KIDNEY KNOWLEDGE SERIES - (3)

KIDNEY FAILURE (Part 2)

Q:     Can I die from kidney failure?

A:     In the long run, if there is no treatment with either dialysis or a transplant, kidney failure is fatal. This is due to the buildup of waste products, accumulation of fluid in the body and affectation of its other functions.

Q:     How is kidney failure treated?

A:     When the kidney failure becomes severe (usually less than 10 to 15% of the normal kidney functions), it is called end-stage-renal disease (ESRD) and treatments that replace the work of healthy kidneys must be started; this includes Dialysis and Transplantation.

Q:     What can I do to reduce damage to my kidney?

A:    

·        Keep fit with regular exercise to help blood pressure and weight control.

·        Eat healthy and maintain a good body weight – which reduces blood pressure stress of being overweight and diabetes mellitus.

·        Keep regular control of your blood sugar level

·        Monitor your blood pressure

·        Moderate alcohol consumption

·        Do not smoke

·        Do not take over-the-counter-pills on a regular basis

·        Do not use bleaching creams and/or soaps

·        Avoid herbal preparations

·        Drinking adequate quantities ( 2 to 3 Litres ) of water daily

·        See your doctor immediately you notice anything unusual

Q:     What is end-stage renal disease?

A:     Also called end-stage renal failure, it is the point at which the kidneys cannot sustain life any more.

Q:     What are the treatments for End-Stage-Renal Disease (ESRD)?

A:     When the kidneys fail completely, 2 options are available to sustain life: dialysis or transplantation.

Q:     Can kidney failure be cured?

A:      Acute renal failure is a serious condition but it may resolve in time and sometimes within days with haemodialysis. Recovery also depends on the underlying cause and the treatment given.

Chronic renal failure cannot be cured. Renal replacement therapies of dialysis can only perform 5% of the kidney’s function, while transplantation has to be sustained by a lifetime of medication.

Q:     What are the complications associated with kidney failure?

A:     When kidney function drops below 20 per cent of normal function, toxic waste and excess fluid begin to accumulate in the blood. Kidney failure may be responsible for various complications including:

·        Fluid retention in the body’s tissue causing swelling known as oedema

·        Fluid in the lungs known as “pulmonary oedema”

·        Anaemia i.e. a lowered count of red blood cells

·        Calcium shortage leading to the bones becoming weak

·        End-stage renal failure (ESRF) also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD)

Early detection and appropriate treatment may slow or stop the progression of kidney failure and its complications.

Q:     What are the risk factors of kidney failure?

A:     Those most at risk of chronic kidney failure include people who:

·        have diabetes

·        have high blood pressure

·        are obese

·        are over 50 years old

·        use traditional medication frequently

·        use bleaching creams/soaps

·        smoke cigarettes

·        have a family history of kidney disease

Q:     Does kidney failure run in families?

A:     Although it is unusual, some forms of chronic renal failure run in families. Inherited disease like polycystic kidney disease can lead to chronic renal failure.

Q:     Will kidney failure affect my sexuality and fertility?

A:     Decreased libido can occur and loss of fertility during renal failure and dialysis can be distressful to patients. It is often restored after a kidney transplant and many patients have successful pregnancies.