Kidney Failure Does Not Mean Failure to Live

Sahabat Hermina, kidney failure is a serious and often frightening medical condition. However, it is important to remember that kidney failure does not mean failure to live. In this article, we will explain kidney failure, its symptoms, causes, and how to overcome and manage this condition to continue living a meaningful and healthy life.

What is Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a condition in which the kidneys no longer function properly to filter waste and toxins from the blood. This can cause a buildup of harmful waste products in the body which, if left untreated, can become dangerous.

Causes of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Diabetes: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the main causes of kidney failure. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the kidneys.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the kidney blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the kidneys, and causing kidney damage.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease: This is a hereditary disease that causes the formation of cysts in the kidneys, which can impair kidney function.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune disorders such as lupus can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys.
• Use of Certain Medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are often used for pain, can damage the kidneys if used excessively.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure can develop slowly and symptoms may not be visible in the early stages. Symptoms that may appear when kidney failure becomes more severe include:

• Swelling of the face, hands and feet.
• Excessive fatigue.
• Increased levels of creatinine and urea in the blood.
• Itchy and dry skin.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Bloody or foamy urine.
• Changes in urination frequency.

Overcoming and Managing Kidney Failure

Although kidney failure is a serious condition, there are various ways to treat and manage this disease. Some actions that can be taken are:

• Control of Primary Cause: If the cause of kidney failure is diabetes or hypertension, it is important to maintain good control of these diseases with the help of a doctor.
• Healthy Diet: Adopting a healthy diet with limits on salt, protein and fluids can help reduce the workload on the kidneys.
• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage blood pressure and other symptoms.
• Hemodialysis or Dialysis: For more severe cases, hemodialysis or dialysis may be necessary to cleanse the blood of waste and toxins.
• Kidney Transplant: For some patients, a kidney transplant may be an option to replace a damaged kidney with a healthy kidney.

Well, even though kidney failure is a serious condition that affects a person's quality of life, it is not the end of everything. With proper management and medical support, many people with kidney failure can lead meaningful and productive lives. It is important to stay in touch with your medical team and follow the recommended treatment plan to minimize the impact of kidney failure and stay healthy. Kidney failure doesn't mean failure to live, yes. Stay healthy.