The filters of your body might be your kidneys.In addition to other important functions, your kidneys and nephrons remove waste from your blood and keep you hydrated.Imbalances in the process can lead to waste and extra minerals in your urine.When this happens, there can be a lot of problems with the kidneys.In the early stages of the disease, a patient can be completely free of symptoms.
Step 1: Pick out what kidney stones are.
There are bits of minerals and salts in your kidneys.Some stones pass in your urine.The stones don't cause lasting damage when passed.You might not know that you passed small stones.You may find it difficult to pass larger ones.
Step 2: You should watch for symptoms of stones in the body.
You'll feel pain in your sides and back, below your ribs, and near your groin and lower abdomen.The pain can come in waves and vary in intensity.You may also have some of the following symptoms: Pain when urinating Pink, red or brown urine that's cloudy or smelly Nausea and vomiting urge to urinate and urinating more frequentlySitting, standing, then lying down.
Step 3: Take your risk factors into account.
Men are more likely to have stones than women, and non-Hispanic white people tend to get them more frequently.Being overweight, obese, dehydrated, or eating a diet high in sugar, salt, andglutamine can increase your risk.If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you're more likely to develop them.
Step 4: Get a diagnosis.
A doctor will perform a physical on you.The doctor is checking for minerals that could cause stones to form.You can get x-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds.The doctor can see if there are stones.After you pass the stone, your doctor may want you to collect it.This way, the stone can be analyzed and the doctor can determine what's causing the stones.
Step 5: Follow the treatment recommendations.
If you have small stones, you should be able to pass them at home by drinking plenty of water, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and possibly taking a prescription medication.If you have large stones that are damaging your urinary tract, a urologist may use shock waves to break them up or remove them.If you don't get relief from over-the-counter medications, your doctor may prescribe something else.
Step 6: Know whatpyelonephritis is.
Your kidneys can be affected by the growth ofbacteria in your urinary tract.If the bacteria travels through your bloodstream, it can move to your kidneys.One or both of your kidneys can get sick.Your urinary tract is made up of your bladder, urethra, and kidneys.
Step 7: Look for signs of an illness in the kidneys.
Difficult urinating is the first sign of a problem.Even though you just urinated, you might still feel pain when you go to the bathroom.Vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain are some of the symptoms of an infections.
Step 8: Think about your risk factors.
The ducts that carry urine out of the body are shorter for women.A weakened immune system, nerve damage near the bladder, and long-term urinary catheters are some of the factors that increase your risk for infections.
Step 9: Know when to seek medical attention.
You should contact your doctor if you have any symptoms.If the condition requires medical treatment, it's best to get an immediate diagnosis.Your doctor can check for damage to the kidneys by testing your urine.The doctor might want to look for blood in your urine sample.
Step 10: Follow your doctor's advice.
A course of antibiotics is likely to be prescribed.You will need to take these for a week.You may be hospitalized if you get antibiotics.If you begin to feel better, complete the course of antibiotics.If you stop before you're done, thebacteria can resist the medication.
Step 11: Understand chronic kidney disease.
One condition can cause damage to your kidneys.High blood pressure and diabetes can damage your kidneys.If the damage is severe, you may have chronic kidney failure.Over the course of several months or years, this happens.If your kidneys lose their ability to filter blood, you could be at risk of developing primary kidneys disease.Damage to the nephrons can be caused by other kidneys problems.
Step 12: There are symptoms of chronic kidneys disease.
You may not notice symptoms until you have advanced kidney disease.Itching and dry skin anywhere on the body is one of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
Step 13: Take your risk factors into account.
If you have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, you are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are more likely to have the disease.If you have a family history of the disease, you're also at a higher risk.It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about all the medications you're taking, as some can adversely affect the kidneys, especially with long-term use.If you're 60 years old or older, you have an increased risk of the disease.
Step 14: Know when to seek medical attention.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, you should get a medical examination to determine the exact cause.Even before symptoms present themselves, yearly physicals are important for catching kidney disease.It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your family history and any concerns you have.
Step 15: You can get a diagnosis of chronic kidneys disease.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and order tests.If there is any abnormality in the kidneys, the tests can show it.If you have trouble with your kidneys, you may want to have your blood and urine tested.Your doctor can check the GFR to see how well your kidneys are working.A doctor can order a tissue sample from the kidneys to determine the cause or extent of the disease.
Step 16: Follow your doctor's instructions.
You will be treated for the other condition if your doctor determines the cause of your kidneys disease.If your symptoms are caused by a bug, you'll get antibiotics.Your doctor may only be able to treat the more serious aspects of the disease.There are options for severe cases of kidneys failing.High blood pressure, anemia, cholesterol, swelling, and protect your bones can be treated with medications.You might be ordered by your doctor to avoid certain drugs.