Chronic renal insufficiency
Release time : 01/18/2025 18:13:27
Renal insufficiency is one of the common kidney diseases we encounter. If renal insufficiency is neglected or not treated promptly and effectively, it can gradually progress to chronic renal insufficiency. This condition not only causes physical harm to patients but also imposes a significant psychological burden on them.
To treat chronic kidney disease, we first need to understand its causes and symptoms before we can prescribe the right treatment.
Chronic kidney failure refers to the gradual destruction of renal parenchyma caused by various causes, resulting in significant renal atrophy and inability to maintain basic functions. Clinically, it presents with symptoms mainly characterized by the retention of metabolic products, disturbances in water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.
If chronic renal failure is not controlled, it will progress to the stage of uremia.
In daily life, many progressive renal diseases may eventually lead to chronic kidney failure, and consequently, there are many causes of renal failure. Common causes include chronic glomerulonephritis and renal damage caused by metabolic abnormalities.
In medicine, chronic renal insufficiency is divided into four different stages: 1. The compensatory phase of kidney function primarily manifests as follows: when the glomerular filtration rate is greater than or equal to half of the normal value, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels remain unincreased, metabolic equilibrium is maintained, and there are no obvious symptoms.
2. Stage of Renal Impairment: The primary manifestations include a glomerular filtration rate <50% of the normal value, elevated serum creatinine levels above 177 μmol/L (2 mg/dl), elevated blood urea nitrogen levels >7.0 mmol/L (20 mg/dl), and symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, frequent nocturia, and mild anemia.
3. Renal Failure Stage: The primary manifestations include a drop in the endogenous creatinine clearance rate below 20 ml/min, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels exceeding 17.9-21.4 mmol/L (50-60 mg/dl), serum creatinine levels rising above 442 μmol/L (5 mg/dl), anemia, elevated phosphorus levels, decreased calcium levels, metabolic acidosis, and disturbances in water and electrolyte balance.
The main manifestations of end-stage renal disease include a creatinine clearance rate below 10 ml/min, serum creatinine levels rising above 707 μmol/L, pronounced acidosis, the appearance of various systemic symptoms, and eventually leading to coma.
Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease is one of the common renal diseases that can cause great harm to patients' health and may even lead to death in severe cases.
There are many factors that can lead to chronic renal failure, as chronic renal failure is developed from various progressive kidney diseases.
Chronic renal failure is primarily attributed to three types of kidney diseases in clinical practice.
1. Chronic glomerulonephritis: Patients with chronic glomerulonephritis may progress to chronic renal failure, such as IgA nephropathy and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, all of which require timely and effective treatment from patients.
2. Kidney damage caused by metabolic abnormalities: Patients with metabolic abnormalities are prone to kidney damage, which can progress into chronic renal failure conditions such as diabetic nephropathy and gouty nephropathy.
3. Vascular Nephropathy: Patients may induce vascular nephropathy, such as hypertension, renal arteriolar hypertension, and renal sclerosis, which are all causes leading to the progression into chronic renal failure.
Symptoms of chronic renal failure primarily manifest in the following aspects: 1. Digestive system: Patients exhibit symptoms such as anorexia, nausea and vomiting, oral ulcers, ammonia-like breath, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Blood System: Leukopenia, impaired phagocytosis and antimicrobial capabilities, making the patient more susceptible to infections.
Additionally, in severe cases of chronic renal failure, anemia can occur.
3. Cardiovascular System: Patients with hypertension exhibit varying degrees of hypertension, which can lead to arteriosclerosis and symptoms of heart failure.
4. Nervous System: Early manifestations include fatigue, insomnia, and impaired attention; late-stage symptoms involve peripheral neuropathy, with sensory nerves being significantly more affected than motor nerves.
5. Skin symptoms: Itching and a uremia-like appearance, which even with dialysis cannot be improved.
Although food is essential to life, for patients with chronic kidney failure, due to the impact of renal insufficiency on the digestive system, there are many dietary considerations that need to be taken into account when it comes to their diet.
After the medical research, the dietary rules for patients with chronic renal insufficiency are summarized as follows. If we follow these principles to consume food, it will have a certain help in treating and relieving the symptoms of chronic renal insufficiency.
Dietary principles for patients with chronic renal failure: 1. Limit phosphorus intake. Patients with chronic renal failure often have elevated serum phosphorus and low serum calcium levels. If this condition persists, it will inevitably affect the strength of the bones and lead to rickets.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the amount of phosphorus in the diet as soon as possible.
Milk and dairy products, lean meat, and beans contain high levels of phosphorus and should not be consumed in excess.
Principle 2 of the Dietary Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease: Limit Protein Intake. The primary restriction in protein intake is to limit plant proteins.
High quality animal protein should be supplied in an appropriate amount.
Moderate renal insufficiency, with a daily protein intake of 1-2 grams per kilogram of body weight (normal requirement is 2-3 grams per kilogram).
In patients with severe renal failure, a daily dose of 0.6-1g per kilogram of body weight should be administered.
Diet principle three for chronic renal failure: Enough calories and carbohydrates can be consumed in an appropriate amount of refined starch and monosaccharides, such as water chestnuts, noodles, potatoes, yams, pumpkins, and lotus root.
Is chronic kidney disease curable? Although the treatment of chronic kidney disease is complex and difficult to cure, if the correct method is used for treatment, it can also achieve effective treatment and gradually help patients recover their health.
Therapies for Chronic Kidney Disease: Here are some suggestions to consider: 1. **Dietary Adjustments**: - Limit protein intake, particularly animal proteins like meats and fish. - Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber and antioxidants that help protect the kidneys. - Decrease salt intake to lower blood pressure. 2. **Control Blood Pressure**: High blood pressure is a primary factor leading to chronic kidney disease. Control blood pressure through medication, lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, smoking cessation), and regular blood pressure checks. 3. **Control Blood Sugar**: Diabetes can be another factor causing chronic kidney disease. Manage blood sugar levels through diet adjustments, exercise, and, if necessary, medication. 4. **Avoid Certain Drugs**: Some drugs may be harmful to the kidneys. If you are taking any medications, consult your doctor to find alternative options or substitutes. 5. **Regular Checkups**: Regular renal function tests help detect and address issues promptly. 6. **Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits**: Adequate sleep, moderate exercise, and reducing stress all contribute to kidney health. 7. **Avoid Renal Toxicity Substances**: Avoid exposure to substances that can harm the kidneys, such as certain medications, heavy metals, and chemical substances. 8. **Seek Professional Advice**: If you suspect chronic kidney disease, seek medical advice immediately. They can provide professional diagnosis and treatment recommendations. 9. **Home Care**: At home, you can take measures to help the kidneys function better. For example, avoid using strong disinfectants, maintaining adequate hydration, and follow doctor's advice. Please note, these suggestions cannot replace professional medical advice. Before taking any treatment measures, please consult with a doctor.
1. General treatment involves identifying the underlying cause of acute renal failure as soon as possible and promptly eliminating it, such as resolving urinary tract obstruction, clearing nephrotoxic substances, and treating nephritis.
In the compensated stage of renal insufficiency, active treatment of the primary disease is essential to prevent progression to uremia.
In the stage of uremic encephalopathy, besides treating the disease, it is necessary to reduce work, avoid exposure to cold and dampness and overexertion, prevent catching cold, and avoid using drugs that damage the kidney.
Patients with symptoms of uremia should rest and receive treatment.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy: There is a method of treating kidney diseases known as "Cloud Fire Liver Kidney Therapy" that effectively repairs renal failure and uremia, aids in the restoration of glomeruli, prevents further damage to them, and enables patients' bodies to efficiently excrete metabolic waste and regulate electrolytes, acid-base balance, and other functions.
3. For mild metabolic acidosis, correction of the imbalance in water and electrolytes can be achieved through this approach, and sodium bicarbonate can be added to alleviate the condition. The daily dose should range from 4-8g, divided into two to four administrations.
During the polyuria phase, attention should be paid to fluid replenishment and electrolyte balance, including potassium and sodium. This is to prevent dehydration, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia.
4. Dietary therapy should have a reasonable intake of protein.
The metabolic products in human body are mainly from the proteins in diet, so to reduce the work load of kidneys, the intake of proteins must be adapted with the excretion capacity of kidneys.
*The medical information provided in this text is for reference only.
If you feel unwell, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. Please rely on in-person medical consultations, diagnoses, and treatments for accurate results.