KIDNEY DISEASE AND VARIOUS TREATMENTS

Kidney Disease and Various Treatments - By: mohammed khan



Kidney is one the most important part of a human body because it purifies the body and the blood from the toxic chemicals which are generated during the metabolic activity in our body. It is made up of microscopic fibers which are called as nephrons which are in millions. They are usually present in pairs. If there is any problem in the kidney of a person he is not able to leave a simple life. There are various types of disorders related with nephrons. Nephropathy is the name for the http://www.videomd.com/KidneyDisease-31-fvcallv.aspx”/>kidney disease or disorder it is also referred by the name nephrosis.
The disorders occur due to the various reasons such as prolong administration of analgesic, lead, calcium and other salts. Sometimes these conditions are also caused by the diabetes mellitus and hypertension or high blood pressure. These Conditions were first observed and discovered by the Clifford Wilson and American Paul Kimmelstiel. These ailments don’t show up the symptoms in the initial stages of the onset they are usually detected are 3 or 4 years when the kidney damaging process has already started. There are various signs and symptoms which need to be taken care of so that the ailment is diagnosed in the earlier stages of the onset itself and the damage can be prevented. The symptoms are edema (swelling in some parts of body), unusual weight gain. Foam appearance in urine, nausea, vomiting, general illness, fatigue, itching, anorexia and headache.
If these symptoms persist for a longer duration then the person must a physician and if he says there is problem then it’s a time to see the urologist for the treatment. The diagnosis of the kidney disease begins with microalbuminuria test, Urine analysis or urine test if there is any doubt over the ailment then a Biopsy is conducted and where the exacted result shows up whether a person is suffering of not.
If a person is suffering from the disorder then the http://www.videomd.com/KidneyDisease-31-fvcallv.aspx”/>kidney disease treatment begins for the curing the disease. The main aim of the treatment is usually to slowdown the damage of the kidney. Usually diabetes and the high blood pressure damages the kidney most hence diet pattern of the patients must be changed according to the treatment and exercise is advisable which has to be moderate not an excessive one. During the treatment the person must avoid self medication and should be stress free which will help in lowering the hypertension. If the condition has worsen and leads to the failure of the kidney then there are only two options available one is kidney dialysis and kidney transplant. Dialysis is a long term process which needs to taken once or twice in a week or should be continued till the person does not gets the donor for the kidney transplant.

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Some important facts about Kidney infection - By: Tamim



Kidney infection is one of the growing problems these days. The infection occurring in bladder, urethra and prostate is called lower urinary tract infection. It becomes upper urinary tract infection when it covers the kidneys and its function. This infection is also famous under the name of pyelonephritis.


As explained above, this kind of infection usually starts with minor symptoms but if it is not treated quickly, it becomes hazardous. One needs to consult a doctor soon in case he or she faces any of the symptoms like:
• Passing frequent urine-This is one of the most common symptoms of kidney infection. If one feels need to pass urine frequently, he or she might be suffering from this infection.
• Pain during passing urine-This is another common symptom found in individuals suffering from this problem. They feel lots of pain while passing urine. Moreover, there is a lot of urge to pass urine yet very small amount of urine is passed.
• Pelvic pain-Pelvic pain also occurs in this infection.
• Nausea and vomiting-A person suffering from infection of kidney faces problem of nausea and vomiting also.
• Fever-Fever is also a common sign in individuals suffering from this disease.


Other common symptoms of this infection include chills, generalized weakness, fatigue, dehydration, a burning sensation with urination etc. Any age group person can suffer from this infection. Actual reason behind the occurrence of this infection is not yet clear.


According to a recent survey, around 40% of women and 10% of men get affected with the infection of kidney every year. The survey further revealed that the infection is highly common among women below 50 years of age. Children also suffer from this infection very frequently and they need special care and attention to get out of this major problem.


These days, infection of kidney is increasing day by day. It has become highly common among UK people. More than thousands of persons are found suffering from kidney infection. As a result, many surveys and health related programmers have been organized by government with an aim to spread awareness among the individuals.


Identifying symptoms at right time is the easiest way to cure this disease. If it is diagnosed at right time, its treatment becomes easy. So, it is better to consult a doctor without getting late. If it is not identified on time, it can prove highly dangerous and incurable as well.

Medical Conditions and Diseases That Might Cause Urine Discoloration - By: Lena Butler
A healthy person usually excretes urine of clear or slightly yellow color. At times, one might notice a discoloration in his or her urine. Sometimes, the discoloration may be due to the food that one consumes. Eating beets, for example, can cause urine to be a reddish color. Eating excess amounts of asparagus, on the other hand, can cause it to turn an unusual shade of green.

There are times, however, when urine discoloration is actually a warning sign for certain medical conditions or diseases. Here are some of these conditions and diseases:

Familial hyperalcemia:

Familial hyperalcemia is a rare genetic medical condition that causes irregularly high levels of calcium. This disorder is often called blue diaper syndrome because young children with this condition tend to produce blue-colored urine.

Liver disorders:

Several liver disorders can cause one’s urine to be brown or tea-colored. Common examples of these disorders are cirrhosis and acute viral hepatitis.

Acute glomerulonephritis:

Acute glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that hinders the kidney from removing excess waste and fluids from the body. This disease can cause urine to turn brown in color.

Urinary tract infection:

Kidney stones and urinary tract infections can oftentimes cause one’s urine to appear murky or cloudy.

Wilms tumor:

Wilms tumor is a tumor of the abdomen common among children. It is the most common kidney tumor. One symptom of Wilms tumor is blood in the urine, which causes it to be a reddish color.

Jaundice:

Jaundice is a liver disorder that is caused by an obstruction in the bile duct, which causes the accumulation of bilirubin in the body. The most common symptom of Jaundice is yellowish skin. The whites of one’s eyes also turn a shade of yellow. A person with Jaundice may also notice his or her urine being a dark yellow or brown color.

Lead or mercury poisoning:

Chronic lead or mercury poisoning can possibly cause urine to be red. This is due to the high levels of porphyrins being excreted.

It is important to remember that your urine color may be used to determine the current state of your health. Discolored urine is a symptom of several medical conditions and diseases. If you notice that your urine is an unusual color and have not been consuming foods or drinks that would cause the discoloration, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Possible Reasons of Abnormal Urine Color - By: Lena Butler
Urine excreted by a healthy, hydrated person is usually straw-like or a pale shade of yellow in color. However, it is possible for a person to have an abnormal color of urine. This change can, at times, be temporary.

There are several factors that can cause discoloration from occurring:

1. Foods:

Many people aren’t aware of this, but one’s food intake can often be the cause of urine discoloration. Consuming large amounts of asparagus, for example, can cause it to be dark yellow, dark green or even blue. Foods such as beets, berries and rhubarb can cause it to be a red or pink color. Fava beans and aloe, on the other hand, can cause urine to appear brown or tea-colored. Carrots and winter squash can cause it to turn orange. In fact, intake of excess carotene can even cause one’s hands and feet to appear orange.

Food and drinks that contain dye or artificial coloring can also be the cause of abnormal urine colors. Children’s cereals often contain dye, which can cause discoloration.

2. Vitamin supplements:

Vitamin supplements can also be the cause of abnormal urine color. Consuming excess vitamin B complex, for example, can cause one to excrete bright yellow or dark yellow urine. Excess vitamin C, on the other hand, can cause it to appear orange.

3. Medications:

Several kinds of medication can also cause abnormal urine color. If one takes laxatives or excess amounts of B complex vitamins, he or she might excrete bright or dark yellow urine. Medications such as indomethacin, doxorubicin or amitriptyline can possibly cause one’s urine to turn blue or green. Taking aldomet can even cause it to turn black.

4. Medical conditions or disease:

When one’s urine appears cloudy or murky, it might indicate that the person has a bladder infection or urinary tract infection. Urine that is either clear or dark brown in color, on the other hand, may indicate a possible liver disorder such as cirrhosis or acute viral hepatitis. If one’s urine is a red or pink color, it might possibly be a sign of a urinary tract disorder such as kidney cancer, tuberculosis, enlarged prostate, cystitis or kidney stones.

These are the four major causes of urine discoloration. If, however, you notice that your urine has been an abnormal color for more than a day or two, it is advisable that you see your doctor. Always advise your doctor of your diet, as well as of any treatments or medications that you are taking.


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Kidney Infection Simple Ways to prevent a bladder infection - By: steevaustin



The kidneys are a component of the urinary system which also includes the ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and prostate (in men). The kidneys are located on either side of the middle back and under the diaphragm.

The main functions of the kidneys include filtering the waste products from the body, regulating blood pressure, maintaining the normal concentration of electrolytes (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) in the body, and contributing to production of blood cells.

Read useful Urinary Tract Infections.

The urine is drained downward from each kidney into the ureters on either side of the body. These are thin, tube-like structures that connect the kidneys to the bladder where they ultimately drain the urine.

The urine, then, drain from the bladder via another tube-like arrangement, call the urethra, and exeunt the organization.

Simple Ways to Prevent a Kidney Infection

Drink plenty of fluids. Research shows that drinking plenty of water and even cranberry juice can reduce the chances of developing UTIs. Water will flush the system. And some think cranberries contain a compound that may stop certain bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract wall.

Urinate often and as much as possible. Do not give the bacteria time to attach itself to the bladder's walls.

Wipe from front to back to prevent the intestinal E coli from entering the urinary tract.

Clean the genital area every day and before and after se.
Add parsley to your diet. This garnish provides the urinary tract with apiol which is a volatile oil that acts as a urinary tract antiseptic. We recommend boiling one cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of parsley (fresh or dried) and allow mixture to steep for 10 minutes. Strain parsley from water and drink up!
Urinate Regularly

Use the restroom when you feel the urge. There are situations that require us to retain urine for an extended period. However, don't make this a habit. Urinating flushes a variety of toxins from
The body, which help keep the kidneys and bladder healthy.

Use the Restroom after Intercourse

Women are more susceptible to bladder and kidney infections. One way to avoid an infection is to urinate after engaging in sexual intercourse. This flushes the urethra and removes any bacteria that can result in an infection.

Drink Plenty of Water

Some people have a habit of consuming large amounts of coffee, sodas, and teas. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a variety of drinks. However, too much soda and coffee can damage the kidneys and cause recurrent infections. The body needs liquids, especially water to flush the kidneys and remove bacteria and toxins.

Persons who do not drink water may experience burning or painful urination, and occasional lower back/side pain. These are signs of a looming kidney infection. The best way to protect self is to drink eight glasses of water a day. If you don't like water, consider cranberry juice.

Treat Bladder Infections

Kidney infections are more serious than bladder infections, and usually occur after a bladder or urinary tract infection is left untreated. If you suspect a bladder infection, seek medical treatment. There are ways to self-cure a bladder infection, which includes drinking plenty of water and taking pain medication.

Though, if symptoms do not subside within 72 hours, you can need an antibiotic. Universal symptoms of a bladder infection include burning or painful urination, mild abdominal pain, back pain, and fever. On the other hand, kidney infection symptoms are more severe and include high fever, extreme fatigue, and confusion, blood in urine, night sweats, and body chills.

Take Showers

People who prefer baths are more likely to develop a kidney infection. Bath oils and gels include ingredients that can irritate the urethra and contribute to an infection. If you're prone to recurrent infections, skip the bath and take showers.


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Keep kidney infection away with few simple measures - By: Tamim


Usually few minor symptoms do not irritate people, however so called minor symptoms often become reasons to hazardous disease. Kidney infection is one of them that initiate with minor symptoms and later becomes incurable. Infection in kidney starts with infection in bladder. The symptoms are initially very common and sometimes undetectable. Few of the common signs are:


• Passing frequent urine
• Pain during passing urine
• Pelvic pain
• Foul smell in the urine.
• Extreme urge to pass urine yet very small amount of urine is passed
• Cloudy urine
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fever

It can occur in any age group and in any gender. So, it is difficult to identify the probability for the occurrence of the infection in specific gender or age group. The actual reason for its occurrence is not known yet. However, it is believed that it is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs in the bladder or urethra and reaches to kidney when not treated well or ignored turns into kidney infections.


It is also considered that this is a type of infection, which occurs due to E. coli bacteria, that enters urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Generally, these bacteria attack body organ due to lack of hygiene, yet there could be many other reasons. Although it is believed that kidney infection is the result of bladder infection but this could be due to other reasons, like kidney stone or an abnormality of a kidney.


No doubt that infection of kidney is very dangerous to health; however it can be avoided if proper measures are taken. If you are detected with kidney infection and it is at initial stage home remedies and measures can help a lot along with medicines. You can take below measure
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid spicy food
• Avoid chemical or any other artificial products on skin
• Include fibrous food
• Avoid the use of deodorant or perfume

Taking these few measures you can avoid the ill effects of kidney infection. Also, you can prevent this infection to grow further. In case you recover from this disease, it is advisable to maintain proper hygiene, so to minimise the possibility of its re-attack. So, to minimise the possibility of its attack it is advisable that you maintain the hygienic and restricted life style. Following such measures and understanding the danger of kidney infections you can surely avoid the unwanted result and remain healthy for the rest of the life.


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Urinary tract infections Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections - By: Dr Charles Buchar



Urinary tract infections are a serious health problem affecting millions of people each year.

Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common type of infection in the body. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for about 8.3 million doctor visits each year.* Women are especially prone to UTIs for reasons that are not yet well understood. One woman in five develops a UTI during her lifetime. UTIs in men are not as common as in women but can be very serious when they do occur.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

The most common cause of UTIs are bacteria from the bowel that live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina, which can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Once these bacteria enter the urethra, they travel upward, causing infection in the bladder and sometimes other parts of the urinary tract.

Sexual intercourse is a common cause of urinary tract infections because the female anatomy can make women more prone to urinary tract infections. During sexual activity, bacteria in the vaginal area are sometimes massaged into the urethra.

What is the Treatment?

The doctor will usually prescribe oral antibiotics for a UTI. In older women, UTIs are more likely to cause kidney infections. Therefore, women over 50 may need to take antibiotics for a longer time, or may need to be given antibiotics by injection.

Prevention of Urinary tract infections

You can avoid dealing with urinary tracts infections by following these preventative measures:

1. Drink lots of water. Water will flush out your system, preventing the growth of bacteria.

2. Urinate when you have to. Ignoring the call of nature can cause your bladder to stretch and weaken. This can prevent the complete emptying of your bladder, leading to infection.

3. Urinate after sex. Any bacteria that was transmitted during intercourse will be washed away.

4. Wipe from front to back. This will prevent bacteria from your rectum being passed to your urethra.

5. Avoid wearing tight clothing, bathing suits, or nylon panties for extended periods. They can trap moisture and cause bacteria to collect.

6. Don't use moisturizers, douches, or heavily perfumed soaps around your urethra. This can cause irritation and may trap bacteria.

Home Remedy for Urinary Tract Infection

The best way to treat UTI is to keep the E coli out of the urinary tract. Here are some home cures for urinary tract infection:

1. One of the best natural way to treat urinary tract infection is to drink lots of water. Drinking fluids will help you to urinate more often and flush out the bacteria. It is recommended to have 6 - 8 glasses of water per day.

2. Daily intake of Vitamin C in the diet will increase the acidity content of the urine and prevent bacterial growth. If you are suffering from UTI, intake of 1000mg of Vitamin C everyday is quite effective in preventing the recurring infections.

3. Cranberry juice is rich in Vitamin C and Quinolic acid, both of them are helpful in curing UTI by preventing the bacteria from anchoring onto the bladder walls. Drinking 12 to 24 oz of cranberry juice for few days can be highly effective.

4. Echinacea is a herb that helps in fighting the UTI infection. Drinking Echinacea tea or consuming high-quality 300mg Echinacea capsules or tablets once per day can be extremely beneficial.

5. Apple cider vinegar contains high concentration of enzymes and potassium which help in preventing the bacterial growth. Most of the UTI patients are found to be deficient in nutritious enzymes and potassium; hence, apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural antibiotic to flush out the infection.

6. For the cure and prevention, it is strongly recommended to have foods rich in fiber content along with water. This will help in naturally flushing the impurities along with bacteria from the body.

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Home Remedies for UTI - Urinary Tract Infection Natural Treatment and Remedy - By: Nick Mutt


The condition of Urinary Tract Infection is related with the encroachment by the bacteria of the urinary tract and it includes urethra, bladder, kidney and ureters. From the opening of the urethra this bacterium enters and procreates in the urinary tract which causes urinary tract infection. It may be the major cause of distress in your life and it is also very painful if the detection of this problem is not done in its initial stages then it may spread to your kidneys and then it may be a serious health issue. Sometimes there is a development of cystitis due to the infection in the bladder. It is a very common problem usually faced by women. Though UTI can affect any person but especially women are at more risk of this disease. Even the children may also suffer from this disease.

Some of the important symptoms of UTI -

1. Patient may suffer from fever due to the infection in the kidney. Feeling of vomiting and nausea may be the result due to the infection. Pain below the ribs and backache are some of the other symptoms.

2. Constant urge to urinate is a common symptom usually faced by the patient of UTI.

3. Usually the urine passes with the burning sensation and it is very painful also. Sometimes there is a presence of blood in the urine.

Some of the major causes of UTI -

1. It is caused when there is a presence of bacteria in the urethra
2. Sexual intercourse is an important and common cause of UTI
3. It is also caused when someone holds back the urge to urinate
4. It is also caused by often changing the different sexual partner

Home remedies are also very helpful in treating urinary tract infection. Some of the popular home remedies:

1. You must consume a plenty of water. It will help you to have a good flow of urine. It also cleanses your body by flushing and diluting out the unwanted substance.

2. In order to fight with the infection consume at least two capsules of Echinacea and Oregon grape root. It must be taken in three times a day. To fight with the infection you can also take goldenseal.

3. Consumption of fresh berry juice is very effective for treating UTI.

4. Increase the intake of vitamin C as it prevents the bacterial growth.

5. You must take a diet rich in minerals and other supplements like milk, fruits and other vegetables.


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Urinary Tract Infection, Most Common Bacterial Infection - By: adrinna smith
URINARY INFECTION

It is the most common bacterial infection in humans is only exceeded by the influenza A viral origin. It is the presence of bacteria in the urine. These bacteria multiply over time, as adequate treatment is instituted. The bacteria can attack any level of the urinary tract from the bladder causing cystitis, until the kidney, causing pyelonephritis. Urinary infections are more common in women and in men in old age.

What is it?

The urinary tract infection is the presence of microorganisms in some part of the urinary tract. Arise when the kidney is called pyelonephritis, bladder, cystitis, prostate, prostatitis and urethra, arthritis.

Most of the URINARY TRACT is caused by bacteria, but can also be caused by viruses, fungi and other microorganisms. Most urinary infections occur by the invasion of some bacteria of intestinal bacterial flora in the urinary tract.

Sometimes the patient presents symptoms similar to UTI, such as pain, burning, urgency to urinate and increased frequency, but tests show no bacteria culture in the urine.

These cases can be confused with urinary incontinence and are called acute urethral syndrome, which may have other non-infectious causes, but of inflammatory origin, such as chemical, toxic, hormonal and irradiation.

How does it occur?

The access of microbes to the urinary tract occurs via ascending, or the urethra and can be installed in the urethra and prostate gland itself, advancing to the bladder and with more difficulty for the kidney http://www.swamiramdevmedicines.com/herbal-remedies/chandra-prabha-vati.html .

Rarely, bacteria can enter the urinary tract by the bloodstream. This occurs only when there is widespread infection or in individuals without immune defenses such as AIDS and transplant recipients. The intensity of URINARY TRACT depends on the patient's defenses, the virulence of the microorganism and the ability to adhere to the wall of the urinary tract.

As urine is sterile, there are factors that facilitate the contamination of the urinary tract, such as:

Urinary obstruction: enlarged prostate, urethral stenosis, congenital defects and other
Foreign bodies: catheters, calculi (kidney stones), introduction of objects into the urethra
Neurological diseases: head of the column, neurogenic bladder of diabetes
Fistulas genital -urinary and digestive tract, and constipated colostomies
Sexually transmitted diseases and gynecological infections.

What does it feel?
The urination is voluntary and painless. The presence of:
Pain
Burning
Difficulty and urgent urination
Frequent urination and urinary very small volume
With urine odor, color opaque
With strands of mucus

Form a data set that allows the physician to suspect the patient has urinary tract infection. Often added to these signs and symptoms and pain in the bladder at the end of urination, drips small amounts of blood.

When the kidney is achieved, the patient presented, besides the above symptoms, chills, fever and backache, which can sometimes occur abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Prevention of UTI

Some attitudes are extremely important in preventing UTI, such as:
• Drinking plenty of fluids, average of two liters per day;
• Avoid retaining urine, urinating whenever the desire arises;
• Practice protected sex;
• Urinate after sexual intercourse;
• Avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics without a medical indication.

For women:
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet;
• Wash the perianal region after defecation;
• Avoid using tampons;
• Avoid the creation of showers, showerhead;
• Avoid constant use of synthetic fabric underwear, prefer to cotton;
• Use lighter clothing to prevent excessive sweating in the genital region.
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Diet for Kidney Diseases - By: David I Crawford
Kidney hemorrhages

Because of stress, medications, and high urinary losses, a vitamin-C deficiency can be readily produced during any kidney disease; hence the danger of hemorrhaging is tremendously increased. Even a mild lack causes blood to appear in the urine.

The passing of bloody urine or hemorrhaging have sometimes been quickly stopped when huge amounts of vitamin C and/or "bioflavonoids" have been given to persons with severe nephritis.

Since a cholin or vitamin-E deficiency can also cause hemorrhages, large amounts of lecithin, cholin, and vitamin E should be given with vitamin C the minute kidney disease is diagnosed, and all increased immediately if blood appears in the urine. Kidney hemorrhages have sometimes been stopped by giving vitamin E alone.

Uremia Poisoning

A nitrogen-containing substance known as urea is formed from the breakdown of body cells and from food proteins used as calories. so Since concentrated urea is toxic, if the amount of this substance in the blood becomes excessive, uremia poisoning can result.

A low-protein, high-calorie diet or even a protein-free diet is customarily given to patients threatened with uremia poisoning. The stress of an extremely low protein intake, however, can cause so much body protein to be broken down that more urea is formed than if a high-protein diet is eaten. Because the blood urea usually increases if fewer than 40 grams of protein are given daily; at least this amount should be obtained. Though extremely low-protein diets have proved to be dangerous;they are still being used.

Urea in the blood rises rapidly during a vitamin-B6 deficiency. Giving the amino acid alanine or an excessively high-protein diet, either of which increases the need for vitamin B6, makes uremia poisoning markedly worse. W hen 200 milligrams of vitamin B6 were taken daily by deficient volunteers, the urea level quickly fell to normal; and the blood urea, which is particularly excessive during the toxemia of pregnancy, also dropped to normal after vitamin B6 was given. Such findings indicate that this vitamin should be increased immediately if uremia poisoning threatens.

Low-Salt Diets

Because sodium is usually held in the body during dropsy, ordinary table salt and foods containing baking soda are customarily restricted. Though low-salt diets are relatively unappetizing, foods may be well seasoned with herbs, condiments, and salt substitutes. If the diet can meet all the needs of stress and generous amounts of potassium are obtained from foods and/or supplements, salt restriction may be only temporary.

Deficiencies of salt, or of sodium and chlorine, have been produced in patients by too severe salt restriction; and weakness, muscle cramps, vomiting, and an elevated blood urea has resulted. Such symptoms should be watched for, especially during hot weather. Because a salt deficiency can be dangerous, no fewer than 500 milligrams of sodium should be obtained daily, and a low-salt diet should not be adhered to after dropsy has been corrected. Taking generous amounts of potassium--physicians sometimes give12 grams or more daily--causes salt to be excreted and often makes salt restriction unnecessary.

The Present State of Chaos

The famous urologist Dr. Thomas Addis described the dietary management of kidney diseases as being in an "extraordinary state of disorganization" and "chaos"; and many investigators have pointed out that diets used today for kidney diseases are 40 years behind research findings.

All experimentally produced kidney disease is corrected provided the nutrients needed for repair are amply supplied. The problem is that irreparable damage can be quickly done unless the diet is promptly improved. When the disease is allowed to become serious, so many nutrients are continuously lost through the damaged kidneys that dietary help becomes an uphill task.

Diet for Kidney Diseases

Because each case of Bright's disease varies during the course of the illness, a doctor must determine the amount of protein, salt, and fluid to be allowed daily. As with a diabetic diet, all nutritional improvements must be made within the framework of these allowances. He will emphasize that calories must be kept high at all times to prevent either food proteins or body proteins from being used for energy and the urea formation increased; and that six meals or more must be taken daily.

Despite years of controversy, authorities now agree that protein must be unusually high except when uremia poisoning threatens. It must be sufficient to replace all albumin lost in the urine and feces, and to rebuild tissues, meet the general body needs, and fulfill the demands of stress. Patients able to take 150 to 200 grams of protein daily recover much more rapidly, and kidney biopsies show greater healing than in others obtaining less protein. Persons in charge of feeding nephrotic patients should use the tables of food composition to count both the grams of protein and the calories obtained daily.

If sodium is restricted, ocean fish and proteins from animals which eat salt--meats, eggs, cheese, milk--may be limited. Low-sodium milk and cheeses are available. Tearily yeast is particularly low in sodium, and wheat germ, soybeans, soy flour, nuts, and salt-free nut butters are all excellent and contain far less sodium than animal products. If eggs are limited, use 2 yolks instead of 1 whole egg. When protein is drastically restricted, only egg yolks, liver, yeast. yogurt, milk, and cheese should be used, and incomplete vegetable proteins should be avoided. Pep-up can be prepared with low-salt milk or any fruit juice. Oils should be used for cooking and seasoning instead of solid fats. As long as meat is allowed, fresh and/or desiccated liver may be taken several times daily, especially when anemia is severe.

Supplements should be heavily relied upon to furnish all nutrients not obtained from food. The following amounts! have been given: daily to persons with kidney disease in the studies cited earlier: 3 to 6 tablespoons of lecithin and 1,000 milligrams of cholin, usually as 250 milligrams at each meal and before bed; 30 milligrams of vitamin B6 or more; 50,000 to 75,000 units of vitamin A; 300 to 600 units of vitamin E; and 5 to10 grams of potassium chloride. If little or no milk is allowed, 250 milligrams of calcium should be taken four to six times daily, preferably with magnesium and 10 milligrams of vitamin B2. I feel that the anti-stress formula should be taken around the clock; that the blood cholesterol be known and supplements given accordingly; and because digestion is usually below par, that hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes, and yogurt or acidophilus milk or culture be taken each time food is eaten. The more liquid the patient is asked to drink, the more carefully the diet must be planned and the larger the amounts of supplements used. When diuretics are given, the situation becomes one of hoping that enough nutrients can be retained in the body to rebuild kidney tissue.

The success of a nutrition program depends largely on how promptly dietary improvement is initiated. If an adequate diet is given from the moment the diagnosis is made, the usual attitude that kidney diseases are "not amenable to cure" appears to be unjustified. If given a chance, our bodies have an amazing ability to heal themselves.


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Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infection - By: Colin Vincent


The diagnosis of urinary tract infection depends on the characteristics clinical features and demonstration of more than 100,000/ml organisms in a mid-stream specimen of urine, or any organism in urine from a supra pubic aspiration in urinalysis.

Ideally, results of urine culture and sensitivities should be available before treatment, but if the patient is in discomfort treatment may be started while awaiting the result.

Potassium citrate mixture 10 ml three times daily in half glass of water alkalinizes the urine and relieves dysuria. Alternatively, a heating pad or a hot-water bottle may ease the pain.

Since infection is usually due to E. coli, initial use of antibiotics like trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 250 mg b.d (twice daily) or amoxicillin 250 mg t.d.s (three times a day) is rational. The antibiotic can be changed if a resistant organism is identified or the response is unsatisfactory. Alternatively, a class of drugs known as quinolones can be used to treat UTI. These include Ciprofloxacin 250-500mg 12 hourly for 1-3 days or Norfloxacin 400 mg 12 hourly for 1-3 days.

Symptomatic relief usually occurs within 48 hours. A 3-day course is adequate and is superior to single dose treatment.

If infection fails to settle on appropriate antibiotics or recurs rapidly after stopping antibiotics, further investigations must be done. Failure to respond to treatment suggests inappropriate antibiotics, failure to complete the full course of antibiotics, resistant organisms, underlying obstruction, calculus (stone), tumor, urinary retention or specific infection like TB.

Re infection with other organisms, or with the same organism after an interval, is not uncommon, particularly in sexually active women. Women with recurrent urinary infections must adopt some simple measures. These measures are mentioned below:
•Fluid intake of at least two liters/day
•Regular emptying of bladder (3 –hour intervals by day and before retiring)
•Ensure complete emptying of bladder
•Double micturition (urination) if reflux is present. (The patient should be advised, particularly before retiring for the night, to empty the bladder and then attempt to empty the bladder a second time approximately 10-15 minutes later)
•Emptying bladder before and after sexual intercourse
•Application of 0.5% cetrimide cream to periurethral area before intercourse

But it is recommended that sexual intercourse should be avoided when infected.

During treatment, one must not take anything that irritates bladder like coffee, alcohol and spicy foods. One must also try his/her best to quit smoking, as it is a well-documented fact that smoking is one of the major causes of bladder carcinoma (cancer).

Finally, it is said that regular drinking of cranberry juice may be helpful in preventing the recurrence of UTI in women. In fact, it is the conclusion of a study published in the British Medical Journal (June 29, 2001). Although cranberry juice does not directly kill the bacteria but it is said that it prevents the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder walls.

Since cranberry juice is readily available product, it might be helpful in reducing the need for antibiotics.


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Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection - By: Colin Vincent


Urinary tract infection is associated with multiplication of organisms in the urinary tract and is defined by the presence of more than a hundred thousand organisms per ml in mid stream sample of urine (MSU). UTI is common in women; in fact the majority of women will have a UTI some time during their life. UTI is usually uncommon in men except in elders.

Before we discuss the symptoms of urinary tract infections, it must be kept in mind that UTI can be further categorized into two categories, the upper urinary tract infection and the lower urinary tract infection. Symptoms vary according to these categories.

The lower urinary tract infection includes urethritis (inflammation and infection of urethra), cystitis (inflammation and infection of bladder) and prostatitis (inflammation and infection of prostate).

There is often an abrupt onset of frequency of micturition (urination) and dysuria (painful urination with burning sensation). Scalding pain is felt in the urethra during micturition. Cystitis may give rise to supra pubic pain in women and in case of men, sense of pressure or pain in rectum, during and after voiding.

After the bladder has been emptied, there may be an intense desire to pass more urine due to spasm of the inflamed bladder wall. Supra pubic tenderness is often present or may occur on examination PR (per rectum) or PV (per vagina).

Urine may have an unpleasant odor and appear cloudy (indicating pus in the urine).

Gross hematuria (blood in the urine) may occur.

The presence of pus cells in the urine (pyuria) is common, but not invariable.

Generalized symptoms like tiredness and weakness may accompany UTI, but fever is uncommon in lower urinary tract infection, but may be present if infection reaches to blood or kidneys.

Infants usually do not have characteristic symptoms as that of adults or elder children. They may have only fever and no other symptoms. But it must be kept in mind that UTI affects both male and female infants. Infants suffering from UTI are mostly irritable, with feeding problems accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. Since nature of symptoms is so non-specific, UTI is difficult to diagnose in infants.

Elderly people usually present with fever, altered mental status, low body temperature (hypothermia) along with poor appetite.

In case of upper urinary tract infection when kidney gets infected, the condition is known as pyelonephritis. This condition presents with moderately high fever, loin pain (usually about at waist level), dysuria, cloudy or bloodstained urine and rigors.

Another fact must not be ignored that sometimes the symptoms of UTI may resemble with those of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).


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Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection - By: Colin Vincent


Before we discuss the causes of urinary tract infection (UTI), we cannot ignore the significance of definition of UTI. Urinary tract infection (UTI) implies multiplication of organisms in the urinary tract, and is defined by the presence of more than 100,000 organisms per ml in a midstream sample of urine (MSU).

A very important fact must not be ignored at any cost that such infections are much more common in women, about one-third of whom have a UTI at some time. The prevalence of UTI in women is about 30% at the age of 20, increasing by about 1% in each subsequent decade. In males UTI is uncommon except in the first year of life and in men over 60, in whom a degree of urinary tract obstruction due to prostatic hypertrophy is common. UTI causes considerable morbidity, and in small minority of cases, renal damage and chronic renal failure.

Risk factors include pregnancy, urinary tract malformations, urinary tract obstruction, calculus or renal stones, prostatic obstruction, bladder diverticulum, spinal injury, trauma, urinary tract tumor, diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression as in case of AIDS.

Now we move on to the causes of urinary tract infection. UTI may be uncomplicated or complicated; the latter may result in permanent renal damage, the former rarely (if ever) do so. Uncomplicated infections are almost invariably due to single strain of organisms.

Outside hospitals, E. coli derived from fecal reservoir accounts for about 75% of infections, the remainder being due to Proteus, Pseudomonas species, streptococci or Staphylococcus epidermidis. In hospitals a greater proportion of infections are due to organisms such as Klebsiella or streptococci, but fecal E. coli still predominates. Certain strains of E. coli have a particular propensity to invade the urinary tract. They possess surface fimbriae, at the tips of which are lectin molecules, which bind to glycolipid or glycoprotein surface receptors on the urothelium.

The first stage in the development of UTI is colonization of the periurethral zone with pathogenic fecal organisms. The urothelium of susceptible persons may have more receptors to which virulent strains of E. coli become adherent. Colonization by the pathogenic bacteria may be facilitated by lack of personal hygiene, wearing of sanitary towels and local infections like vaginitis.

In women, the ascent of organisms into the bladder is facilitated by the short urethra and absence of bactericidal prostatic secretions, while the longer male urethra protects against transfer of bacteria to the bladder. It must be kept in mind that multiplication of bacteria occurs in bladder, from where they reach the ureters and kidneys easily, facilitated by vasicoureteric reflux and dilatation of hypo tonic ureters.

Sexual intercourse naturally causes minor urethral trauma and may transfer bacteria from the perineum into the bladder.

Instrumentation of the bladder may also introduce organisms.

Residual urine left after voiding interferes with mucosal defense mechanisms; thus patients with bladder outflow obstruction, gynecological abnormalities, pelvic floor weakness or neurological problems are susceptible to infection.

Injury to the mucosa and the presence of a foreign body in the bladder also depress vesical defense mechanisms.

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