How to check your kidneys and what tests. How to check your kidney function
The kidneys are a very important paired organ that is responsible for eliminating toxins.
Various diseases lead to disruption of the functioning of all body systems.
That is why any person should know how to check their kidneys, what tests need to be done and which doctor checks the kidneys.
Main symptoms
If a person has any problems with their kidneys, they will experience the following symptoms:
regular increase in blood (arterial) pressure; change in the color of urine, the appearance of impurities in it (including blood) and an unpleasant odor; constant urge to urinate (especially at night); decrease or increase in the volume of urine produced; pain when urinating; sharp or nagging pain in the lumbar region; swelling of the legs and face; constant thirst and decreased appetite; the appearance of shortness of breath.
If the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to undergo examination. With its help, the onset of disease development can be detected in a timely manner. Also, a prerequisite for examination may be taking medications that interfere with kidney function (Acyclovir, Biseptol, diuretics, etc.).
Pain in the lumbar region becomes more intense after hypothermia or with the development of a viral disease.
Who is at risk?
Those people who regularly drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, or take a large number of different medications should be concerned about the proper functioning of the kidneys.
Poor nutrition can also trigger the development of diseases. Kidney disease is often observed in people who are overweight and have diabetes.
Diagnostic methods at home
How to check your kidneys at home? Accurate diagnosis at home is not possible, but certain steps can help determine if you have any kidney disease. First, remember if pain in the lumbar region bothers you: sharp and acute pain is a symptom of renal colic, and aching pain indicates a chronic course of the disease.
Collect your morning urine in a clean container. It is preferable that it be white, but you can use transparent. Examine the urine carefully: there should be no foreign matter in it, the normal color is yellow. If you notice a change in the color of your urine or the presence of flakes, contact your doctor immediately! Brown or red colored urine is especially dangerous.
Another diagnostic method is to calculate the daily volume of urine excreted. To do this, urinate in one container for 24 hours, then measure the amount of its contents.
Normally, a person excretes about 2 liters of urine per day. If this number is greater, this indicates polyuria; if it is less, this indicates oliguria.
With anuria, the kidneys do not produce urine at all. If there are any deviations, consult a doctor immediately.
Another sign of kidney dysfunction is swelling on the face. They are easily identified by enlarged eyelids and a slightly swollen face. Swelling in kidney diseases forms very quickly, and the skin is pale. They can occur not only on the face, but also on other parts of the body.
Swelling is often accompanied by general malaise. If you notice such a symptom, consult a doctor!
What tests do you need to take to check your kidneys?
In order to recognize kidney disease and check its function, it is necessary to undergo examination in a clinic. First of all, the specialist will suggest taking urine and blood tests.
Analysis of urine
Every person should have their urine tested every six months. In the laboratory, urine is studied, the number of leukocytes and red blood cells is counted, color, transparency and acidity are determined. Experts also detect the presence of pathogenic impurities.
What urine test should I take to check my kidneys? In addition to the general analysis, there are two more types of urine tests that are used for kidney disease:
according to Nechiporenko - will identify pyelonephritis, cystitis and other inflammatory processes; for Bence Jones protein - it can be used to detect malignant neoplasms in the kidneys.
General blood analysis
Blood is taken in the laboratory from a vein and from a finger.
In the first case, the analysis will show the amount of creatinine and uric acid, in the second - the degree of inflammation (if any).
During the day before donating blood, it is prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages and medications.
Additional examinations
Based on the results of urine and blood tests, the patient may be prescribed additional examinations:
Ultrasonography. Using this method, a specialist evaluates the structure of the kidneys. Ultrasound is safe even for small children. X-ray. It allows you to identify various tumors in the kidneys. In some cases, the patient undergoes urography. To do this, a contrast agent is injected before the procedure. Scintigraphy. This method, unlike ultrasound, allows us to identify not only the size of organs, but also functional disorders.
All of these methods will give a complete picture of the condition of the subject’s kidneys.
Renal scintigraphy
The most common kidney diseases and their symptoms
There are many diseases that cause kidney problems, but some are particularly common.
Urolithiasis disease
The main symptom of this disease is renal colic. It is a consequence of the passage of a stone from the kidney into the ureter, which leads to disruption of the outflow of urine and injury to the walls of the urinary tract. Acute pain can spread to the entire pelvic area, and sometimes to the inner thigh.
A person suffering from renal colic cannot find a position in which the pain would subside. There is an admixture of blood in the urine, sometimes sand is noticeable.
Inflammation (cystitis, pyelonephritis)
The most common diseases accompanied by inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract are cystitis and pyelonephritis.
With these ailments, the patient experiences high fever, lethargy and decreased appetite.
The pain can be either aching or sharp. There is a feeling of heaviness in the lumbar region. Often cystitis and pyelonephritis are accompanied by frequent and painful urination.
Infections (glomerulonephritis)
Glomerulonephritis is an infectious disease. In the first stages of the disease, blood is noticeable in the urine, and as the disease progresses, anuria (cessation of urine production) may occur. With glomerulonephritis, the electrolyte balance is disturbed, extensive swelling develops, but there is no pain characteristic of renal diseases. The most serious complication is swelling of the brain and lungs.
Preventive measures
The kidneys are the natural filter of our body, so it is very important to take care of their condition and prevent the development of possible pathologies in advance.
To do this, it is enough to follow simple tips and recommendations, mainly related to your daily diet and lifestyle.
Here is a list of preventive measures that will help avoid the development of kidney diseases:
Limit the amount of foods in your diet that are high in protein, which can cause kidney stones. The protein norm per day for an adult is 0.7 grams per kg of weight. It is necessary to stop drinking alcoholic beverages. Eat more foods that are good for your kidneys: berries (lingonberries, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries), watermelon and melon, rose hips, fresh herbs, vegetables (cabbage, cucumbers, pumpkin, bell peppers), apples, fish (preferably sea). Maintain drinking regime. If you do not have chronic kidney disease, drink up to 1.5 liters of water per day, in hot weather, in case of dehydration (diarrhea and vomiting), and during intense exercise, this volume increases. Avoid any hypothermia, as it increases the load on the kidneys. Play sports (but don’t overexert yourself; dancing and yoga are good for preventing kidney disease). Temper yourself and strengthen your immune system. Watch your weight.
The kidneys are a fairly sensitive organ, so you should treat them with special attention. If you notice any symptoms that indicate the development of kidney disease, be sure to consult a doctor. Remember that the disease is easier to treat at the initial stage.
Sometimes the presence of pathologies of the urinary system can be suspected independently. If you see white flakes in your urine, you need to see a doctor for a diagnosis. White flakes in urine - causes and treatment. Could this phenomenon be normal?
Why your kidneys hurt during pregnancy and what can be done as treatment, you will find out by following this link.
Video on the topic
Indications for kidney examination
Regardless of the type and type of future examination, it is necessary to carry out serious preparatory work. The kidneys are a powerful filter of the body, taking the brunt of the impact, so their health must be taken care of especially carefully. All studies are painless and do not cause any discomfort to the patient, so they should not be postponed. Such tests must be carried out for the following indications:
1Elevated blood pressure, which remains at 139/89 mmHg. Problems associated with the functioning of the cardiovascular system should not be confused with pathologies in the development of the kidneys. Only a full analysis carried out in a medical institution will make it possible to distinguish between these two pathologies. 2 Frequent nighttime urges to go to the toilet, which cannot be fully satisfied. 3 Significant reduction in the amount of urine excreted - you should also be very careful with this indicator. In some cases, we are not talking about serious kidney problems, but about metabolic disorders. 4Discomfort and pain in the lumbar region, which many mistake for gout, salt deposits, etc. 5 Increased body temperature. 6Heaviness in the lower abdomen and back, which is not entirely correct to attribute solely to problems with the gastrointestinal tract. 7Pain when urinating. 8Changes in the color or smell of urine - this indicator should very much alert a person. Here we can talk not only about kidney problems, but also about the risk of developing cancer. 9 Blood clots in the urine. 10Decreased hemoglobin levels. 
Each of these reasons must be considered exclusively comprehensively, so you should not even try to make a diagnosis yourself at home, while prescribing treatment for yourself. Some kidney pathologies are latent in nature, and their symptoms can be deceptive. In this regard, the resolution of such issues must be entrusted to doctors.
Methods for diagnosing pathologies
Any kidney examination begins with urine and blood tests. After reviewing the composition of urine, the doctor will make a conclusion about the state of health based on the following indicators:
the number of leukocytes, indicating the presence or absence of an inflammatory process in the body; epithelium; presence of glucose; slime; pathogenic bacteria of various etiologies; salt; additional impurities that can significantly narrow the radius of searching for the cause of the ailment; red blood cells; average weight; presence of cylinders; presence of protein.
For preventive purposes, a general urine test must be taken by healthy people at least once every 6 months. Those who have risk factors need to visit a medical facility even more often to take not only a urine test, but also a Rehberg test, which has certain indications. The local therapist and nephrologist will tell you what tests need to be taken.
A common means of identifying various kidney problems are diagnostic techniques, divided into several types:
1Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the kidneys is used in the initial diagnosis, as well as to assess the actual condition of the kidney tissue. The doctor has the opportunity to assess the dynamics and quality of the patient’s urinary tract. The frequency of ultrasound appointments ranges from 12 to 14 months. Children need to undergo it once every 8 months. 2X-ray examination serves to obtain an objective visual representation of the functioning of the kidneys. For this purpose, an X-ray tube is used in medicine. In some cases, the doctor needs to introduce a special contrast to highlight the required area. Carrying out such an examination is indicated no more than once a year. 3Computed tomography of the kidneys is a more informative method that makes it possible to conduct a more targeted examination. The use of this remedy is possible only if there are appropriate indications. 4Radionuclide scintigraphy involves the injection of a small dose of a radioactive substance. It is carried out only if there are necessary indications. 5Magnetic resonance imaging is based on the use of a special magnet, which helps to select the required area for examination.
An integrated approach to research
Despite a fairly wide selection of diagnostic tools, none of them can be considered completely reliable. A qualified doctor will always resort to several ways to confirm or refute the guess made, for example, the patient may be asked to donate blood to check the kidneys. In some cases, you need to undergo a number of other tests, each of which will narrow the range of causes of the ailment.
Do not think that a nephrologist is an unqualified doctor who forces patients to take the same tests a large number of times.
Numerous kidney problems cannot be accurately determined by just one test.
That is why various methods are used that make it possible to look at the clinical picture of the disease from different angles.
Untimely treatment is no less dangerous than incorrect treatment, so excessive haste here is simply unacceptable and can be fraught with consequences. When talking about diagnosing kidney problems, it is necessary to highlight one important fact. Reasonable prevention is the key to a healthy life. As many may think, various abnormalities in the functioning of this organ are immediately noticeable and are associated with severe pain, but this is not entirely true.
In many cases, we may be talking about a latent problem that can get worse over a long period of time. It will seem to a person that here we are talking about a mild malaise, a slight cold or overwork. Subsequently, the aching pain will increasingly remind itself, telling the person about the need to visit a doctor. Official medical statistics show that early diagnosis of problems of the urinary system allows them to be completely eliminated in 2-4 weeks.
The emphasis will be on homeopathic remedies and traditional medicines, selected taking into account the specific cause of the disease, the patient's health status, immune system characteristics, etc. If the patient does not know how to check the kidneys and seeks help at a later stage, then there is a high probability spreading the disease further. In this case, the entire course of treatment can last for several months or even years.
The body has an important organ that cleanses the blood and removes harmful substances. These organs are the kidneys. Problems with this organ cause damage to the entire body. Therefore, you need to know how to check your kidneys, choose a specialist to contact and a list of necessary tests.
Main indicators of impaired kidney function
If a person notices any of the following symptoms, they should immediately contact a medical specialist:
- blood pressure constantly rises;
- during the process of urination, the patient catches, often appears in the urine itself;
- frequent urge to empty the bladder. The highest frequency occurs at night;
- the amount of urine changes noticeably up or down;
- pain is felt when emptying the bladder;
- sharp or nagging pain is regularly observed in the lower back;
- if you have kidney problems, you notice a swollen state of the face and legs;
- appetite decreases and is accompanied by unquenchable thirst;
- shortness of breath is recorded.
If, upon detection of these indicators, one immediately undergoes a medical examination, the patient will be able to prevent the development of many diseases, and their early detection will contribute to an easy cure.
But there is another reason to consult with doctors in advance - taking medications that affect kidney function.
Risk group – who needs to monitor their kidney function
If a person often drinks alcoholic beverages, smokes, or is forced to take many pharmacological drugs, he needs to closely monitor the health of his filtering organ.
The appearance of pathologies in the kidneys is often caused by poor diet, excess weight or diabetes.
Kidney check at home
Home conditions will not allow you to accurately diagnose kidney problems, but there are certain ways to check for the presence of diseases in the kidneys. Initially, you need to remember whether the person had a sign of renal colic or aching pain (protracted illness).
The first method involves collecting morning urine in a transparent or white container. Then it needs to be carefully examined - there should be nothing foreign in the urine and it will be. If the color changes, you should immediately go to see your doctor. – the highest level of danger.
The second method is based on counting the volume of urine excreted each day. The change is very simple - you should empty your bladder into one container throughout the day. At the end you need to determine the quantity.
The normal volume of urine is two liters. With a noticeable deviation from this figure, upward is observed, and downward, .
Urine check
In fact, all people are required to undergo a urine test every six months. Laboratory workers count and find out a lot of related characteristics. Urine is also checked for harmful impurities.
To diagnose kidney disease, there is not only:
- – used to determine inflammation processes;
- Bence-Jones protein analysis - detects malignant tumors or other formations.
General blood analysis
To take a blood test, you will need blood from a finger and a vein.
Finger blood reflects the concentration of creatinine and the appearance of uric acid, and venous blood will determine the presence and level of inflammation.
What are the requirements for this analysis? The day before the test, you need to completely stop drinking alcoholic beverages and pharmacological agents.
You also need to reduce physical activity and you should not eat immediately before donating blood.
What other tests can there be?
What tests should be taken if the results obtained are not enough? In this case, the specialist will refer you for additional research:
- – Ultrasound examination shows structural changes in the kidneys, if any. Absolutely safe even for children.
- X-ray - reveals a variety of renal formations. Sometimes it is required, which is initially accompanied by the introduction of contrast.
- – in comparison with ultrasound, reveals more parameters. In particular, it determines the size and dysfunction of internal organs.
Common kidney diseases and their symptoms
The kidneys have an extensive list of various pathologies. A small part of pathologies occurs constantly.
Urolithiasis disease
The most important sign of the disease is considered. They appear due to the fact that the stone passes from the kidneys into the ureter, thereby injuring its walls and disrupting the normal flow of urine. The pain covers the entire pelvic area, and in some cases reaches the inner thighs.
With renal colic, the pain never goes away. Blood particles are noticeable in urine, in rare cases -.
Inflammatory processes
Cystitis and pyelonephritis are common kidney pathologies that are accompanied by inflammatory processes in the kidneys or ureter.
With such diseases, elevated temperature, decreased appetite and noticeable lethargy are recorded. The lumbar region constantly feels heavier. Acute or aching pain syndromes occur.
There is a constant urge to urinate, accompanied by pain. In this case, a kidney examination is required immediately; this will help maintain the health of the organs and the kidney tissue itself.
To check the kidneys, all existing methods are used, this gives an accurate result. Therefore, every person must know what tests to take to check their kidney.
World Kidney Day is celebrated today in 154 countries around the world. Kidney diseases are especially concerning in our country, where both doctors and patients still know very little about them. We have found answers to 5 pressing questions about kidney health and invite everyone to evaluate: what is the risk of the disease for yourself and your loved ones.
What do the kidneys do, how do they work?
The kidneys are a paired organ, the main filter of our body. The entire volume of a person's blood passes through his kidneys in 5 minutes. During the day, the kidneys pass through themselves and cleanse 200 liters of blood from the body’s waste products, removing excess water and harmful substances from the human body. Entering the kidneys, blood passes through 2 million nephrons (filters) and 160 km of blood vessels.
The kidneys maintain the constancy of the internal environment of the body, regulate water-salt metabolism, blood pressure, phosphorus-calcium metabolism, the formation of red blood cells, excretory, endocrine and other functions. Each human kidney weighs 120-200 g, its length is 10-12 cm, its width is 6 cm and its thickness is 3 cm. In size, a kidney resembles a computer mouse. The kidneys can cope with blood purification until they lose 80-85% of their function.
Who treats kidney disease? How common are they?
Kidney diseases are under the care of nephrologists. However, these specialized specialists (there are less than 2,000 of them in Russia) only see patients with classic nephrological diagnoses - nephritis and pyelonephritis (inflammatory kidney diseases), and urolithiasis. At the same time, the most dangerous condition today is chronic kidney disease (CKD), which consists of irreversible impairment of kidney function. In the later stages of CKD, a person’s life without renal replacement therapy (dialysis or kidney transplantation) is almost impossible.
Chronic kidney disease of varying severity affects every tenth adult in the world. The World Health Organization is preparing to include CKD in the list of “killer diseases” of humanity - after cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and bad habits. In Russia, the number of people suffering from CKD is estimated at approximately 15 million people. The problem is that in our country there are still no separate statistics on this disease, because... it often occurs secondary to diabetes mellitus and heart and vascular diseases (hypertension and atherosclerosis).
Who is at risk of developing chronic kidney disease?
It is generally accepted that CKD is a disease of older people, developing after 50 years, when the body gradually wears out. However, in Russia the main group of patients is people from 30 to 40 years old. Experts name the following risk factors:
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- uncontrolled use of medications, especially painkillers, as well as various nutritional supplements;
- food with excess animal proteins and fats, salt - especially fast food, street food and processed foods, as well as various carbonated drinks;
- overweight, metabolic disorders, diabetes.
You don’t have to be an expert to understand: the kidneys are a complex filter that was formed over the course of evolution. A hundred years ago, the toxins that the kidneys had to deal with were the result of humans eating primarily plant foods. Medicines were still rare in those days.
Yes, often a heavy drinker could suffer what was then called an apoplexy - a stroke. It is possible that this outcome was caused by a violation of the filtering function of the kidneys, due to which salts were deposited on the walls of the vessels and their lumen critically narrowed. Today this mechanism is well studied: it is known that impaired kidney function increases the risk of stroke and heart attack by 25-30 times.
The kidneys of a modern person cannot withstand all the stress that civilization brings with it. All that remains is to think about your diet and lifestyle in general - whether it leads directly to disability. Experts believe that the first measures to prevent CKD are giving up bad habits, reducing calorie intake, losing excess weight, if any, as well as regular blood and urine tests.
How can chronic kidney disease be diagnosed?
At the initial stage, kidney damage is asymptomatic. However, disorders in the functioning of the kidneys are well identified with the help of simple tests and studies. This:
- general ;
- biochemical blood test to determine the level of creatinine (this is the name of one of the end products of protein metabolism in the body, which must be excreted through the kidneys; its level is used to judge the excretory function of the kidneys);
- Ultrasound of the kidneys;
- test for microalbuminuria (protein in urine). Normally, the protein remains in the body and does not pass into the urine. The presence of protein (albumin) in the urine may indicate impaired renal function. Those suffering from diabetes and hypertension should have this test done at least once a year for timely diagnosis of chronic kidney disease at an early stage.
At the time of the initial visit to a nephrologist, more than half of patients already have late stages of CKD, when treatment is impossible and only dialysis or transplantation remains. However, these people, as a rule, already suffering from diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases, could have been helped by their attending physician - an endocrinologist, cardiologist or therapist, if he had ordered blood and urine tests in a timely manner, correctly interpreted their results and recommended supportive treatment. At this stage of the disease, nephroprotection methods are successfully used in the world today - a set of therapeutic and preventive measures that make it possible to “slow down” the development of CKD.
Unfortunately, 60-70% of patients with CKD in Russia learn about their diagnosis in intensive care, where they are admitted with acute renal failure, hypertensive crisis, heart attack, or. At this point, as a rule, there is only one way out - renal replacement therapy.
Simple tests completed on time not only save and prolong the lives of many people, but also provide a huge economic benefit. A biochemical blood test costs the clinic only 100 rubles, and a hemodialysis session costs from 6,000 to 10,000 rubles. The cost of conducting 156 sessions per year (3 times a week for 4 hours) is more than 750,000 rubles. per patient, taking into account drug provision - up to 1.5 million rubles. in year.
What is renal replacement therapy?
These are treatments that replace kidney function: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation. With hemodialysis (this is the most common procedure for those receiving renal replacement therapy in Russia), blood purification occurs through an artificial membrane using an “artificial kidney” device. The procedure is carried out only in a medical institution under the supervision of doctors; its regularity and duration are very important. Peritoneal dialysis involves purifying the blood by changing special solutions in the patient's abdominal cavity and can be done independently at home.
Unfortunately, today, due to the lack of dialysis beds in our country, hemodialysis is available to only half of the patients who need it. In the European Union, the dialysis rate is 600 people per 1 million population, in the USA - 1,400 people per 1 million population, and in Russia - 140 people (in Moscow and St. Petersburg - about 200) per 1 million population.
At the same time, dialysis centers are unevenly located in Russia, and not every patient can independently reach them. The average age of patients on replacement therapy in our country is 47 years, in developed countries it is 15 years older. Many older compatriots simply do not live to see dialysis.
Kidney transplantation is a radical method of treating CKD; it returns a person to a full life and is more economically feasible. However, there are more age-related and medical contraindications for transplantation than for the dialysis procedure. More than 1,000 kidney transplants are performed per year in Russia, and 10 times more in the United States.
Discussion
Kidneys are serious. As much as I am knowledgeable in many issues, only when it comes to kidneys, I gave up - there are so many nuances. I sometimes go to this site, it is completely dedicated to pyelonephritis, methods of prevention, treatment of symptoms-pyelonephritis.rf [link-1]. It really helps to understand our problem a little bit at a time.
Comment on the article "5 questions about kidney disease: who is at risk and what tests to take"
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Externally and even in color, the buds are most similar to two large beans, each of which can weigh up to 200 g. However, in terms of their internal structure, these beans consist of complex filters.
If you have a water filter at home, then you know that it filters out all sorts of harmful substances and the output is clean water suitable for drinking.
So the kidneys are essentially the same filter, only it works in reverse: it lets through and removes all sorts of harmful substances, and returns most of the liquid back to the body. And the kidneys filter not water, but blood. More precisely, the liquid part of the blood is plasma.
Filtration takes place in two stages:
1. The formation of primary urine - the one that none of us sees.
Blood flowing through a tangle of capillaries loses a certain amount of liquid part (plasma). The plasma passes through the kidney filter (it only excludes blood cells and proteins important for the body). But water, sugar (glucose), salts and urea, ammonia and other nitrogenous substances that are toxic to the body leak out. This urine produces 120-170 liters per day.
2. Formation of secondary (or, more simply, ordinary) urine.
It is obtained from primary urine much less - 1.5-2 liters per day. Secondary urine flows through special tubules in which water, sugar and some other substances are reabsorbed and some salts and other toxins are released. These tubules, which have a complex shape, open into the renal pelvis, and from them urine, without retention, enters the ureters.
The main, but not the only task of the kidneys is to remove harmful substances from the body, primarily nitrogenous ones. They are formed as a result of the breakdown of proteins.
What else do the kidneys do?
- Maintains the correct ratio of acidic and alkaline substances in the body.
- Participate in hematopoiesis: the kidneys synthesize erythropoietin, which stimulates the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry oxygen (which is why artificial erythropoietin is used as a doping).
- They synthesize calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body (the density of teeth and bone tissue depends on this).
- Regulate blood pressure - secrete substances that increase and decrease blood pressure. Therefore, hypertension occurs in a number of kidney diseases.
How do the kidneys talk about their illnesses?
“The kidneys are a very patient and modest organ; they don’t like to complain about their well-being,” says Konstantin Spakhov, candidate of medical sciences, doctor at one of the Moscow clinics. — If the stomach, heart, brain and many other organs signal their problems with pain, the respiratory system with a cough, the digestive system with a variety of symptoms, then the kidneys most often suffer silently.
But still, some signs will help you suspect that something is wrong with them:
Edema
They do not appear in the evening (like heart problems), but in the morning: a person wakes up - they are already there. Swelling of the eyelids and under the eyes is typical. They can come on quickly and go away quickly. Sometimes accompanied by pale skin.
Pain
The kidneys themselves do not hurt. The stretched capsule surrounding the kidneys may respond to pain in the lumbar region. This happens when they are severely inflamed or have a heart attack.
There are also so-called renal colics. But their source is not the kidneys themselves, but the ureter through which the stone moves.
The pain usually occurs on one side, occurs suddenly, continues in attacks, is very severe, and often radiates along the ureter. Mandatory medical supervision and treatment are required.
Sand in urine
Sign. The stones are located in the so-called pelvis - these are cavities (the tubules through which urine flows open in them), which continue into the ureters. For diagnosis, an ultrasound (ultrasound) examination of the kidneys is first necessary.
Increased pressure
High blood pressure for no apparent reason - you need to think about disease of the kidneys or the vessels that supply them with blood.
Blood pressure increases primarily due to glomerulonephritis (colloquially they are simply called nephritis) or secondary kidney damage due to various diseases (systemic diseases, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis).
Changes in urine color
The color of urine from pink to reddish indicates an admixture of blood; this happens with a variety of diseases - from kidney stones to injuries and tumors. But before you panic when you see pinkish urine, try to remember if you ate beets before - they can give color.
Problems with urination
More often than with the kidneys, they are associated with the urinary tract. If there is a lot of urine and the urge is frequent, then you need to think about diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, which is much less common.
When there is little urine, on the contrary, kidney failure is possible.
It usually occurs after a long period of chronic kidney disease.
If it occurs acutely, then this is most likely poisoning - with surrogate alcohol, sublimate, bismuth, and a food infection caused by a special E. coli (the so-called serotype O157:H7) is also possible.
Pain, pain and other troubles when urinating are typical not for kidney damage, but for cystitis and urethritis (inflammation of the bladder and urethra, respectively).
Kidney tests refer to a number of tests that are aimed at checking the functioning of the kidneys. When performing kidney tests, blood biochemistry is taken into account. If the organ is damaged, then it is not able to perform its cleaning functions, and the content of toxins in the blood increases.
The test is taken for a comprehensive diagnosis of the disease, often together with the liver disease.
This test can be prescribed when it is necessary to determine the creatinine level, urea and acid content in the urine. An increased norm confirms that there are deviations, because these organs with dysfunction cannot remove the listed elements from a person in the required quantity. Blood biochemistry helps assess the level of normal kidney function. The identified violations confirm that the body is suffering from a chronic disease.
Type of kidney tests
It should be noted that this type of test is not the final result. After conducting a profile study, the specialist begins to calculate functional samples. They show much more accurately the performance of the organs that excrete urine. To calculate the level of substances in the blood, it is necessary not only to know their main indicators, but also to take into account some parameters:
- gender of the patient;
- body weight;
- age category.
As a result, more clear results can be obtained for a specific person based on his individual indicators and all his deviations can be identified.
Indications for the study
Any patient is referred for such an examination, since kidney diseases are considered quite common. The main goal is to detect the problem in order to begin timely treatment. It is necessary to clarify under what circumstances kidney tests may be prescribed:
Signs of kidney dysfunction are:
The patient’s general well-being deteriorates, the level of performance of the body decreases, which is exhausted not only physically, but also morally.
But even in the case of the simultaneous presence of all signs, it is prohibited to establish a diagnosis and begin independent treatment - you should consult a specialist. After deciphering the kidney profile, it is allowed to take the necessary measures.
Do I need to prepare for the study?
Each analysis requires at least some preparation, otherwise the indicators will be distorted or completely inaccurate. It must be remembered that blood will be tested. Before a kidney test, a certain list of measures should be followed:
After delivery, the analysis is processed within 24 hours, its results can be clarified with the attending physician. They perform diagnostics and determine your next steps, which will be aimed at adhering to the therapeutic course. How to collect urine
What does the analysis show?
From the analysis readings, the levels of certain substances are established, then the doctor studies the patient’s indicators and compiles a transcript:
Decoding the results
Blood biochemistry will give a set of results that can be presented in the range of normal values. When the results of the analysis are deciphered, it includes reference values for the age parameters of the patients.
Norm of indicators
For the convenience of displaying the average range of optimal sample values, quantitative values of the international level have been established - micromoles per liter, in an abbreviated version represented by the designation µmol/l. The normal urea value for men is from 2.8 to 8.1, creatinine should be 44 - 110, uric acid - 210 - 420.
For female patients and children, these values are slightly different. Their values are presented in the table:
| Indicator name | Women | Children under fifteen years of age | Children under one year old | Babies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| urea | 2 – 6.5 | 1.8 – 5.1 | 1.4 – 5.4 | 1.8 – 5.1 |
| creatinine | 44 — 104 | 27 — 88 | 21 — 55 | 12 — 48 |
| uric acid | 140 — 350 | 140 — 340 | 120 — 340 | 143 — 340 |
Deviations from the norm
The levels of deviation values make it possible to select the necessary therapeutic course. If the ability of the kidneys to remove processed substances from the body is impaired, the level of urine metabolites deviates from the normal level. Substances pass into the blood and accumulate there. An increase or decrease in the level of substances confirms that certain pathologies are developing in the body:
Renal function marker Cystatin C
A relatively young indicator, but very sensitive. It can increase in the body even before creatinine deviations. It has a great advantage - it is used in patients with liver diseases. In this case, cells capable of synthesizing creatinine die. The marker is used for elderly people with multiple organ failure.
Details about kidney tests
Let's take a closer look at violations of analysis indicators:
- Creatinine. The value is relatively stable. In patients suffering from kidney disease, the level of this element indicates the volume and activity of the muscles as a whole. Increased creatine levels in the blood. Indicates chronic renal failure, glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, arterial stenosis, diabetes, arterial hypertension, use of medications that can destroy the kidneys. Speaks of acute kidney failure - a state of shock from blood loss, rapid dehydration. This happens from gigantism and acromegaly, significant damage to muscle tissue. An increase in the indicator can occur from a large amount of meat consumed and significant physical activity. a decrease in the level of creatinine in the blood is confirmed by kidney failure, decreased muscle mass, increased blood flow through the kidneys, pregnancy.
- Urea. It may increase from following a meat diet and at the initial stage of fasting, with chronic kidney failure, in some conditions that contribute to an increase in creatinine. But urea confirms not the severity of the process, but its duration.
- Uric acid. It grows during gout, chronic kidney disease, fasting, and alcoholism. Deviations in indicators can be detected after taking certain medications.
Possibility of complications
Due to deviations in the values of elements in the blood, either up or down, various kidney diseases can develop. This is how the level of normal condition of the organs of the human body is revealed. In this case, the age categories of patients are taken into account.
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Indications for research
All types of tests are carried out to determine the correct diagnosis. First of all, diagnosis is needed for people who abuse alcohol, tobacco and uncontrollably take medications. Patients who are overweight or have diabetes should be concerned about the functioning of their organs. People who exhibit symptoms characteristic of the development of pathology should undergo a kidney examination. Therefore, tests will help determine the cause of the disease. A diseased kidney indicates problems with the following symptoms:
- regular surges in blood pressure;
- frequent urge to go to the toilet;
- an increase or decrease in the amount of urine the body produces;
- renal spasm that occurs in the lumbar region;
- change in the color of urine, the appearance of blood impurities and a strong odor;
- dyspnea;
- pain during urination;
- thirst and lack of appetite;
- headache.
The main symptom of the disease is swelling, which is localized on the face and legs. If symptoms are detected, you need to take blood and urine tests, and undergo an instrumental kidney examination.
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What tests to take for kidney disease: types
With the help of a general examination of urine, severe kidney diseases can be identified. Checking the chemical characteristics of urine, examining it under a microscope for pathological impurities - the OAM method. Urine tests can determine the number of good blood cells, white blood cells, as well as the color, acidity and transparency of biological fluid. This type of examination also identifies pathogenic contaminants. A general urine test is done to diagnose pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, urolithiasis and urethritis. Using this method, the following indicators are checked in patients:
- amylase;
- glucose;
- creatinine;
- uric acid;
- urea;
- microalbumin.
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General blood analysis
Tests can detect abnormalities in liver and kidney disease. The studies are effective in identifying disorders in the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems. Blood tests are also performed to diagnose kidney disease. Nitrogenous compounds of metabolism are excreted by paired organs. A fairly high level indicates that the kidneys are not coping with their work, and the doctor diagnoses failure. Blood counts or special tests help him with this. Biochemistry for kidney diseases carefully examines the composition of the components to determine the degree of chronic, inflammatory processes and pathologies in the kidneys.
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Renal and functional tests, their indicators
Creatinine level
Creatinine levels are low in people who eat more plant foods. The component is considered the end product of protein metabolism. Creatinine is a nitrogen substance that is not affected by physical or psychological stress or food. With a good lifestyle, the level of the substance in the blood is constant and varies depending on muscle mass. Deviations may indicate disturbances in metabolic processes or excessive use of medications. Low levels of the substance in the river indicate the consumption of only plant foods, and are typical for people with a lack of muscle mass. The following factors provoke an upward change in results:
- unbalanced diet;
- diets;
- bleeding;
- dehydration.
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Urea quantity
It is recommended to examine the fluid level not only for diagnostic purposes, but also to study the condition of the kidneys and the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy. Urea is a protein breakdown product that is generated by the liver. Jumps can be caused by various factors, including diet, bleeding and impaired filtration function of the kidneys.
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Uric acid
The results of the analysis indicate a weakening of the functioning of paired organs. Elevated levels of uric acid are fraught with crystallization of sodium urates, which is why the kidneys hurt. By determining the level, it is possible to identify nephropathy and urolithiasis. For severe pain, therapeutic procedures are aimed at reducing spasms and eliminating the cause of the increase in acid.
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Functional tests
Rehberg tests are used to determine functional abnormalities of the kidneys. Patients undergo tests to show their kidney function. Doctors recommend taking Reberg-Tareev samples, conducting a Zimnitsky study and testing for antibodies to the basal layer of glomerular membranes. Tests are carried out to monitor the functions of paired organs, and can identify acute forms of pyelonephritis, progressive glomerulonephritis and renal failure.
Tests show the functional capacity of diseased kidneys, due to which therapy for the urinary system is prescribed.
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Additional Research
Laboratory diagnosis alone is not enough. Based on the test results, the doctor prescribes additional instrumental studies. This is a good way to accurately determine the disease. The most common methods include ultrasound, x-ray and scintigraphy. Additional studies help to conduct a check to study the structure of the diseased kidney, various neoplasms and functional problems.
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Who needs to have their organs checked?
It is especially important to undergo examination for people engaged in active physical activity.
Everyone without exception! And it is better if kidney disease is diagnosed at a young age, for example, to check for the presence of congenital pathologies. Modern doctors know this very well, which is why babies in maternity hospitals undergo an ultrasound scan during the first month of life. But still, who is in a special “risk group”? These are patients with the following factors:
Advice! It is especially important to undergo examination for people engaged in active physical activity. Lifting weights provokes many kidney diseases, so preventing the disease will not be superfluous
Modern methods for diagnosing kidney diseases
The list of modern diagnostic methods is extensive; we’ll try to tell you everything about how to check your kidneys. Doctors classify all options as follows:
Physical
This group includes an initial examination of the patient, collection of anamnesis, complaints and possible causes of the disease
This group includes an initial examination of the patient, collection of anamnesis, complaints and possible causes of the disease. The doctor will ask in detail about diet, lifestyle, the presence of pathologies in the family, and ask other questions that need to be answered as thoroughly and accurately as possible. Questions do not arise out of curiosity: often renal pathologies arise against the background of unfavorable circumstances and are only an accompanying disease occurring against the background of the main one, which should be identified.
Visual inspection is the second stage, which involves palpation of the lumbar region. Sometimes palpation is enough for an experienced professional to already know a preliminary diagnosis and write a referral for tests to confirm or refute his assumptions.
Advice! Many organ pathologies in the last stages of development have obvious and vivid symptoms. An initial examination is enough for the doctor to immediately refer the patient for treatment to a specialist
Laboratory
These diagnostic methods involve examining liquids or substances under a microscope, identifying pathological changes in the composition of elements
These diagnostic methods involve examining liquids or substances under a microscope, identifying pathological changes in the composition of elements. As a rule, this includes blood tests for kidney and urine diseases. Urine tests may have different purposes, but the first is a general analysis. Here are the tests you need to take if there is pathology:
Important! The doctor himself will tell you what tests to take to check your kidneys. Most likely, you will need to stay in the hospital for several days, there is no need to refuse - detection of pathology in the primary classical urine sample requires accurate identification of the causes
Blood samples are also taken for kidney disease. Blood biochemistry is mandatory, determining the level of components and deviations from the norm, and a general analysis.
Instrumental
Perhaps this is the most extensive list of options, which helps to examine the kidneys literally “from all sides”
Perhaps this is the most extensive list of options, which helps to examine the kidneys literally “from all sides.” Instrumental examinations are classified as follows:
- plain radiography of the abdominal area;
- infusion urography;
- excretory urography;
- retrograde pyelography;
- angiographic examination of arteries;
- CT or computed tomography.
- scanning;
- scintigraphy;
- radiography.
- cytoscopy;
- Chromocytoscopy.
A huge list does not mean that you need to take all the tests to identify pathologies of kidney function. Tests, as a rule, are paid for; starting self-medication and self-diagnosis will be incorrect and costly, so you should first get a referral from a doctor; only a specialist will be able to determine which tests will have to be taken to clarify the diagnosis.
Advice! Absolutely all methods differ in their characteristics and final picture. If a doctor prescribes CT and MRI, this does not mean that he is “taking money.” CT shows a more blurred overall picture, but clarifies all the small details, and MRI will give clear localization and dynamics of development in general terms. Sometimes, if there are formations, the specialist sends for an x-ray of the lungs, which, according to the patient, are very far from the kidneys. However, this analysis is required to clarify the presence of metastases
Ultrasound is one of the most frequently prescribed studies of renal pathologies.
Now let’s tell you a little more about some instrumental studies:
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Main indicators of impaired kidney function
If a person notices any of the following symptoms, they should immediately contact a medical specialist:
- blood pressure constantly rises;
- during urination, the patient notices an unpleasant odor, and blood often appears in the urine itself;
- frequent urge to empty the bladder. The highest frequency occurs at night;
- the amount of urine changes noticeably up or down;
- pain is felt when emptying the bladder;
- sharp or nagging pain is regularly observed in the lower back;
- if you have kidney problems, you notice a swollen state of the face and legs;
- appetite decreases and is accompanied by unquenchable thirst;
- shortness of breath is recorded.
If, upon detection of these indicators, one immediately undergoes a medical examination, the patient will be able to prevent the development of many diseases, and their early detection will contribute to an easy cure.
But there is another reason to consult with doctors in advance - taking medications that affect kidney function.
Risk group - who needs to monitor their kidney function
If a person often drinks alcoholic beverages, smokes, or is forced to take many pharmacological drugs, he needs to closely monitor the health of his filtering organ.
The appearance of pathologies in the kidneys is often caused by poor diet, excess weight or diabetes.
Kidney check at home
Home conditions will not allow you to accurately diagnose kidney problems, but there are certain ways to check for the presence of diseases in the kidneys. Initially, you need to remember whether the person had acute pain - a sign of renal colic or aching pain (protracted illness).
The first method involves collecting morning urine in a transparent or white container. Then you need to carefully examine it - there should be nothing foreign in the urine and it will be yellow. If the color changes, you should immediately go to see your doctor. Red or brown urine is the highest level of danger.
The second method is based on counting the volume of urine excreted each day. The change is very simple - you should empty your bladder into one container throughout the day. At the end you need to determine the quantity.
The normal volume of urine is two liters. With a noticeable deviation from this figure, polyuria is observed, and to a lesser extent, oliguria.
If a person has anuria, his kidneys do not produce urine at all. Any change in volume should require an early visit to the doctor.
Facial swelling is an additional symptom of impaired kidney function. A swollen face and enlarged eyelids are defined as edema. This symptom quickly manifests itself in any disease and is accompanied by pale skin. Sometimes it appears in other areas of the body.
Tests for verification
What tests do you need to take to check your kidneys? Correct diagnosis involves undergoing a medical examination of the kidneys. The very first tests will be urine and blood tests.
Urine check
In fact, all people are required to undergo a urine test every six months. Laboratory workers count red and white blood cells and find out a lot of related characteristics. Urine is also checked for harmful impurities.
To diagnose kidney disease, there is not only a general urine test:
- Nechiporenko method - used to determine inflammation processes;
- Bence-Jones protein analysis - detects malignant tumors or other formations.
General blood analysis
To take a blood test for kidney disease, you will need blood from a finger and a vein.
Finger blood reflects the concentration of creatinine and the appearance of uric acid, and venous blood will determine the presence and level of inflammation.
What are the requirements for this analysis? The day before the test, you need to completely stop drinking alcoholic beverages and pharmacological agents.
You also need to reduce physical activity and you should not eat immediately before donating blood.
What other tests can be done?
What tests should be taken if the results obtained are not enough? In this case, the specialist will refer you for additional research:
- Ultrasound – Ultrasound examination shows structural changes in the kidneys, if any. Absolutely safe even for children.
- X-ray - reveals a variety of renal formations. Sometimes urography is required, which is initially accompanied by the administration of contrast.
- Scintigraphy – compared to ultrasound, reveals more parameters. In particular, it determines the size and dysfunction of internal organs.
Common kidney diseases and their symptoms
The kidneys have an extensive list of various pathologies. A small part of pathologies occurs constantly.
Urolithiasis disease
The most important symptom of the disease is renal colic. They appear due to the fact that the stone passes from the kidneys into the ureter, thereby injuring its walls and disrupting the normal flow of urine. The pain covers the entire pelvic area, and in some cases reaches the inner thighs.
With renal colic, the pain never goes away. Blood particles and, in rare cases, sand are visible in urine.
Inflammatory processes
Cystitis and pyelonephritis are common kidney pathologies that are accompanied by inflammatory processes in the kidneys or ureter.
With such diseases, elevated temperature, decreased appetite and noticeable lethargy are recorded. The lumbar region constantly feels heavier. Acute or aching pain syndromes occur.
There is a constant urge to urinate, accompanied by pain. In this case, a kidney examination is required immediately; this will help maintain the health of the organs and the kidney tissue itself.
To check the kidneys, all existing methods are used, this gives an accurate result. Therefore, every person must know what tests to take to check their kidney.