Get tested for kidney problems to be surePublished: Thursday, Jun 14, 2012,
10:02 IST By Pooja Vora | Agency: DNAThere are certain health conditions where
it becomes immediately obvious that something is wrong. On the other hand,
certain ailments tend to creep up and grow within us without any apparent
warning signs or symptoms. Kidney problems, fall into this dangerous second
category.According to the AKF, kidney problems may have no symptoms until they
are very far along.The only way to be sure how your kidneys are working is to
get tested.If you do have symptoms, they might include:Feeling sick to your
stomach oftenFeeling tired or dizzy oftenSwelling in your feet, hands or
faceBack painBloody, foamy or dark-coloured urineHigh blood pressureA change in
how often you go to the bathroomIf you think you may have a kidney problem,
talk to your doctor.Kidney problems that are caught early can be treated.Kidney
problems that are left untreated may lead to permanent damage or even kidney
failure.Your kidneys clean waste and extra fluid from your blood.They also do
many other jobs that you need in order to live.Control chemicals and fluid in
your bodyHelp control your blood pressureHelp keep your bones healthyHelp you
make red blood cellsThe term "chronic kidney disease" (CKD) means lasting
damage to the kidneys that can get worse over time.If the damage is very bad,
your kidneys may stop working.This is called kidney failure.If your kidneys
fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to live.There is
no limit to how long a person can live on dialysis.This can vary a lot
depending on a person's age, other health concerns and how well they follow the
treatment plan.With good care, it is very possible for a person to live for
many years on dialysis.CKD can be caused by many different diseases.The most
common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure.Some infections,
inherited diseases and injuries can also cause CKD.Anyone can develop kidney
problems, but you are more at risk if you:Have diabetesHave high blood
pressureHave heart diseaseHave a family member with kidney diseaseAre over 60
years oldIf you have a family member with kidney failure, you may be at more
risk for kidney disease.Also, diabetes and high blood pressure, the two leading
causes of kidney failure, run in families.If you have a family member with
kidney failure, diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about
getting tested.You may not need to drink a full eight glasses of water every
day to stay healthy, as once thought, but water is still a better choice than
drinks that have caffeine, like soda, coffee or tea.These drinks can actually
make you thirstier.Avoiding sugary juices is also a good idea, especially if
you have diabetes.Drinking plenty of water may also help prevent kidney stones
and urinary tract infections.Do keep in mind that if you have late stage kidney
disease or are on dialysis, you may need to limit how much you drink.Talk to
your doctor about how much fluid you should have each day.Alcohol affects your
liver more directly than your kidneys, but it can raise your blood
pressure.High blood pressure can damage the tiny filters in your kidneys.In
fact, high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure.
