Kidney damage cannot be reversed. However, if it is detected early on the basis of symptoms, the progression of the disease can be slowed down.
Kidney weakness or renal insufficiency is becoming more and more common in this country. In Germany, around nine million people suffer from chronic kidney disease. The fatal thing is that diseased kidneys often go unnoticed for a long time and thus pose a hidden danger. In order to avoid serious health consequences, a disease should be recognized as early as possible. Therefore, pay attention to typical symptoms that can already be warning signs.
Kidney failure: Certain risk factors can damage kidneys
The kidneys perform important tasks in the human body. They clean the blood, regulate blood pressure and the salt and water balance and are also responsible for the production of important hormones. There are a number of factors that can damage the kidneys. This in turn increases the risk of developing kidney failure. Blood pressure, diabetes and arteriosclerosis, for example, permanently damage the fine vessels of the kidneys. But obesity, an unhealthy diet, smoking and taking painkillers over a long period of time are also bad for the kidneys. Autoimmune diseases can also attack the kidneys.
The problem with kidney weakness, however, is that symptoms and noticeable symptoms only show up late. Kidneys naturally weaken with age. The following five symptoms can therefore be the first warning signs of kidney problems or kidney failure:
- stabbing headache
- exciting skin
- high blood pressure
- water in the legs
- foam on urine
If renal insufficiency is already in the final stages, further symptoms can occur such as a drop in urine values, water retention, nausea, breathing difficulties, vomiting, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat, cramps, drowsiness and sleepiness up to coma.
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Diseased kidneys: How is kidney failure treated?
If the kidneys are already damaged, kidney damage can usually no longer be reversed. However, if kidney damage is detected in good time, the progression of the disease can often be slowed down with the right diet that is healthy for the kidneys or with medication. Patients who are overweight, diabetic or have high blood pressure should have their kidney values checked regularly. With a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, countermeasures can then be taken in good time so that the disease at least does not get worse. Serious kidney damage can be delayed as a result.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about clinical pictures.