Kidney Disorder

Each of the two kidneys has one million nephrons or filter units, filtering about 200 litres of fluid ( blood without red blood cells and protein) from the blood daily,99 per cent of which is reabsorbed into it, leaving two litres which is passed out as urine. Besides this, the kidneys have many other functions. They are a very precise and delicately engineered parts of the body , and having the ability to constantly evaluate the treat the volume and chemical Nature of the blood. If healthy, even one kidney is enough for taking care of the body needs of a person. That is why people with good kidneys sometimes donate one and yet remain healthy. Some early warnings of kidney diseases are : too little or too much urine output, frequent urination, pain in the lower abdomen, change in the colour of the urine, blood in urine, protein in urine, swelling of the face of feet, backache, high blood pressure and unpleasant odour in the urine. But any one of the aforesaid signs or symptoms, does not necessarily imply kidney ailment by itself. Except in cases of major damage, kidneys have some self-repairing powers.

Measures : Awareness, regular check-ups, prompt treatment of infections, control of high blood pressure, treatment of diabetes, avoiding unnecessary drugs, chemical ingestion, alcohol, smoking, zarda, maintenance of ideal body weight etc. are important. Fluid plays an important part in preventing infection of the kidneys and the formation of stones in the kidneys. One should take plenty of fluid every day to ensure that the kidneys work regularly and maintain a normal chemical balance in the body.

Once the kidneys completely fail to function, death is imminent. There are only two alternatives available to the patient - dialysis or transplantation.See treatment chart.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The urinary tract consists of kidney, ureters (connecting kidney to bladder), bladder and urethra (linking bladder to the outside). UTI is more common in women than men. The factors promoting infection are poor genital hygiene, pregnancy, stones, obstruction and instrumentation of the urinary tract, Diabetes Mellitus, promiscuity and stasis of urine (e.g. as by neglecting the urge to pass urine).etc.

Upper UTI involves the kidneys ( Pye-lonephritis, Glomerulonephritis etc.). These conditions require medical intervention as they are serious and can lead to renal failure.

Lower UTI can involve the bladder or urethra. Infection of the bladder leads to increase in frequency of urination both during day and night (nocturia), urgency, difficulty in passing urine (Dysuria), pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. There may be fever with chills, blood and pus cells in the urine and a sharp pain at the end of urination.

An infection in the urethra causes burning sensation on passing urine, Dysuria, pus cells in urine.

Preventive measures ( can be applied for upper and lower UTI).

1. Maintain adequate fluid intake and output -drink 8-10 glasses of water.
   
2. Proper genital hygiene - care should be taken when using public toilets and during ablution.Avoid contact of genitalia with any possible source of infection.
   
3. Special care during pregnancy.
   
4. Prompt treatment of other predisposing factors.