Greetings dear friends. Trusting God you are doing good? By the special Grace of God, I'm doing good too. I'm delighted to be participating in this contest, #kidneys organized by @afzalqamar.
Kidneys are delicate organs that are bean-shaped. They are located on both sides of the spine. Their main functions is blood filtration, removal of wastes from the body in the form of urine, blood pressure control as well as electrolyte balance. Kidneys are often dark red in colour.
*What do you know about kidney diseases?"
Kidney, being a one of the delicate organs of the body could come down with several diseases ranging from chronic kidney diseases, kidney infections, kidney stones or kidney tumors. Some kidney diseases could be a result of lifestyle habits, some could be a result of other underlying illnesses while could be a result of accidents.
Let's have a quick look at some commone kidney diseases. They include:
1. Kidney stones: This could either be nephrolithiasis which is formation of stones in the kidney or ureterolithiasis which is formation of stones in the ureter. Often times, medications can be prescribed to help dissolve these stones but sometimes, surgical procedures are required to get rid of them. We are often advice to drink a lot of water to avoid cases of kidney stones.
2. Kidney infections: The most common infections include; pyelonephritis (infection of the kidney by bacterial) and cystitis (bacterial infection of the bladder).
3. Chronic kidney disease which is often associated with a gradual loss of kidney function over time.
4. Diabetic nephropathy: kidney damage which is caused as a result of diabetes.
5. Hypertensive nephrosclerosis: kidney damage resulting from uncontrolled high blood pressure.
6. Renal cell carcinoma: This is regarded as cancer of the kidney.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced kidney-related issues?
I've never experienced or had kidney related issues but of course, yes, I know of few persons who suffered such. One was a case of kidney failure. He has to be on dialysis at least three times a week because his kidneys can't perform the function of blood filtration and removal of wastes. It was a very challenging time for him as all his resources were swallowed up by medical bills. He had to make a public appeal to enable him sort out his medical expenses and also have a transplant. Luckily for him, he already had a donor who was a member of his family. The procedure was successful and he was back on his feet after over a year battling for his life at the hospital.
How can we prevent and manage kidney disease?
As stated earlier, some of the kidney related issues can be attributed to our lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, too much sodium (table salt) intake, being dehydrated, uncontrolled high blood pressure, drug abuse (taking medications without doctor's prescription) amongst others.
For one to prevent and manage kidney diseases, one ought to avoid the above listed habits.
It is also advised that maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, taking medications as prescribed, monitoring the sugar levels as well as controlling blood pressure can help greatly in preventing and managing kidney diseases.
I'm inviting my lovely friends @vickyson @deelyt @ashley-p to also shade more light on kidney diseases.