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Kidney Disorder
Each of the two
kidneys has one million nephrons or filter units,
filtering about 200 litres of fluid ( blood without red
blood cells and protein) from the blood daily,99 per cent
of which is reabsorbed into it, leaving two litres which
is passed out as urine. Besides this, the kidneys have
many other functions. They are a very precise and
delicately engineered parts of the body , and having the
ability to constantly evaluate the treat the volume and
chemical Nature of the blood. If healthy, even one kidney
is enough for taking care of the body needs of a person.
That is why people with good kidneys sometimes donate one
and yet remain healthy. Some early warnings of kidney
diseases are : too little or too much urine output,
frequent urination, pain in the lower abdomen, change in
the colour of the urine, blood in urine, protein in
urine, swelling of the face of feet, backache, high blood
pressure and unpleasant odour in the urine. But any one
of the aforesaid signs or symptoms, does not necessarily
imply kidney ailment by itself. Except in cases of major
damage, kidneys have some self-repairing powers.Measures : Awareness, regular check-ups,
prompt treatment of infections, control of high blood
pressure, treatment of diabetes, avoiding unnecessary
drugs, chemical ingestion, alcohol, smoking, zarda,
maintenance of ideal body weight etc. are important.
Fluid plays an important part in preventing infection of
the kidneys and the formation of stones in the kidneys.
One should take plenty of fluid every day to ensure that
the kidneys work regularly and maintain a normal chemical
balance in the body.
Once the kidneys completely fail to function, death is
imminent. There are only two alternatives available to
the patient - dialysis or transplantation.See treatment
chart.
Urinary
Tract Infection (UTI)
The urinary tract
consists of kidney, ureters (connecting kidney to
bladder), bladder and urethra (linking bladder to the
outside). UTI is more common in women than men. The
factors promoting infection are poor genital hygiene,
pregnancy, stones, obstruction and instrumentation of the
urinary tract, Diabetes Mellitus, promiscuity and stasis
of urine (e.g. as by neglecting the urge to pass
urine).etc.
Upper UTI involves the kidneys ( Pye-lonephritis,
Glomerulonephritis etc.). These conditions require
medical intervention as they are serious and can lead to
renal failure.
Lower UTI can involve the bladder or urethra. Infection
of the bladder leads to increase in frequency of
urination both during day and night (nocturia), urgency,
difficulty in passing urine (Dysuria), pain in the lower
abdomen and lower back. There may be fever with chills,
blood and pus cells in the urine and a sharp pain at the
end of urination.
An infection in the urethra causes burning sensation on
passing urine, Dysuria, pus cells in urine.
Preventive
measures ( can be
applied for upper and lower UTI).
- Maintain adequate
fluid intake and output -drink 8-10 glasses of
water.
- Proper genital
hygiene - care should be taken when using public
toilets and during ablution.Avoid contact of
genitalia with any possible source of infection.
- Special care during
pregnancy.
- Prompt treatment of
other predisposing factors.
Treatment
for lower UTI
- Fasting and increased
fluid intake.
- Mud/towel pack on
abdomen frequently.
- Chest pack to bring
down temperature.
- Kidney pack to
improve urinary output.
- Sitting in a warm
water tub for 15 mts. (neutral hip bath is a
remedy to palliate pain and burning sensation).
- Wet Girdle pack 2/3
times a day during an acute phase and later, once
before going to bed for an hour.
- Diuretics like tender
coconut water, butter milk, barley water and dhania
(dry coriander seeds) water can be given.
Prostate
Gland
The prostate gland
is an organ made up of muscular and glandular structures
which surround the neck of the male bladder and the first
part of the urethra - the tube that conducts the urine
out of the bladder to the urinary opening. However, in
old age, enlargement (hypertrophy) of the prostate is
very common, occurring in about one-third of all men over
sixty years of age. Its earliest symptom is, frequent
urination both during the day and at night with weak
stream or just dribbling. The patient will have to get up
several times during the night to empty the bladder and
also needs effort to pass urine.Sometimes it will be
necessary to have the physician to drain the urine with a
catheter. If the urine is retained, it exerts great
pressure within the bladder, inflammation of the bladder
- Cystitis - and kidney disease are likely to be the
result. Headache,irritability, nervousness, lassitude and
a general feeling of debility may be caused by
hypertrophy of the prostate.
The treatment consists of rest in bed, light diet such as
fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of pure water and
breathing plenty of fresh air. Ensure that no
constipation occurs. Besides, take treatment as
prescribed in the chart.
Iodine is good in the form of natural food aids in
normalising the glandular mechanism and breaking down
morbid growth. A few pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
(raw) which are rich source of iodine should be taken
twice /thrice daily. Cabbage, ashgourd, carrot,
pineapple, banana and apple also contain iodine.
Avoid :
- Starch and sweets
particularly at night.
- Potato, brinjal,
radish, spices, salt, chillies,pepper, citrus
fruits, lemon, anything sour and irritating,
alcohol.
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