what athletes should know about kidney and kidney diseases

overview

Your kidneys are a pair of organs located toward your lower back, two bean-shaped organs in the renal system (urinary system) located below your ribs and behind your belly. One kidney is on each side of your spine. Each kidney is about 4 or 5 inches long, roughly the size of a large fist.

In US, more than 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease and most don’t know it. those with kidney disease tend not to experience symptoms until the very late stages, when the kidneys are failing or when there are large amounts of protein in the urine. this is one of the reasons why only 10% of people with chronic kidney disease know that they have it.

What is the role of kidney inside our body?

They filter your blood and remove toxins from your body. Kidneys send toxins to your bladder, which your body later removes toxins during urination.

They also keep the right levels of electrolytes and balance water inside our body.

The critical regulation of the body’s salt, potassium and acid content is performed by the kidneys. The kidneys also produce hormones that affect the function of other organs. For example, Kidneys are the source of erythropoietin in the body, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. Other hormones produced by the kidneys help multiple aspects like calcium metabolism. Special cells in the kidney monitor the oxygen concentration in blood. If oxygen levels fall, erythropoietin levels rise and the body starts to manufacture more red blood cells.

Kidneys also produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones.

When blood flows to the kidney, sensors within specialized kidney cells regulate how much water to excrete as urine, along with what concentration of electrolytes. For example, if a person is dehydrated from exercise or from an illness, the kidneys will hold onto as much water as possible and the urine becomes very concentrated. When adequate water is present in the body, the urine is much more dilute, and the urine becomes clear. This system is controlled by renin. renin hormone produced in the kidney that is part of the fluid and blood pressure regulation systems of the body.

Nephrons are the most important part of each kidney. They take in blood, metabolize nutrients, and help pass out waste products from filtered blood. Each kidney has about 1 million nephrons. Each has its own internal set of structures.

After blood enters a nephron, it goes into the renal corpuscle, also called a Malpighian body. The renal corpuscle contains two additional structures:

The glomerulus. This is a cluster of capillaries that absorb protein from blood traveling through the renal corpuscle. The renal cortex is the outer part of the kidney. It contains the glomerulus and convoluted tubules.
The Bowman capsule. The remaining fluid, called capsular urine, passes through the Bowman capsule into the renal tubules. The renal tubules are a series of tubes that begin after the Bowman capsule and end at collecting ducts.

what is Hilum?

The hilum is a small opening located on the inner edge of the kidney, where it curves inward to create its distinct beanlike shape. The renal pelvis passes through it, as well as the:

Renal artery: This brings oxygenated blood from the heart to the kidney for filtration.
Renal vein: This carries filtered blood from the kidneys back to the heart.

what are Kidney disease and kidney failure and how to treat them?

Kidney disease

Kidney disease is a term used by doctors to include any abnormality of the kidneys, even if there is only very slight damage. It is often called ‘chronic’ kidney disease. Chronic is a medical term that means a condition that does not get completely better in a few days. A problem with the kidneys, such as an uncomplicated urine infection, that gets better and leaves no damage, is not chronic kidney disease.

Recent research suggests that 1 in 10 of the population may have slight kidney disease. This is much commoner in the elderly than in young people. In most cases kidney disease does not cause any symptoms, and is detected because tests are abnormal. These may be urine tests for blood or protein; an X-ray or scan of the kidneys; or a blood test to measure kidney function.

If you’re at risk for kidney disease due to high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure or if you’re older than age 60, it’s important to get tested annually for kidney disease.

what are the signs of kidney disease?

You’re more tired: have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
You’re having trouble sleeping: When the kidneys aren’t filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood rather than leaving the body through the urine. This can make it difficult to sleep. There is also a link between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea is more common in those with chronic kidney disease, compared with the general population.
You have dry and itchy skin: Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove wastes and extra fluid from your body, help make red blood cells, help keep bones strong and work to maintain the right amount of minerals in your blood. Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease, when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood.
You feel the need to urinate more often: If you feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, this can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate. Sometimes this can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlarged prostate in men.
You see blood in your urine: Healthy kidneys typically keep the blood cells in the body when filtering wastes from the blood to create urine, but when the kidney’s filters have been damaged, these blood cells can start to “leak” out into the urine. In addition to signaling kidney disease, blood in the urine can be indicative of tumors, kidney stones or an infection.
Your urine is foamy: Excessive bubbles in the urine – especially those that require you to flush several times before they go away—indicate protein in the urine. This foam may look like the foam you see when scrambling eggs, as the common protein found in urine, albumin, is the same protein that is found in eggs.
You’re experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes: Protein in the urine is an early sign that the kidneys’ filters have been damaged, allowing protein to leak into the urine. This puffiness around your eyes can be due to the fact that your kidneys are leaking a large amount of protein in the urine, rather than keeping it in the body.
Your ankles and feet are swollen: Decreased kidney function can lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in your feet and ankles. Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of heart disease, liver disease and chronic leg vein problems.
You have a poor appetite: This is a very general symptom, but a buildup of toxins resulting from reduced kidney function can be one of the causes.
Your muscles are cramping: Electrolyte imbalances can result from impaired kidney function. For example, low calcium levels and poorly controlled phosphorus may contribute to muscle cramping.

Because of all of the vital functions the kidneys perform and the toxins they encounter, the kidneys are susceptible to various problems.

what are the most common kidney disease?

Pyelonephritis (infection of kidney pelvis): Bacteria may infect the kidney, usually causing back pain and fever. A spread of bacteria from an untreated bladder infection is the most common cause of pyelonephritis.
Glomerulonephritis: An overactive immune system may attack the kidney, causing inflammation and some damage. Blood and protein in the urine are common problems that occur with glomerulonephritis. It can also result in kidney failure.
Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Minerals in urine form crystals (stones), which may grow large enough to block urine flow. It’s considered one of the most painful conditions. Most kidney stones pass on their own, but some are too large and need to be treated.
Nephrotic syndrome: Damage to the kidneys causes them to spill large amounts of protein into the urine. Leg swelling (edema) may be a symptom.
Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic condition resulting in large cysts in both kidneys that hinder their work.
Acute renal failure (kidney failure): A sudden worsening in how well your kidneys work. Dehydration, a blockage in the urinary tract, or kidney damage can cause acute renal failure, which may be reversible.
Chronic renal failure: A permanent partial loss of how well your kidneys work. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD): Complete loss of kidney strength, usually due to progressive chronic kidney disease. People with ESRD require regular dialysis for survival.
Papillary necrosis: Severe damage to the kidneys can cause chunks of kidney tissue to break off internally and clog the kidneys. If untreated, the resulting damage can lead to total kidney failure.
Diabetic nephropathy: High blood sugar from diabetes progressively damages the kidneys, eventually causing chronic kidney disease. Protein in the urine (nephrotic syndrome) may also result.
Hypertensive nephropathy: Kidney damage caused by high blood pressure. Chronic renal failure may eventually result.
Kidney cancer: Renal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer affecting the kidney. Smoking is the most common cause of kidney cancer.
Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the connective tissue inside the kidney, often causing acute renal failure. Allergic reactions and drug side effects are the usual causes.
Minimal change disease: A form of nephrotic syndrome in which kidney cells look almost normal under the microscope. The disease can cause significant leg swelling (edema). Steroids are used to treat minimal change disease.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: The kidneys lose the ability to concentrate the urine, usually due to a drug reaction. Although it’s rarely dangerous, diabetes insipidus causes constant thirst and frequent urination.
Renal cyst: A hollowed-out space in the kidney. Isolated kidney cysts often happen as people age, and they almost never cause a problem. Complex cysts and masses can be cancerous.

what causes slow blood flow to the kidneys?

Blood or fluid loss
Blood pressure medications
Heart attack
Heart disease
Infection
Liver failure
Use of aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or related drugs
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Severe burns
Severe dehydration

what is kidney failure and how to treat it?

Kidney failure is a medical term that can be confusing, because it refers to reduced kidney function, usually less than 30% of normal. Some people with kidney failure feel perfectly well, and in some cases the kidneys can continue to work for some years without deteriorating to a serious level.

Symptoms of kidney failure are due to the build-up of waste products and excess fluid in the body that may cause Metabolic acidosis, weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, Loss of appetite, High blood potassium (hyperkalemia), swelling, and confusion. Inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. Initially kidney failure may cause no symptoms.

Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys lose the ability to sufficiently filter waste from your blood. When your kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of wastes may accumulate, and your blood’s chemical makeup may get out of balance. Most people with kidney disease have a minor problem and never develop kidney failure. However, it is common for those with kidney disease to have high blood pressure and problems with the circulation, so that some tests and ongoing treatment are required.

The diagnosis of kidney failure usually is made by blood tests measuring BUN, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Acute kidney failure can be fatal and requires intensive treatment. However, acute kidney failure may be reversible. If you’re otherwise in good health, you may recover normal or nearly normal kidney function. it develops rapidly, usually in less than a few days. Acute kidney failure is most common in people who are already hospitalized, particularly in critically ill people who need intensive care.

Acute kidney failure can occur when You have a condition that slows blood flow to your kidneys, or when You experience direct damage to your kidneys or when Your kidneys’ urine drainage tubes (ureters) become blocked and wastes can’t leave your body through your urine.

What causes kidney failure?

Kidney failure can be the result of several conditions or causes. The cause typically also determines the type of kidney failure.

how Diabetes can effect the kidneys and cause kidney failure?

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can damage kidneys. The damage can become worse over time.

Diabetic nephropathy, or kidney damage caused by type 1 or type 2 diabetes, can’t be reversed. Managing blood sugar and blood pressure can help reduce damage. Taking medicines prescribed by your doctor is important, too.

how alcohol consumption can effect the kidneys and cause kidney failure?

If you have kidney failure and drink alcohol, your kidneys will be forced to work harder than they already are. Alcohol doesn’t metabolize out of your system, so you’ll feel its effects until you receive dialysis to filter it out of your blood.

Beer and wine contain large amounts of phosphorous. It can cause severe heart issues and even death if your kidneys are unable to filter it out. However, most hard liquor doesn’t carry the same risk.

If you have kidney failure or late-stage kidney disease, your doctor may recommend you limit how often you drink alcohol. For some people, completely eliminating alcohol from the diet may be best. Drinking alcohol with kidney failure can hurt the normal function of other organs. Over time, long-term, heavy alcohol use can lead to liver disease.

there are multiple other reasons that cause kidney failure as well:

kidney stones
Loss of blood flow to the kidneys
a blood clot in or around your kidneys
infection
an overload of toxins from heavy metals
drugs
vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels
lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation of many body organs
glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the small blood vessels of the kidneys
hemolytic uremic syndrome, which involves the breakdown of red blood cells following a bacterial infection, usually of the intestines
multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in your bone marrow
scleroderma, an autoimmune condition that affects your skin
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a disorder that causes blood clots in small vessels
chemotherapy drugs that treat cancer and some autoimmune diseases
dyes used in some imaging tests
certain antibiotics
uncontrolled diabetes
an enlarged prostate
blood clots within your urinary tract
damage to your nerves that control your bladder

what are the Symptoms of kidney failure?

Usually someone with kidney failure will have a few symptoms of the disease. Sometimes no symptoms are present. Possible symptoms include:

a reduced amount of urine
swelling of your legs, ankles, and feet from retention of fluids caused by the failure of the kidneys to eliminate water waste
unexplained shortness of breath
excessive drowsiness or fatigue
persistent nausea
confusion
pain or pressure in your chest
seizures
coma

Tips on how to keep your kidneys heathy

The kidneys are important organs that affect many other body parts, including the heart. Follow these tips to keep them working efficiently:

follow a healthy and balanced diet and eating habit

Diet is the most important consideration for those with impaired kidney function. Consultation with a dietician may be helpful to understand what foods may or may not be appropriate.

In this state of impaired kidney function, the kidneys cannot easily remove excess water, salt, or potassium from the blood, so foods high in potassium salt substitutes may need to be consumed in limited quantities. Eating a lot of salty foods can disrupt the balance of minerals in the blood. This can make it harder for the kidneys to work properly.

what foods to eat for a healthy kidney?

Try swapping out processed foods — which usually have a lot of added salt — for whole foods, such as:

fresh fruits and vegetables
lean cuts of meat
nuts

Examples of potassium rich foods include:

Bananas
Apricots
Cantaloupe
Sweet potatoes
Yogurt
Spinach
Avocados

Phosphorus is a forgotten chemical that is associated with calcium metabolism and may be elevated in the body in kidney failure. Too much phosphorus can leech calcium from the bones and cause osteoporosis and fractures. Examples of foods and beverages high in phosphorus include:

Milk
Cheese
Nuts
Dark cola drinks
Canned iced teas
Yogurt
Organ meets
Sardines
Oysters
Baked beans
Black beans
Lentils
Kidney beans
Soy beans
Bran cereals
Caramels
Whole grain products

Stay active every day and exercise in a routine

High blood pressure is a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Regular exercise, even for just 20 minutes a day, can help reduce blood pressure.

Pay attention to labels when taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications

Follow the instructions for OTC pain medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, others). Taking too much of these medications may increase your risk of kidney injury. This is especially true if you have pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.

Regularly taking certain over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause kidney damage over time. Occasionally taking them is fine, but work with your doctor to find alternatives if you have a condition that requires managing pain, such as arthritis.

Do not forget to drink enough water

Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys perform one of their most important functions, removing toxins.

Know the risk factors related to kidney malfunction

Several things can increase your risk of developing a kidney condition. Make sure you regularly have your kidney function tested if you:

are obese
special medications
fad diets
have a family history of kidney disease

how kidney disease are treated by drugs?

Antibiotics: Kidney infections caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics. Often, cultures of the blood or urine can help guide the choice of antibiotic therapy.
Nephrostomy: A tube (catheter) is placed through the skin into the kidney. Urine then drains directly from the kidney, bypassing any blockages in urine flow.
Lithotripsy: Some kidney stones may be shattered into small pieces that can pass in the urine. Most often, lithotripsy is done by a machine that projects ultrasound shock waves through the body.
Nephrectomy: Surgery to remove a kidney. Nephrectomy is performed for kidney cancer or severe kidney damage.
Dialysis: Artificial filtering of the blood to replace the work that damaged kidneys can’t do. Hemodialysis is the most common method of dialysis in the U.S.
Hemodialysis: A person with complete kidney failure is connected to a dialysis machine, which filters the blood and returns it to the body. Hemodialysis is typically done 3 days per week in people with ESRD.
Peritoneal dialysis: Placing large amounts of a special fluid in the abdomen through a catheter allows the body to filter the blood using the natural membrane lining the abdomen. After a while, the fluid with the waste is drained and discarded.
Kidney transplant: Transplanting a kidney into a person with ESRD can restore kidney function. A kidney may be transplanted from a living donor, or from a recently deceased organ donor.