Kidney Function

KIDNEY INFECTION

A Kidney Infection is a specific type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that generally begins in the urethra or bladder and travels up into the kidneys.

A Kidney Infection requires prompt medical attention. If not treated properly, Kidney Infection can permanently damage the kidneys or the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infection.

Kidney Infection treatment, treated by a physician, usually includes antibiotics and may require hospitalization if left untreated.

SYMPTOMS: Fever, Back, Side or Groin pain, Abdominal pain, Frequent urination, Strong, persistent urge to urinate, Burning sensation or pain when urinating, Pus or blood in urine, Urine that smells bad or is cloudy.

CAUSES: Kidney Infections typically occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the tube that carries urine from the body and begins to multiply.

Bacteria from an infection elsewhere in the body can also spread into the bloodstream to the kidneys. Kidney Infections are unusual through this route, but it can happen. For instance, if an artificial joint or heart valve has become infected. Rarely do Kidney Infections result in kidney surgery.

RISK FACTORS: Female anatomy (women are at greater risk than men). Obstruction in the urinary tract, Weakened immune system, Damage to nerves around the bladder, prolonged use of a urinary catheter, Vesicoureteral reflux (a condition that causes urine to flow the wrong way).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: Permanent kidney damage, Blood poisoning, Pregnancy complications including risk of delivering low birth weight babies.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS:

1.Fluid retention that could lead to swelling in arms and legs,

2.High blood pressure or fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema),

3.Sudden rise in potassium levels in the blood that could impair the heart's ability to function and may be life threatening,

4.Heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease),

5.Weak bones and increased risk of bone fractures,

6.Anemia,

7.Decreased sex drive or impotence,

8.Damage to central nervous system resulting in difficulty concentrating,

9.Personality changes or seizures,

10.Decreased immune response that make patient more vulnerable to infection,

11.Inflammation of the sac-like membrane that envelops the heart,

12.Pregnancy complications that carry risks for mother and developing fetus,

13.Irreversible damage to the kidneys or end-stage kidney disease eventually requiring either Dialysis or Kidney Transplant to survive.

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Chronic Kidney Disease, also called Chronic Kidney Failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from the blood which are excreted in the urine. When Chronic Kidney Disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid electrolytes and wastes can't build up in the body.

In the early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease there are usually few signs of symptoms. Chronic Kidney Disease may not become apparent until the Kidney Function is significantly impaired.

Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease focuses on slowing the progression of the kidney damage usually by controlling the underlying cause. Chronic Kidney Disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure which is fatal without artificial filtering (Dialysis) or a kidney transplant.

SYMPTOMS: Signs and symptoms develop slowly over time if kidney damage progresses slowly. Signs and symptoms may include: Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Fatigue, Weakness, Sleep problems, Change in urine output, Chest pain as fluid builds around the heart, High blood pressure (hypertension) that's difficult to control, Decreased mental sharpness, Muscle twitches, Cramps, Hiccups, Swelling of feet and ankles, Persistent Itching.

These signs and symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, and because Kidneys are highly adaptable and able to compensate for lost function, signs and symptoms may not appear until irreversible damage has occurred.

CAUSES: Diseases and conditions that commonly cause Chronic Kidney Disease include Type 1 or type 2 Diabetes, High blood pressure, Inflammation of kidney's tubules and surrounding structures, Polycystic kidney disease, Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract from enlarged prostate, Urine backed up in the kidneys, Recurrent kidney infections, kidney stones and some cancers.

RISK FACTORS:

Diabetes,

High blood pressure,

Heart disease,

Smoking,

Obesity,

High cholesterol,

Being African-American, Native American or Asian American,

Family history of kidney disease,

Age 65 or older.

ACUTE KIDNEY FAILURE

Acute Kidney Failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly become unable to filter waste products from the blood. When the kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of waste may accumulate and the blood's chemical makeup may get out of balance.

Acute Kidney Failure a.k.a. Acute Renal Failure develops rapidly over a few hours or days. Acute Kidney Failure is most common in people who are already hospitalized, particularly in critically ill people who need intensive care. Acute Kidney Failure can be fatal and require intensive treatment. However, it may be reversible if the person is in otherwise good health.

SYMPTOMS: Decreased urine output (although it may remain normal), Fluid retention causing swelling of legs, ankles, feet, Drowsiness, Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Confusion, Nausea, Seizures or Coma in severe cases, Chest pain or pressure.

Sometimes Acute Kidney Failure shows no signs or symptoms and is detected by lab tests for another reason.

CAUSE: Acute Kidney Failure can occur when there is a condition that slows flood flow to the kidneys. Blood or fluid loss, Blood pressure medications, Heart attack, Heart disease, Infection, Liver failure, Use of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen or related drugs, Severe allergic reaction, Severe burns, Severe dehydration can all impair blood flow to the kidneys.

When there is direct damage to the kidneys: Blood clots, Cholesterol deposits, Inflammation to tiny filters in the kidneys, Hemolytic uremic syndrome (a condition that results from premature destruction of red blood cells), Infection, Lupus, Medications (certain chemo drugs, antibiotics, dyes, Scleroderma (rare disease affecting skin and connective tissues), TTP (rare blood disorder), Toxins (alcohol, heavy metals and cocaine), Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels.

When the Kidney's urine drainage tubes (ureters) become blocked and wastes can't leave the body through the urine: Bladder cancer, Blood clots, Cervical cancer, Nerve damage, Prostate cancer, Colon cancer, Enlarged prostate, Kidney stones.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: Fluid buildup, Chest pain, Muscle weakness, Permanent Kidney damage, Death.

Mayo Clinic

SUMMARY: The problems of kidney failure are such that you would be better off maintaining them with good habits than allowing the problems to surface. Your diet and drinking habits elevate the balance between an acidic and alkaline body.

The True Rife Essential Oil that enhances and assists with Kidney programs: Kidney Function Blend

TR Kidney Function Blend Ingredients: Lemon, Niaouli, Pine, Rosemary, Clove, Tree Tree

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a health care provider. The material offered here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and is available to the general public via various public sources.