the kidneys.
Clogging and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the kidneys causes a condition called ischemic nephropathy, which is another cause of progressive kidney damage.
Obstruction of the flow of urine by stones, an enlarged prostate, strictures (narrowings), or cancers may also cause kidney disease.
Other causes of chronic kidney disease include HIV infection, sickle cell disease, heroin abuse, amyloidosis, kidney stones, chronic kidney infections, and certain cancers.
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
Self-Care at Home
Chronic kidney disease is a disease that must be managed in close consultation with your health care practitioner. Self-treatment is not appropriate.
There are, however, several important dietary rules you can follow to help slow the progression of your kidney disease and decrease the likelihood of complications.
This is a complex process and must be individualized, generally with the help of your health care practitioner and a registered dietitian.
The following are general dietary guidelines:
Protein restriction: Decreasing protein intake may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. A dietitian can help you determine the appropriate amount of protein for you.
Salt restriction: Limit to 4-6 grams a day to avoid fluid retention and help control high blood pressure.
Fluid intake: Excessive water intake does not help prevent kidney disease. In fact, your doctor may recommend restriction of water intake.
Potassium restriction: This is necessary in advanced kidney disease because the kidneys are unable to remove potassium. High levels of potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Examples of foods high in potassium include bananas, oranges, nuts, and potatoes.
Phosphorus restriction: Decreasing phosphorus intake is recommended to protect bones. Eggs, beans, cola drinks, and dairy products are examples of foods high in phosphorus.
Other important measures that you can take include:
carefully follow prescribed regimens to control your blood pressure and/or diabetes;
stop smoking; and lose excess weight.
In chronic kidney disease, several medications can be toxic to the kidneys and may need to be avoided or given in adjusted doses. Among over-the-counter medications, the following need to be avoided or used with caution:
Find powerful herbal remedies
Treats & Prevents Kidney Stones
Certain analgesics: Aspirin; nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen [Motrin, for example])
Fleets or phosphosoda enemas because of their high content of phosphorus
Laxatives and antacids containing magnesium and aluminum such as magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) and famotidine (Mylanta)
Ulcer medication H2-receptor antagonists: cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), (decreased dosage with kidney disease)
Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) especially if you have high blood pressure
Alka Seltzer, since this contains large amounts of salt
Herbal medications
If you have a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol underlying your chronic kidney disease, take all medications as directed and see your health care practitioner as recommended for follow-up and monitoring.
Symptoms and Treatment for Coronary Artery Diseases Diverticulitis - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, And Preventive Measures Symptoms and Home Remedies for Diarrhoea Treatment Symptoms and Treatment for Eczema (Skin Problems) Omega 3 nutritional supplement for better health Researchers Question E-cigarette Safety Herbal Remedies for Endometriosis that Work Effectively BACK PAIN and You..! Herbal Treatments for Arthritis Spyder Jackets Bring You A Warm Winter Spyder Jackets Suitable For This Winter SPYDER Is The Best Winter Wear In Such Cold Season Heart - Diseases & treatments