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The kidneys filter nearly a half cup of blood per minute, so it is important to ensure their appropriate functionality. The kidneys eliminate waste and excess water to make urine. The presence of water, minerals, and salts in the blood is balanced by the kidneys. If our kidneys are not functioning properly, the functions of our muscles, nerves, and other body tissues may also get affected.
People with chronic illnesses like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, a history of renal issues, or a family history of severe kidney disease should already be frequently getting their kidney function evaluated. All other adults should undergo kidney function testing as recommended by healthcare experts. All individuals over 40 who are at an elevated risk of developing renal problems should have their kidney function evaluated, according to KDIGO guidelines.
This blog will help if someone is wondering whether their kidneys are functioning properly or not.
Functioning of a Normal Kidney
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Eliminating waste products and toxins from the bloodstream
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Regulating hormones and blood pressure
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Balancing blood minerals
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Maintaining healthy bones
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Sustaining an optimal equilibrium of fluids within the body
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Releasing the hormones necessary for red blood cell production.
Checking out the Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Some of the common symptoms that may be observed in individuals with kidney disease include:
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Regular urge to urinate, particularly at night
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a minor presence of red blood cells in the urine
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Swollen eyes
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Feeling thirsty frequently
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Swellings of the hands, feet, ankles, face, and abdomen
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A sense of weakness
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Fatigue.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to get yourself tested at the best kidney hospitals in Vijayawada.
Ensuring kidney health by undergoing routine diagnostic tests
Individuals can assess how well their kidneys are operating by having the appropriate kidney function test performed. The best approach to making sure that the kidneys are healthy lies within these tests. Waste and extra fluid are effectively removed from circulation by healthy kidneys. The results of the blood and urine tests help the doctor know how well the kidneys are working. They can identify any kidney damage or unusual protein leaks. The tests listed below are some of the most popular kidney tests that help locate renal problems.
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Urine Test: Albumin and other proteins may be present in normal amounts and may be a sign of harm. The presence of albumin traces in urine during a kidney function test may be an early indicator of kidney disease.
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Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): It measures how effectively the kidneys are filtering the blood. The doctor or surgeon measures the creatinine levels and calculates the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A kidney issue may be indicated if the level is less than 60.
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Examining the Blood Pressure: The small kidney blood vessels known as glomeruli may be damaged by high blood pressure. It is kidney failure's second-most common cause. It is generally regarded as good to have a score of 140/90. 120/80 is the ideal measure of blood pressure.
How is kidney function measured?
A quick blood test combined with a urine test is used to assess kidney function. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is derived from the concentration of a waste product called creatinine in the blood, quantifies how well the kidneys are filtering the blood. Along with the creatinine itself, the conversion method takes the patient's age, sex, and ethnicity into account. This may be useful to think of a normal eGFR of 90 to 100 ml per minute as being 100% efficient, whereas an eGFR of 50 indicates that the kidneys are only functioning 50% as well as they could.
Chronic kidney disease stages 1 to 2 are identified by an eGFR of 60 or above and elevated protein levels in the urine. Stage 3 chronic renal disease corresponds to an eGFR between 59 and 30, independent of the amount of protein in the urine. A GP should think about referring a patient to a hospital specialist if the patient's eGFR falls below 60 or if it continues to drop for more than 24 hours.
Prevention of kidney disease
The following points can be considered to reduce the chances of kidney disease:
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Monitoring the cholesterol level
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Maintaining an appropriate body weight
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Quitting the consumption of tobacco or alcohol
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Understanding the family medical history
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Adapting to a balanced, healthy diet
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Maintaining body hydration.
Also, read the blog on 14 tips for kidney health to get detailed knowledge on how to keep your kidneys healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to keep a check on your Kidney's Functionality:
1. How do I know my Kidney is Working Properly?
Blood test: A blood test will also be used by a doctor to assess your kidney function because your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the blood. Blood tests will demonstrate how well your kidneys are functioning and how rapidly waste is being eliminated.
2. How can I improve my kidney efficiency?
The following points should be considered to improve kidney efficiency:
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Making healthy choices
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Incorporating regular physical activity into our daily routine
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Getting enough sleep
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Quitting smoking and drinking
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Performing stress-reducing activities
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Managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
3. What is normal Kidney Efficiency?
The normal range for kidney efficiency is defined as a GFR of 60 or greater. A GFR of less than 60 may indicate renal disease. Kidney failure may be indicated by a GFR of 15 or less.
4. How do I know I have Weak Kidneys?
One can experience the following symptoms as kidney disease worsens:
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Motion sickness and nausea
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Cramps in the muscles
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Lack of appetite
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Swelling in the feet and ankles
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Dry, itchy skin
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Shortness of breath
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Difficulty sleeping
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Over- or under-urinating.
To get expert advice on the matter, please contact the top nephrologist in Vijayawada at Manipal Hospitals.
