Kidney blood tests. Sick or healthy? Methods for checking the condition of the kidneys at home and in the clinic

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!

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:

1. Ultrasonography. Using this method, a specialist evaluates the structure of the kidneys. Ultrasound is safe even for small children.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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mkb2.ru

How to check your kidneys at home - Zhiza - a site about life

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 do not like to complain about their well-being,” says Konstantin Spakhov, Candidate of Medical Sciences, a 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

A sign of kidney stone disease. 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 Escherichia 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). Source: aif.ru

jzrcsx.net

Why and how you can check your kidneys

Absolutely every person should know how to check their kidneys to ensure their normal functioning throughout their lives.

Human kidneys

If you check and recognize the signs of any kidney disease in time and prescribe effective treatment, then there will be no complications in the future.

• Symptoms
• Diagnostics
• Physical methods

An urgent need and desire to quickly check the kidneys arises when the patient begins to feel undesirable symptoms.

Acute pain

Most often, the occurrence of severe pain in the lumbar region forces the patient to consult a doctor.

Back pain may indicate kidney pathologies, but they can also be a harbinger of problems arising in the spine.

Pain associated with disorders of the kidneys or spine can be distinguished independently. To do this, you should observe when and under what circumstances they arise.

Pain due to problems in the spine occurs after lifting weights or doing physical exercise.

Pain syndrome, indicating kidney pathologies, occurs most often at night and is always unexpected.

A sure sign of kidney disease is problems with urination. This process may slow down significantly, and minimal or no urine may be produced.

Increased blood pressure

Patients occasionally experience bedwetting, which was not previously common to them.

Kidney disease causes high blood pressure. Complications may include nausea and vomiting.

Kidney pathologies contribute to a change in the appearance of urine, it becomes cloudy, and a flaky sediment is observed in it. In some cases, urine acquires a foul odor.

The kidneys very often undergo an inflammatory process, which is also accompanied by severe pain.

You can check and confirm inflammation not only in a medical facility, but also at home by conducting a “special” kidney test.

The patient either takes a standing position or lies on his stomach. The doctor or the one who is at home next to the patient places one palm on the kidney area, and begins to lightly tap the first with the edge of the second palm.

Sick kidneys will immediately respond with a pain signal. This way you can check which kidney has abnormalities.

At the first symptoms, you should definitely conduct a kidney examination. Such actions cannot be postponed, even if the pain disappears.

In particular, a wandering kidney provokes unpleasant pain that gradually subside. If treatment is not started, the kidney may begin to swell and swell, which provokes a complete disruption of its functioning.

Diagnostics

Relying entirely on the results of self-diagnosis is stupid.

When the first symptoms appear, you must consult a doctor who will listen to your complaints, analyze the symptoms and be sure to refer you for a kidney test, which will allow you to fully check their condition.

History taking

Modern medicine has at its disposal a sufficient number of methods for testing the kidneys, divided into two types: laboratory and instrumental.

A laboratory test can test urine and blood. Blood for testing is taken from a vein and finger.

Blood analysis

Blood taken from a finger establishes or denies inflammation of the kidneys, and also, if present, reveals the degree of the inflammatory process.

Blood taken from a vein allows you to check the presence or absence of uric acid or creatinine.

In order to ensure the effectiveness of laboratory blood tests, the patient should not drink alcohol or exercise during the last five days.

Some fruits and fatty foods are prohibited, as they can change the color of urine and interfere with the study.

The blood test is taken on an empty stomach; at least twelve hours must pass after the last meal.

In addition to blood, urine can be tested in the laboratory. When conducting this study, pay attention to the number of red blood cells and white blood cells in the urine.

Instrumental diagnostics

In addition to laboratory testing, instrumental diagnostics are also carried out. Once a year, it is advisable to undergo ultrasound diagnostics, during which the structure of the renal organ is assessed.

When performing urography, a contrast agent is used and X-rays are obtained. A survey x-ray allows you to fully check the functioning of the kidneys and assess their condition and the condition of the bladder.

Also, when performing an x-ray, neoplasms can be detected.

To identify changes in the shape of the kidneys and check their functional activity, scintigraphy is performed. Magnetic tomography examines the kidneys using radio pulses and a magnetic field.

This method detects any kidney disease, but, despite the fact that it is absolutely harmless, it is carried out only when indicated.

Physical methods

Laboratory and instrumental examinations are modern methods that allow you to check the condition of the kidney organs.

Detection of pathology

The most ancient method, which always accompanies practical medicine, is the physical method.

It is a communication with the patient, during which the doctor has the opportunity to clarify the medical history.

The doctor manages to obtain information about at what point the first symptoms appeared and what they were, how they subsequently developed and changed. The general condition of the patient is also determined, and all his complaints are listened to.

The physical method is effective, but not entirely easy.

One patient himself will tell the doctor about the disease, even adding a lot of unnecessary information, while the second will answer briefly and will not show any activity to talk about his complaints.

The doctor’s task is to get the patient to talk, to “extract” from him the maximum amount of information that will allow him to establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

Patient examination

After an oral interview with the patient, the doctor begins to examine the anterior wall of the abdomen.

In case of renal pathologies that provoke enlargement of the organ (hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis, tumor, polycystic disease), a small protrusion is visible in front.

With malignant and benign neoplasms, when they have enlarged, the saphenous veins located in the abdomen expand.

After a visual examination of the patient, the doctor proceeds to palpation. For this, the patient is placed on his back.

By palpating, the doctor can detect a wandering kidney, identify an enlarged organ, and also suggest an inflammatory process. When the kidney organs become inflamed, the abdominal wall becomes overly tense.

Bimanual palpation is carried out with the patient lying on his side, as well as sitting and standing. This method allows you to determine the level of displacement of the wandering kidney. When performing palpation, the doctor assesses the patient's sensitivity to this procedure. If the kidney organs are completely healthy, then palpation is absolutely painless.

How to check the kidneys, which method should be decided by the attending physician. After all, it is he who, after the examination, develops a treatment regimen, which the patient must strictly follow.

promoipochki.ru

How are kidneys checked? Test methods used to check whether the kidneys are healthy

Diseases of the genitourinary system are quite common. Many women know what chronic pyelonephritis is, since this pathology complicates pregnancy. Kidney diseases can lead to dangerous consequences that require constant cleansing of toxic substances from the blood (hemodialysis). The disease has several causes (for example, hereditary predisposition, hypothermia, infection from the genital organs, etc.), and is often asymptomatic, that is, it does not bother the person in any way, so everyone needs to know how to check the kidneys. This will help you seek medical help in time and avoid serious complications.

Kidney structure

The kidneys are paired organs located in the lumbar region. Their main function is the formation of urine. The kidneys maintain the oncotic pressure of the blood and produce erythropoietin. The main structural unit - the nephron - consists of the vascular part (glomeruli) and tubules. The former are responsible for filtering the blood and forming primary urine. The second ones are involved in the reabsorption of substances necessary for the body. Ultimately, what remains is a processed waste product - secondary urine. If at any stage an obstruction occurs, then kidney function weakens. This is expressed in a change in the qualitative or quantitative composition of urine. To understand how to check the kidneys yourself, you need to know about diuresis disorders, which almost all patients have. These may include a decrease or increase in the urge to urinate, a change in the color of urine, or visiting the toilet more often or less often.

Kidney research methods

There are many ways to identify pathology of the urinary system. In medical institutions, kidneys are checked using special tests, for example, tests according to Zimnitsky, Nechiporenko, Amburge. All these methods have been used for a long time, so their effectiveness is proven. Each sample is needed to assess a specific function, for example, analysis according to Zimnitsky allows us to identify a violation of filtering capacity, according to Nechiporenko - the presence of an inflammatory reaction and hematuria. To make a correct diagnosis, instrumental examination of the kidneys is used. These methods include excretory urography and biopsy. The gold standard is kidney ultrasound. Each of these methods, if necessary, is prescribed by a doctor and allows you to detect certain pathologies.

How do you check if your kidneys are healthy?

In order to understand whether there is kidney disease, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of patient complaints, especially if symptoms such as increased frequency and changes in urination, blood in the urine, and increased nocturnal diuresis are observed. An important sign is pain in the lumbar region, lower abdomen on the right or left. In addition to the main symptoms, a sharp increase in body temperature and general weakness may be observed.

Kidney diseases are often preceded by a sore throat, acute respiratory viral infection, and hypothermia. Signs may include swelling and increased blood pressure. These symptoms appear with glomerulonephritis - an inflammatory process in the glomeruli, which has various forms. In this regard, only part of the characteristics or even one of them may predominate. How are the kidneys checked if there is edema? First of all, it is necessary to find out what is causing the symptom. If swelling predominates in the morning, and it feels soft and warm to the touch, then you need to consult a nephrologist.

Physical examination methods

After a thorough analysis of complaints and clarification of the medical history, it is necessary to conduct an examination. First you need to assess the general condition of the patient and check all systems, and then proceed to a direct examination of the diseased organ. How to check your kidneys without special examination methods? It is necessary to assess the condition of the lumbar region (are there any visible changes or swelling there) and carry out palpation. You can feel the organ in different positions of the patient: lying on his stomach, standing and sitting. In this case, the patient is asked to take a deep breath, during which the doctor brings his hands closer to the palpated kidney. As you exhale, the doctor tries to grasp the organ and assess its size, presence of pain, structure, consistency and location. In healthy patients, the kidneys are not palpable, that is, they cannot be felt.

What symptoms can be observed with kidney pathologies?

Every doctor should know how to check the kidneys, besides palpation. If an inflammatory process is suspected, special functional tests are performed to assess its presence or absence. The most widely used method is the "tapping symptom". It is carried out by a general practitioner who wants to rule out kidney disease. In addition, this method is used in any hospital during the doctor’s daily rounds. The test is carried out with the patient standing or lying on his stomach. The doctor places one palm on the kidney area, and with the other makes light tapping movements on it. After this you need to change sides. The test allows you to assess the presence of pain in the right or left kidney. Pain indicates an inflammatory process. Most often, a positive reaction to the “tapping symptom” is observed with pyelonephritis, a pathological condition in the tubules.

Changes in the qualitative composition of urine

If kidney disease is suspected, many tests are prescribed to detect changes not only in the quantity, but also in the quality of urine. Such laboratory tests include the Nechiporenko, Amburge, and Kakovsky-Addis tests. All these tests involve taking an average portion of urine. The material is then examined for the presence of leukocytes, red blood cells and casts. In all cases, an accurate count of the formed elements is carried out, and then a conclusion is given.

The samples differ from each other in that each of them has different normal values. The Nechiporenko analysis is considered good if there are less than 2000 leukocytes and less than 1000 erythrocytes in the field of view. Cylinders with normal indicators are rarely determined, the norm is up to 500. In the analyzes according to Amburge and Kakovsky-Addis, the shaped elements are the same. The difference is that in the first the norms are 200 and 100 units, and in the second - 2 million and 1 million.

Urine analysis according to Zimnitsky

The Zimnitsky method test is used to determine changes in the quantitative composition of urine. Deviation of the analysis from the norm indicates a violation of the concentration function of the kidneys. The main indicator that is assessed when performing the Zimnitsky test is the relative density of urine, which should change throughout the day. When it decreases, you can think about a large loss of fluid, which is often observed with diabetes. If the density remains at the same level all the time, then one should suspect a disorder in which the kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine, that is, the ability to reabsorb. The test consists of taking tests throughout the day, every 3 hours (8 servings). In conclusion, daily diuresis, the ratio of daytime and nighttime urination are assessed, and protein loss is calculated.

Rules for collecting urine for analysis

If there are changes in the qualitative or quantitative composition of urine, the doctor must develop a further diagnostic plan, that is, think: how to check the kidneys more thoroughly and what instrumental research methods to prescribe? In some cases, poor tests depend on incorrect sampling techniques. In order for a laboratory test to be accurate, it is necessary:

1. Rinse urine container thoroughly.
2. Toilet the external genitalia immediately before taking the test.
3. Immediately after filling the jar with urine, you must close it to prevent bacteria from entering.
4. After collection, take the urine to the laboratory within 1-2 hours.

The importance of instrumental research methods

The final diagnosis can be made after special research methods, which include kidney ultrasound, excretory urography, and biopsy. These methods make it possible to detect the incorrect location of the organ (nephroptosis), the presence of developmental anomalies (polycystic disease, duplication), various stones indicating their size and shape. It is possible to confirm the diagnosis of chronic pyelonephritis even in the absence of its manifestations (expansion of the cerebral palsy on ultrasound). How are the kidneys checked if a malignant process is suspected? A biopsy is taken followed by histological and cytological examination of the material.

A urine test for kidney disease is necessary to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment for the disease. Biochemical examination of urine allows us to establish indicators such as:

• creatinine level;
• amount of protein.

A general analysis for the presence of bacteria and microscopy of sediment is necessary to determine diseases of the urinary system. The study of urine according to Nechiporenko establishes the number of cylinders, red blood cells and leukocytes. It is important to determine the concentration ability of the kidneys using the Zemnitsky analysis. Creatinine, daily protein, urea appear in the urine in kidney diseases:

• urolithiasis;
• pyelonephritis;
• glomerulonephritis.

Therapy of diseases of the urinary system is possible only with the determination of the functional capacity of the kidneys. The study determines the degree of renal failure in the patient at the initial stage of its development. In the process of studying the material, the following parameters are determined:

• glomerular filtration;
• creatinine;
• clearance.

The purification coefficient indicates the amount of blood free of the test substance in the kidney in 1 minute.

Creatinine clearance is easy to determine: secondary adsorption of water in the renal tubules is expressed as a percentage. Normally, glomerular filtration of the kidneys is 120-130 ml/min, and readsorption in the tubules of the urinary organ is 98-99%.

For many diseases, the doctor sets the filtration value for each component of the urinary organ. The obtained parameters are necessary for functional studies in kidney diseases.

Determination of urea in urine

A decrease in the amount of urea occurs when the urinary tubules are damaged, which occurs in the event of the development of kidney diseases.

Chemical analysis is carried out in the laboratory. Materials are prepared for the study: 40 ml of the patient’s urine, porcelain dishes, a burner, nitric acid. The total amount of urea is determined by examining the volume of nitrogen produced. Excretion of the substance in insufficient quantities indicates a reduction in the excretory capacity of the kidneys. The analysis is carried out if there is a suspicion of a change in renal function, when protein synthesis is activated in children and pregnant women.

An increase in the level of urea in the blood and its excretion in the urine indicates a stable state of the nitrogen excretion system through the kidneys. The amount of the compound in urine changes under the influence of pathological and physiological parameters:

• physical activity;
• dietary features;
• taking medications.

Features of urine analysis for kidney diseases

Nephropathy in pregnant women is accompanied by proteinuria of 5-8 g/l.

In severe cases of the disease, the indicators increase to 25-76 g/l. The disease is divided into stage III depending on the amount of protein in the urine. In stage 3 of the disease, with proteinuria from 3 g/l, oliguria occurs, and urine tests show casts. The borderline state for nephropathy is the amount of protein 0.6 g/l.

Microscopy of the sediment reveals granular, waxy or hyaline casts. The number of red blood cells is insignificant. Readsorption of the kidneys is carried out in full, and the amount of nitrogen released is normal.

With the development of eclampsia in pregnant women, the content of residual nitrogen increases. If diabetic nephropathy occurs, urine tests will contain small amounts of protein.

Changes in urine tests for glomerulonephritis

Severe kidney damage leads to changes in indicators in the general urine test. The results of the study indicate the presence of pathological elements:

• cylinders;
• red blood cells;
• squirrel;
• leukocytes;
• flat epithelium.

The presence of protein indicates the progression of the disease: its content reaches 5 g per day, and residual traces of albumin are present in the urine 6 months after the end of the disease.

Red blood cells in the urine are the main sign of nephritis. Their number varies from 14-5 to 50-60 in the field of view. If single red blood cells are detected, the doctor prescribes the patient a urine test according to Nechiporenko. After microscopy of the sediment, leukocytes and glycine casts are studied, indicating changes in the kidney tubules. The diffuse process is accompanied by the absence of bacteria, indicating the cessation of infectious inflammation in the urinary tract.

In the initial stage of the disease, the total amount of urine is reduced, but its relative density increases. The content of red blood cells is 5 x 106/μm per day, they are deformed, which indicates glomerular hematuria.

The normal shape of red blood cells indicates the absence of glomerulonephritis. Immune inflammation is confirmed by an increase in white blood cells, and protein loss exceeds 3 g per day.

Urine analysis for acute kidney inflammation

In case of pyelonephritis, urine examination allows you to determine the type of infectious agent and prescribe the correct treatment. With the development of pathology in the cortical layer, a large number of leukocytes are present in the anamnesis. An increase in their number is observed in the event of obstructive urinary tract syndrome. The color of urine during inflammation of the kidney tissue changes as the process progresses and against the background of urolithiasis.

Leukocytes increase with the development of tubolointerstitial nephritis: renal epithelial cells are found in the urine. Granular casts and their leukocyte analogues, as well as a significant amount of mucus, are found in urine.

With pyelonephritis in children, urine becomes alkalized. Normal urine pH ranges from 4.8 to 7.5. An acute inflammatory process is characterized by a decrease in the density of the material being studied. Normally, the relative density is 1008-1020 g/l. The specific gravity of urine in pyelonephritis depends on the amount of dissolved elements and their molecular weight.

Study of urine in urolithiasis according to Nechiporenko and Zemnitsky

If there are changes in the indicators in the general urine test and there is a suspicion of kidney failure, the doctor recommends that the patient conduct an additional study of the biomaterial according to Nechiporenko.

For analysis, a medium portion of urine is provided to the laboratory. 1 ml of material and the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and cylinders in it are studied.

The norm of red blood cells is up to 1000 per 1 ml of urine, and leukocytes are contained in the amount of 4000 units per the same volume of urine. Normally, when taking tests according to Nechiporenko, hyaline casts are contained in the amount of 20 in 1 ml, and the presence of other types of them is a pathological condition for the patient’s body.

More than 2000 leukocytes per ml is typical for pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, cystitis. An increase in hyaline casts is observed with inflammation of the kidneys and acute glomerulonephritis. Granular casts appear during the chronic course of the disease, and waxy formations indicate the formation of renal failure in the patient. Epithelial elements arise when the mucous membrane of the renal tubules dies and indicate tubular necrosis or toxic poisoning, accompanied by the death of the renal parenchyma (poisoning with heavy metal salts).

Collection and examination of urine according to Zemnitsky allows us to determine the insufficiency of the urinary organ or its inflammation. The density of several portions of urine, the amount of sodium chloride and urea in each portion are studied. Normally, the relative density ranges from 1.004 to 1.032, and the difference between high and low specific gravity readings should not be less than 0.007. Minor fluctuations in urine density indicate the onset of the disease. Filtration clearance is established, which determines the amount of purification of the substance in the glomeruli. Normal kidney function is indicated by the removal of 80% of all ingested fluid in the urine within 24 hours. If reverse absorption is greater than the filtration of urine in the glomeruli, and urine has a high specific gravity, then its quantity decreases.

Urine tests prescribed to the patient are highly informative materials that allow the doctor to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

To assess whether the functioning of the kidneys corresponds to their physiological capabilities, depending on the patient’s age, a biochemical blood test and a general urine test are prescribed.

Urine for general analysis is collected in the morning; before this, it is forbidden to take any medications. The analysis must be carried out no later than 1.5 hours, without allowing the urine to cool below 0°C. Otherwise, some components of urine may precipitate, which will distort the analysis picture. In a general analysis, the appearance of urine is checked, as well as its physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological parameters.

A biochemical blood test is performed on an empty stomach. It is also not recommended to drink coffee, strong tea, milk, or sweet drinks before the analysis; you can drink water or weak tea. The main parameter by which one can judge the condition of the kidneys is the concentration of urea in the blood. A healthy person should have from 2.5 to 8.3 millimoles of urea in 1 liter of blood. The higher the upper concentration threshold, the more impaired renal function. For example, a concentration of up to 20 mmol/liter indicates moderate impairment, from 20 to 35 mmol/liter indicates severe renal impairment, and if the urea concentration exceeds 50 mmol/liter, this indicates a very severe lesion with a poor prognosis.

What other tests may be ordered?

To check kidney function, two more types of urine tests are often prescribed: according to Nechiporenko and according to Zimnitsky. If the doctor has prescribed a Nechiporenko test, it is necessary to collect an average portion of urine in an amount of up to 10 milliliters. This analysis allows you to determine the content of leukocytes and red blood cells in 1 milliliter of urine.

If an analysis according to Zimnitsky is prescribed, urine must be collected throughout the day, with an interval of 2-3 hours. Typically 8 samples need to be collected (in rare cases 12). By examining the amount and density of urine in each sample, the doctor can conclude whether kidney function corresponds to normal levels. For example, normally the density of daytime urine should be in the range of 1010-1025 grams/liter, and nighttime urine density should not exceed 1035 grams/liter. If the density is below the lower limit, uncomplicated pyelonephritis or renal failure is possible. If the density exceeds the upper limit, we may be talking about dehydration or severe pyelonephritis.

If a person has “bags” under the eyes, and the skin becomes gray and dry, it means that there is a malfunction in the urinary system. You should not postpone a visit to a specialist to examine the kidneys and adrenal glands, as well as assess their functional activity.

A urologist or nephrologist will tell you how to check your kidneys. During the diagnosis, severe complications can be avoided. Treatment at an early stage of any disease allows you to quickly achieve the desired results and avoid unwanted surgical intervention.

When to go to the doctor

It is rare to meet a person who regularly undergoes a complete examination of the body. Most people put off visiting a doctor, swallow handfuls of pills and convince themselves that the pain, stinging, and tingling will soon disappear. And only when symptoms worsen do they make an appointment. This tactic is extremely dangerous, especially when the kidneys hurt.

Paired organs rid the blood of waste and toxins, regulate blood pressure, and take part in metabolism. Even a slight disruption in their work will quickly affect the functioning of all life systems.

Modern methods for diagnosing kidneys are painless and do not cause any discomfort to a person. People with the following types of kidney damage should definitely undergo an examination procedure:

• high blood pressure;
• frequent night urination;
• decrease in the volume of urine excreted;
• pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region;
• increased body temperature;
• burning and stinging when emptying the bladder;
• change in the color and smell of urine.

A kidney examination should not be postponed if even one of the above-described symptoms of malfunction of the urinary system appears. Experts recommend conducting a thorough diagnosis of paired organs twice a year.

It is important for people with congenital or acquired kidney pathologies to undergo a complete medical examination. If there is a hereditary predisposition to urolithiasis or glomerulonephritis, it is necessary to regularly examine the child from infancy.

If you experience nagging pain in your side, you should check your kidney function.

Diagnosis at home

It is not possible to conduct a full kidney check at home. But if you suspect a disruption in their functioning, you should determine the area where the pain is localized and try to analyze your sensations:

• sharp, acute spasms indicate a rapidly developing inflammatory process in the structural elements of the kidneys (calyces, pelvis, parenchyma, tubules);
• nagging, aching pains that appear during hypothermia or eating spicy foods occur with sluggish chronic pathologies.

You can also check your urine at home for foreign impurities. To do this, you need to collect urine in a transparent container and carefully examine it. If fresh blood, dark blood clots, flakes, or cheesy sediment are detected, you must make an appointment for a consultation with a urologist.

A 24-hour urine test will help evaluate your kidney function. Within 24 hours, you need to collect urine in a calibrated container, and then measure the resulting volume. If it does not exceed 1.5-1.8 liters, then the kidneys have lost the ability to fully filter blood and secrete urine. A significant volume (more than 2.5 liters) means that the urine contains little uric acid and its compounds, waste products and protein breakdown products. The kidneys cannot fully concentrate urine, which causes serious damage to the entire body.

Kidneys should be examined if urine color changes

What tests are the most informative?

After conducting an external examination of the patient and listening to his complaints, the urologist will tell you where to start the examination and what tests are necessary. As a rule, the results of laboratory and biochemical tests of urine and blood are needed to make an initial diagnosis. The content of white and red blood cells, as well as epithelial tissues, is determined in urine. The clarity, color and specific gravity of urine must be assessed. The concentration of casts, proteins and glucose is a determining factor in the presence of an infectious focus in the kidneys.

An informative method for studying the functioning of paired organs is the daily volume of urine. It is necessary to submit to the laboratory urine collected during the day, excluding the first emptying of the bladder. In this way, it is possible not only to establish the presence of an inflammatory focus, but also the location of its localization in one of the organs of the urinary system.

In order to determine the type of pathogenic pathogen, laboratory technicians inoculate a biological sample in a nutrient medium. This method reveals the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs that will be used in treatment.

• from a finger to establish or refute the inflammatory process and the extent of its spread;
• from a vein to determine the concentration of proteins and urea.

For reliable test results, you must not eat food 12 hours before the procedure. If you suspect an endocrine etiology of decreased functional activity of the kidneys, you should not drink any liquid or even brush your teeth. People with systemic diseases need laboratory tests every 6 months.

Modern diagnostic methods

After studying and evaluating the results of laboratory tests, it is necessary to examine the kidneys to determine the extent of their damage. The doctor chooses diagnostic methods depending on the patient’s age and the expected disease. Research methods that use radiation are strictly prohibited for pregnant women.

Computed tomography is used to examine the kidneys.

Such informative examination procedures as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are not prescribed for young children and people with mental pathologies. During the kidney check, it is necessary to remain completely still for an hour, which these categories of patients are incapable of. The following studies are usually carried out at varying levels of complexity:

• ultrasonography. The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the calyces, pelvis and tubules, differentiate between benign and malignant neoplasms, and determine the localization of the infectious focus. The study allows you to detect stones in the kidneys or bladder and suggest their chemical composition. This is the only diagnostic method that has no contraindications and does not require special preparation;
• urography. The method is indispensable for establishing the degree of damage to the kidney vessels and assessing the blood supply to the organs of the urinary system. Before the procedure, patients are injected with a contrast agent. After it spreads through the veins, arteries and capillaries, the smallest vessels are visualized on the computer screen. Urography is contraindicated for people who have individual sensitivity to contrast agents;
• X-ray examination. During the procedure, the human body receives a dose of radiation that is considered safe. The photographs are not always informative, since the images are obtained only in one or two projections;
• scintigraphy. The static method allows you to determine the shape of the kidneys, their location relative to each other, and assess the degree of damage to the pelvis and calyces. During dynamic scintigraphy, patients are injected with a contrast agent. On the monitor screen, the specialist monitors the movement of blood through the pelvic vessels in real time, checks the integrity of the veins, arteries and capillaries;
• Magnetic resonance imaging. The procedure is contraindicated for patients with pacemakers, metal dental implants, and even tattoos. There are also some restrictions for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Modern diagnostic techniques make it possible to obtain three-dimensional images of the kidneys and evaluate the functioning of a single kidney after removal of the other. After completing the study, the patient receives a transcript of the results within 15-20 minutes;
• CT scan. This diagnostic method is used to study possible damage to the renal structural elements, assess the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment, and determine the area of ​​surgical intervention. Using CT, you can evaluate the condition of the kidney before making a decision to remove the second one.

When examining the kidneys, the urologist always examines the bladder using cystoscopy. To do this, a thin catheter with a built-in camera is inserted into the hollow organ, and the diagnostic results are visualized on a computer screen.

Cystoscopy is an auxiliary method for recognizing a decrease in the functional activity of the kidneys. If blood or pus is found in the urine, then it is necessary to determine the location of the inflammatory focus.

Ultrasound is an effective method for checking the kidneys

Many modern diagnostic methods are contraindicated or are not very informative for some patients (pregnant women, people with prostheses containing metal). Using endoscopic techniques, the urethra and bladder are examined. By installing the built-in camera so that the opening of the ureters is in the field of view, you can find out whether the kidney is bleeding.

After all laboratory and instrumental studies have been completed, a biopsy sometimes becomes necessary.

This morphological diagnostic method is used to differentiate malignant and benign neoplasms of the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Using a special endoscopic instrument, a small piece of the biological sample is pinched off for further examination in the laboratory.

For those people who care about their health, unexpected diagnoses are not scary. They undergo all examinations on time and immediately make an appointment with a doctor if their general condition worsens or if pathological signs of inflammation appear. Diagnosing kidney disease at an early stage allows you to avoid long-term hospital treatment.

Any kidney problems must be studied in detail before an accurate diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.

For this purpose, special methods of studying the kidneys are used. With their help, a detailed examination of organs is carried out using instrumental diagnostics and laboratory tests.

Diagnosis of kidney disease begins with a visit to a medical facility. An experienced therapist will carefully examine the patient’s clinical picture, assess his general condition, and refer him for a detailed examination or to a nephrologist.

Before each procedure, special preparation is carried out.

In what cases is the examination carried out?

Anyone can have their kidneys checked, since almost all procedures are harmless, and some do not require special preparation.

This manipulation will also be useful for those people who want to check the condition of a powerful filter throughout the body.

But there are also medical indications for checking the kidneys. These include some diseases and pathological conditions. Which ones exactly:

• Increased blood pressure levels.
• Little urine output.
• Frequent urination, trips to the toilet at night.
• Unpleasant sensations, a feeling of heaviness and pain in the lumbar region.
• Feelings of pain when urinating.
• Urine gives off an unpleasant odor.
• The color of urine changes noticeably. The blood content in the urine should be especially alarming.
• Low hemoglobin levels, characterized by anemia, if there is no blood loss in chronic or acute forms.
• For diagnostic purposes for urolithiasis. Here, kidney diagnostics can be performed in two stages. In cases where the patient likes to indulge in chocolate products, pickles, meat, legumes and offal, a routine examination is carried out. If the presence of kidney stones is suspected, an emergency check is carried out.
• Dehydration may occur due to shortness of breath, diarrhea, or high fever. In this case, this procedure is required.
• Many drugs are toxic to the kidneys. This list includes diuretics, Aspirin, Biseptol and others. After treatment with these medications, you need to undergo an examination to check your kidneys. When the level of body temperature rises to 37.5 degrees, when the patient is daily worried about weakness and malaise in the evening, it is imperative to pass all the necessary laboratory tests to check the condition of the body’s main filter.
• Many diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus, also require kidney testing.
• If neoplasms are detected in the abdominal cavity by palpation, a kidney examination must be performed.

Before you check your organs, you should find out how the kidneys are examined and what methods exist.

Diagnostics

If necessary, kidney examination is performed in two ways. For these purposes, instrumental diagnostic methods and laboratory tests are used.

In the first case, changes in the structure of these organs and the entire urinary system are studied in detail.

The second option involves studying blood and urine tests to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Instrumental diagnostics

In case of complaints about the kidneys, when the patient develops unpleasant symptoms indicating pathological processes in them, instrumental diagnostics are required.

These procedures will also be useful for checking the general condition of the filtration organs. Therefore, there are several effective ways:

• Ultrasound (ultrasound examination). Using this technique, you can evaluate the external indicators of the organ. We are talking about tissue structures. It is not possible to determine the functional component of the organs and their urinary tract. For preventive diagnostics, the procedure can be carried out once a year.
• Radiography. The technique is carried out using an X-ray tube. In some cases, a special contrast agent is introduced to stain all the ducts for the purpose of detailed study. This also includes computed tomography. Before testing your kidneys using these methods, a doctor's indication and referral is required.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Layer-by-layer study of the kidneys is carried out using a special magnet. This technology is safe because it does not cause harmful radiation. But such a procedure must be carried out strictly according to the testimony of a specialist.
• Radionuclide scintigraphy. For detailed study, a radioisotope substance is introduced. The technique should be carried out only for certain indications.

All presented diagnostic methods are applicable for kidney disease, when it is necessary to find out the cause of the inflammatory process or other disorders in the organ.

In other cases, ultrasound (ultrasound) is used to conduct a routine examination or blood and urine tests are taken.

Laboratory research

Before you find out what tests to take, be sure to consult a doctor.

He listens carefully to the patient’s complaints, examines him, palpates him, and studies the clinical picture. Along with instrumental diagnostics, the specialist gives a referral for tests.

Two biological fluids will be studied: the patient’s blood and urine.

In the first case, its composition will be studied in detail, where urea, uric acid, and creatinine are determined.

For these purposes, you will need to donate blood from both a finger and a vein. The presence of anemia is also determined - for these purposes a general blood test, which is done from a finger prick, will be sufficient.

The presence and degree of the inflammatory process is also determined by blood. Such tests must be done on an empty stomach.

A urine test determines the quantitative composition of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and epithelium. The specific gravity, cylinders and their presence, glucose, and protein are assessed.

Pathological formations are determined in this biological fluid. These include mucus, salts, fungi, bacteria, and various impurities.

Regardless of complaints or diseases, it is mandatory to take a urine test twice a year.

This measure is necessary for preventive purposes. Other options provide for special indications.

Home diagnostics

It is impossible to independently determine kidney problems. But there are some ways to detect diseases.

First of all, you need to listen carefully to your own body. The following signs will indicate violations in this area:

• Painful sensations of a sharp and acute nature in the lumbar region.
• Aching pain effects.

In the first case, there is a suspicion of renal colic. The second option is a chronic form of pathology.

In the morning, you need to collect urine in a sterile jar. It is better to use white, but transparent is also suitable.

You need to carefully examine the urine. It must be clean, without additional impurities. The normal color would be yellow.

If you notice a change in the color of your urine or the presence of other fragments of unknown substances in it in the form of flakes, you must and immediately rush to see a doctor.

The most dangerous signal will be the urine turning red or dark brown.

Additionally, pay attention to the daily amount of urine excreted. To determine this amount, you need to urinate strictly in one container throughout the day, after which at the end of the day it will not be difficult to evaluate the result.

Normal urine output per day is approximately 2 liters. For any violations, greater or lesser, the indicators are considered abnormal and medical intervention is required.

There are diseases when urine is not excreted by the kidneys at all. In this case, the assistance of the attending physician is also required.

Problems with the body's main filter will be indicated by the appearance of swelling in the facial area.

This will be evidenced by swollen eyelids and enlarged cheeks. The skin turns pale, and swelling itself can appear in any part of the body.

Prevention

For these reasons, it is necessary to follow important rules that relate to proper nutrition and lifestyle.

To avoid problems with the health of the natural filter, follow these recommendations:

• Protein is extremely important for human health. He is a body builder and with his help muscle mass increases. But protein also provokes the formation of kidney stones, and therefore it is recommended to limit its consumption.
• Any bad habits have a detrimental effect on the condition of the entire body. This is especially true for the kidneys when it comes to alcohol, or more precisely, beer. This drink puts a lot of stress on the organ, resulting in serious inflammation.
• You need to eat more of those foods that have a positive effect on the organ. These include fresh berries, fruits and vegetables. You can eat them fresh or prepare healthy dishes from them. The main thing is not to overdo it with sugar.
• Be sure to follow a drinking regime, since dehydration of the body negatively affects the functioning of organs. In the absence of chronic kidney disease, the recommended fluid intake should be equal to 1.5 liters. If the patient suffers from dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, or is in a hot climate, this volume is increased. Purified still water is preferred as a liquid.
• Avoid colds and hypothermia. Both options put stress on the kidneys.
• Any physical activity will only benefit you. The ideal option would be to play sports. But all physical activity must be dosed. Heavy training should be avoided. An ideal activity would be yoga and Pilates.
• It is necessary to take measures to strengthen the body's immune defense. For these purposes, they often walk in the fresh air, eat right, and strengthen themselves.
• Avoid overeating, especially before bed. Monitor your body weight.

If you have any problems with your kidneys, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Modern diagnostic methods will allow you to quickly determine the cause of unpleasant symptoms.

It is better to prevent any disease, so be sure to take preventive measures.

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