The kidneys are two twin organs that are part of the urinary system, and their main function is to eliminate waste, excess fluid from the body and the acid produced by the cells, thus maintaining a healthy balance of water, salts and minerals in the blood. When renal function deterioration occurs, the kidney(s) stop performing the aforementioned functions, causing severe health problems. Therefore, the importance of detecting this disease in time. On this occasion, Dr. Augusto Saavedra, a nephrologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, provides us with more information on the subject.

Symptoms

Kidney disease is silent, with no symptoms presenting until at least more than 50% of kidney function has been lost. However, it is essential to be alert to the most common signs that show kidney malfunction, such as:

• Arterial hypertension
• Anemia
• Decreased or loss of appetite
• Fluid retention
• Weight loss
• Muscular weakness
• Uremic breath, caused by the retention of toxins
• Altered state of consciousness, causing confusion
• Increased sleep
• Seizures, product of severe kidney damage
• Poisoning

In addition, edema can occur when kidney disease is accompanied by high protein excretion in the urine, which can occur early in the condition, even when the kidneys still seem to be working properly.

Preventive and/or diagnostic exams

Renal function tests are timely and easy to perform. Mainly, a complete urine test is taken from the first sample in the morning, in order to look for the presence of protein, while, with a blood test, the value of creatinine and electrolytes is verified to make a general discard. However, if these indicate any alteration, more complex blood and urine tests are used, as well as an ultrasound to anatomically evaluate the kidneys and urinary tract.

Care to take into account

The care to take into account to keep the kidneys healthy are:

• Lead a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced nutrition that consists of a low consumption of salt and refined sugar
• Hydrate adequately throughout the day
• Do not overdo it with protein, because excess protein damages the kidneys, so it should not be more than 1 gram per kilo of ideal weight in adults.
• Avoid being overweight and obese through diet and regular physical activity

Remember that it is important to consider an annual kidney checkup and not only when you have suggestive symptoms, as these usually appear when the disease is in an advanced state.

Dr. Augusto Saavedra
Nephrologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma