Diseases of the genitourinary system are quite common. Many women know what chronic pyelonephritis is, since this pathology complicates pregnancy. can lead to dangerous consequences that require constant purification of the blood from toxic substances (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 blood flow 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 participate in the reabsorption of substances necessary for the body. Ultimately, what remains is a processed waste product - secondary urine. If at some stage an obstacle arises, it 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 may be observed with
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 “effleurage 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 conducting a Zimnitsky test is relative, which should change during 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, they depend on incorrect technique for taking material. In order for a laboratory test to be accurate, it is necessary:
- Rinse urine container thoroughly.
- Toilet the external genitalia immediately before taking the test.
- Immediately after filling the jar with urine, you must close it to prevent bacteria from entering.
- 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 examination of the material.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Ultrasound examination of the bladder is the most effective and safe method for studying pathologies of this organ. and what preparation for the study includes, read on.
You will learn how to remove stones from the ureter. We will also consider preventive measures to prevent relapse.
Neurogenic bladder is a disease associated with disruption of the nervous system. Using this link, we will consider the causes and symptoms of pathology in females.
Additional examinations
Based on the results of urine and blood tests, the patient may be prescribed additional examinations:
- 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. Could this phenomenon be normal?
Why your kidneys hurt during pregnancy and what can be done as treatment, you will find out by following the link.
Video on the topic
Kidneys are a vital part of the body. They remove waste, filtering more than 200 liters of blood daily, maintain blood pressure, control homeostasis, metabolism and are responsible for the synthesis of certain hormones.
Kidneys are designed to function for 150-200 years. However, many of us, being careless about our health, use up this reserve in less than 40 years.
After passing the test, you will be able to assess in general terms the state of your excretory system. Remember that the later you discover kidney disease, the more difficult it will be to treat.
Do you have lower back pain - to the left and/or right of the spine?
B) Occasionally
B) Never
Do you have edema (swelling) under your eyes?
A) Constantly
B) Sometimes in the morning
Is it difficult for you to get into your shoes or take off your rings in the evening? Do the elastic bands of socks leave marks on your feet?
A) Yes, I had to give up rings, with the exception of the wedding ring
B) Sometimes it happens, especially if I drink a lot of liquid
Do you feel heaviness in your legs?
A) Yes, often
B) Happens after a long day
B) Very rarely
A) Several times a week
B) Several times a month
C) No more often than once every few months
A) I live with him
B) Sometimes when I'm tired
C) Rarely, I am generally a positive person
Do you notice severe weakness in the evening, increased fatigue during exercise, or dry mouth?
A) Yes. I come home and immediately go to bed. I try to avoid physical activity.
B) No, sometimes I get tired, but in moderation.
Have you had any abnormal changes in previous urine tests?
B) It was once
Do you ever have cloudy or dark urine?
B) There was something similar
Have you recently noticed that your urine output has increased despite the same amount of fluid you are drinking?
A) Yes. Maybe not even just recently
B) Perhaps. But I didn't count how much I drank.
B) Nothing like it
Have you had any kidney infections?
A) There was pyelonephritis/glomerulonephritis, even several times
B) Once upon a time
B) No, never
Do you suffer from diabetes, gout, hypertension, systemic diseases? Do you have congenital abnormalities of the kidney structure?
A) Yes, with frequent exacerbations (crises)
B) Yes, but I’m undergoing therapy and everything is calm
Let's summarize:
If you have more "A" answers: Your kidneys are not to be envied. You may already be aware of the existence of kidney disease. If not, your body is simply screaming about it and demanding help. You need to adhere to a strict diet (abstain from alcohol, meat, spices, salt), drink a lot and be sure to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and prescription of drug therapy.
If you have more “B” answers: Something is wrong in your body. Are you very tired? Not in the mood? Do you often have a headache? Take care of yourself. Even if you do not have specific symptoms such as lower back pain, we recommend that you see a doctor and get a urine test. Early diagnosis will prevent the development of complications!
If you have more “B” answers: Your kidneys are fine! But you shouldn’t let everything go to chance: limit alcohol in your diet, drink water and juices (2 liters a day), try not to get too cold, and then your kidneys will last you the entire allotted time!
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 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.
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 considered to be 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 are noticeable in urine, and in rare cases sand.
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 the kidney.
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