Kidney or Renal disease refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that result in loss of normal kidney function. Renal failure can be a progressive disease or a temporary one depending on the cause and available treatment options. In renal failure, the kidneys undergo cellular death and are unable to filter wastes, produce urine or maintain the fluid balance of the body. This causes a build-up of toxins which can affect the blood, brain and heart, as well as cause other complications.
Occurs suddenly and is usually initiated by underlying causes, for example dehydration, infection, serious injury to the kidney or the chronic use of over-the-counter pain medications. Acute renal failure is often reversible with no lasting damage. In such situation, renal function may be restored by treating the primary disease that is responsible for the damage, or by treating the kidneys with medication.
Patients may not show any symptoms until the kidneys are extremely damaged. It may be caused by other conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and can worsen over time, especially when treatment is delayed. With treatment, a person with kidney failure can live a relatively normal life. In cases of end-stage renal disease, patients will require dialysis and/or a kidney transplant.
Patients with diabetes, hypertension, obesity at risk
Patients with diabetes, hypertension, obesity at risk
Diet, medication, lifestyle changes recommended
Renal specialist required for care planning
Treatment options include dialysis and kidney transplant
COVID-19 pandemic has triggered more patients to move their dialysis from in-centre to home
Dialysis does not cure renal failure, but instead keeps a person alive by performing the crucial functions of the kidneys. A person may have to undergo dialysis as often as several times a day or as little as weekly, depending on the severity of renal failure. A person with acute, reversible renal failure may need dialysis while the kidneys recover.
Read more on how our technology and products address the above challenges!