General Information

The kidney is an organ weighing 100-150 grams located in the posterior region of the abdomen. Normal people have two kidneys, right and left. Approximately one in 1000 people in the community has one kidney. It is not important to be single kidney.

The function of the kidneys

The main functions of the kidney are the maintenance of body water, salt, calcium, excretion of harmful substances and drugs through the urine, and their contribution to the hormone and sugar metabolism. In kidney failure, these functions of the kidney are impaired. Kidney failure can develop in two ways: sudden (acute) or insidious (chronic) course.

Causes of acute kidney failure
There are many reasons;
1. Blood pressure drop due to heavy bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, burns
2. Pregnancy: Hemorrhages, pregnancy poisoning, miscarriages in unsanitary conditions
3. Heart failure
4. Kidney diseases: Nephritis, obstruction of kidney vein
5. Urinary obstruction: Cancer, prostate enlargement, blockage due to stone
6. After operations, especially after major operations
7. Medicines: Drug-induced acute renal failure is a common problem, so drugs should definitely be used under doctor supervision.
8. Muscle injuries due to earthquakes Causes of chronic kidney failure
According to the data of Turkish Nephrology Association;
1. Nephritis: It is kidney inflammation.
2. Diabetes
3. Hypertension
4. Urinary tract diseases such as stone, blockage, tumor
5. Kidney cysts
6. Other reasons

Signs and signs

Nocturnal urination, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations, a decrease in the amount of urine, hypertension, swelling around the hands, feet and eyes. In the early stages of kidney failure, symptoms may be very faint, the only symptom may be frequent night urination. Urination at night can also be seen in the evening in the areas of many liquids (tea, water, watermelon …) or in those with prostate disease. If there is no other reason in a patient who urinates at night, it may be due to kidney failure. For this reason, those who frequently urinate at night should be investigated for renal failure. For this purpose, blood and urine examinations should be done.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of kidney failure is possible by measuring substances called urea or creatinine in the blood. Urine examination, radiological methods, biochemical examination of blood and other laboratory studies are aimed at understanding the cause of kidney failure.

Treatment

Treatment is different in acute and chronic renal failure. Treatment of kidney failure varies according to the characteristics of the patient and the disease that leads to kidney failure. Treatment should definitely be under a doctor’s supervision. The most important point in the treatment is to control the low or low blood pressure, if any. Nutrition, fluid and salt balance and medications are other treatment methods.
The kidneys of patients with acute renal failure usually improve with good and adequate treatment. If kidney failure progresses and becomes permanent, other treatment methods are required: