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Uremia, it's a term that makes people smell and change color. With the gradual decline of kidney function, metabolic waste products and toxins in the body cannot be effectively discharged, which eventually leads to impaired function of various organs throughout the body. So, what are the early symptoms of uremia? And how can we prevent it? This article will give you a detailed analysis.
Early symptoms of uremia
Fatigue and fatigue: When kidney function declines, metabolic waste products and toxins accumulate in the body, causing fatigue and fatigue throughout the body. This symptom is often the first to appear, but it is easy to overlook.
Patients often feel low energy and unexplained fatigue. Fatigue and fatigue have been found to be common symptoms in the early stages of uremia and are proportional to the degree of impairment of kidney function.
Urine changes: Urine is a direct reflection of kidney function. When the kidneys are damaged, the amount and color of urine changes. The amount of urine may decrease, and the urine may become darker and even foamy.
These changes indicate that the kidneys are unable to excrete metabolic waste products properly. Studies have shown that more than 50% of uremia patients will have abnormal urine.
Edema: Because the kidneys are unable to effectively drain excess water from the body, edema is another common early symptom. The patient's hands, feet, and face are often swollen.
The edema is usually most noticeable in the morning and lessens over time. Edema is one of the telltale signs of declining kidney function.
High blood pressure: Renal insufficiency can lead to sodium and water retention in the body, causing high blood pressure. High blood pressure is not only a symptom of uremia, but also a cause of further deterioration of kidney function. Studies have shown that the incidence of hypertension in uremia patients is as high as more than 70%.
Itchy and dry skin: When metabolic waste accumulates in the body, it is excreted through the skin, resulting in itchy and dry skin. This itching is often not relieved by regular skin care and may even lead to scratching and bleeding. Studies have found that skin problems are very prevalent in uremia patients, affecting their quality of life.
Ways to prevent uremia
Prevention of uremia starts with diet. A low-protein diet is very important to reduce the burden on the kidneys. A high-protein diet increases the workload of the kidneys, accelerating their decline. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the intake of red and processed meat and eat more vegetables and fruits.
Good lifestyle habits are the key to preventing uremia. Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and maintain regular exercise to help maintain kidney health. Exercise boosts metabolism and helps flush out waste products from the body while controlling weight and blood pressure.
Regular check-ups, especially kidney function tests, can help detect kidney problems early. Urinalysis and serum creatinine are routine methods to assess renal function. Early detection of problems and timely measures can effectively prevent the development of uremia. Regular check-ups are an important means of early intervention.
High blood pressure and diabetes are the main causes of kidney damage. Therefore, it is important to control these underlying diseases to prevent uremia.
Blood pressure and blood sugar levels can be effectively managed through medication and lifestyle interventions, reducing damage to the kidneys. Studies have shown that good control of hypertension and diabetes can significantly reduce the incidence of uremia.
Interventions of modern medicine
In the early stages of uremia, drug treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. ACE inhibitors and ARBs can lower blood pressure and reduce stress on the kidneys, thereby protecting kidney function.
For patients with advanced uremia, dialysis and kidney transplantation are the mainstay of treatment. Dialysis helps remove metabolic waste from the body by replacing kidney function by artificial means.
Kidney transplantation, on the other hand, is a fundamental solution to kidney failure. Different types of dialysis have their own advantages and disadvantages, and patients should choose the appropriate treatment modality according to their specific situation.
Although uremia is a serious disease, it is completely possible to reduce its incidence through early recognition and effective prevention. Understanding the early symptoms of uremia, adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting regular check-ups, and managing the underlying conditions are all important measures to protect the kidneys.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!
bibliography
1. Tonelli, M., Karumanchi, S. A., & Thadhani, R. (2016). Epidemiology and mechanisms of uremia-related cardiovascular disease. [PDF Document]. Retrieved from <insert document link>.
2. Drechsler, C., Kalim, S., Wenger, J. B., Suntharalingam, P., Hod, T., Thadhani, R. I., & Berg, A. H. (2015). Protein carbamylation is associated with heart failure and mortality in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease. Kidney International, 87(6), 1201-1208. doi:10.1038/ki.2014.429.