What Is Chronic Kidney Disorder?

Chronic Kidney Disorder is a long-term condition. As it progresses, one or both of the kidneys suffer major issues. This condition worsens over time. The work of Kidneys is vital for the well-tuned functioning of the human body. They filter out waste from the blood. When this disease causes a substantial loss to the blood processing, hazardous amounts of toxic substances, electrolytes, and waste products develop in the body. If it reaches the advanced stages, the only solutions are to apply artificial filtration and kidney transplant.

How to prevent it?

Chronic Kidney Disorder is often a result of other causes. These causes include Kidney infections, nephritis, kidney stone, hypertension, diabetes, and enlarged prostate. Therefore, the ongoing damage to kidneys may go unnoticed. The patients may suffer fatigue, weakness, problems related to urination, itching, swelling, short breath, hypertension, chest pain, reduced mental acuity, etc. The troublesome part is, these side effects are very common and may get considered as the side effects off the underlying cause.

If you think that you have any of the above conditions which pose a risk of potential kidney disease, then get ahead of it with the help of your doctor. Manage the underlying causes by taking allotted medications. Be cautious with OTC (over-the-counter) medications. Understand their side effects and avoid the ones that are harmful to kidneys. Achieve an ideal weight through regular exercise and dietary practices. Maintain this weight. Do not let your diabetes worsen. Reduce fast food and fried food consumption. Reduce salt intake. Let go of the smoking habit. Cut back on alcohol consumption.

Dealing with kidney failure:

If you have failed to notice the Kidney disorder, and now it has reached the advanced stage or kidney failure, you may be shocked and depressed. It is an understandable reaction. The best thing is to accept the fact and commit to fighting your way out of it. In the case of kidney failure, the patients have two possible procedures that help them achieve a significant improvement in their lifestyle. These patients are often put on dialysis and/or get a kidney transplant. 

Types of dialysis:

Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneum is lining or membrane which is present on the abdominal wall. In this dialysis, this membrane provides the functioning of the kidney. A liquid called dialysate is inserted in the abdomen. Waste products from the blood pass through the peritoneum into the dialysate. This dialysate is then replaced with a fresh load. The side effects of this dialysis method are weight gain, hernia, and infections in the abdominal cavity or the dialysate tube insertion opening.
     
Hemodialysis: In this type of dialysis, an artery and a vein are connected. This procedure is known as creating arteriovenous (AV) fistula. It is usually carried out in the forearm. A special machine draws the blood from this point and filters it. Upon filtration, it is inserted back into the system. This method is relatively safer and poses fewer risks. It typically lasts for 3 to 5 hours. The side effects are muscle cramps, itching, and low blood pressure.

The chronic kidney disorder is a serious condition. One should do their best to avoid it or stop it early in its tracks. Eating healthier, leaning heavily on fruits and vegetables instead of meat, reducing salt, exercising, cutting back on alcohol, and avoiding smoking will keep you away from kidney disorders. Moreover, you will live a long and healthy life free from other diseases as well.