Kidney Diseases - Water Metabolism
Kidneys
can rightly be called the seat of the soul. They
not only provide the function of removing the
waste they also produce urine. Kidney plays an
important role in maintaining the balance of water
in the body. If the water homeostasis or equilibrium
is disturbed it may result in many problems.
Importance Of Kidneys
Kidneys are two bean shaped organs, located in
the middle of the back, below the rib cage. Although
small organs by size they receive about 20% of
the blood from the heart. The blood supply in
kidneys enable them to regulate the composition
of the blood as well as keeping the concentration
of various ions and volume of water in body constant.
Kidneys also help in stimulating making off red
blood cells.
Importance Of Water
For Body
Water is vital for human existence and very important
to our health. Approximately two-thirds of our
body weight of our body weight is made up of water.
Water intake in human body is determined by thirst
and other cultural needs. Water is consumed in
many other forms as well such as tea, coffee,
and juice and other beverages.
Kidney Diseases
Kidneys play an important role in keeping ones
blood pressure in a healthy range which in turn
affects the health of kidneys. High blood pressure
or hypertension can damage the kidneys. Also lack
of water can be harmful for kidneys.
Water Metabolism
Metabolism is the biochemical modification of
chemical compounds in all living organisms and
cells. It includes the break down of food particles
and in converting them to chemical compounds.
With out proper working of metabolism survival
is impossible. Water is very important for metabolism,
imbalance in water intake can affect kidneys which
in turn can cause some serious diseases which
in some cases also prove fatal and cause death.
Diseases Of The Kidney
- Water Metabolism
The main part of the body that is affected by
imbalance in the water intake is kidneys. The
water content and distribution in the body is
measured by the concentration of sodium in body.
The diseases that can be caused by the imbalance
of sodium content are hyponatermia and hypernatermia.
Hyponatermia
Hyponatermia is a condition known as water intoxication.
Although, often associated with long distance
events like running and cycling, yet it is the
opposite of dehydration. It can be developed in
a few hours. Hyponatermia means a low concentration
of sodium in the blood.
Causes of Hyponatermia
As large quantities of water are taken in during
the day, it results in diluting the blood plasma
that is the liquid part of blood thus increasing
the salt content of the blood. As a result, the
electrolytes available to body tissues start decreasing
and reach a point when the loss affects the brain,
heart and muscle function.
Electrolytes are essential for the normal electro-chemical
operation of the nervous system.
Body can tolerate imbalance for short periods
of time but if it last too long it may result
in something serious.
Symptoms of Hyponatermia
- Even though it is opposite of dehydration,
some of the symptoms are same as that of dehydration
such as fatigue, nausea and weakness.
- As it progresses, victim may also experience
coma and finally death.
How It Can Be Prevented?
- According to WHO, the best way to prevent
hyponatremia is to take in electrolytes mixed
in 1 liter of water.
- If electrolytes cannot be taken in solution,
drink the right kinds of fluids such as Pedialyes
or Gatorade, that try to meet the body’s
required need to sodium, citrate and chloride.
- If you need to keep a check on your glucose
intake, try to take sodium and glucose free
tablets that contain electrolytes, called Electrol.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water.
Hypernatermia
It is a condition opposite to hyponatremia in
which there is excess of sodium and electrolytes
exist in the body in comparison to the quantity
of water. Sodium can get accumulated in the body
through various foods and drinks. If the sodium
level gets too high, it can lead to seizures and
finally death.
Causes of Hypernatremia
An anti-diuretic hormone called vasopressin is
made by hypothalamus in the brain and is released
by pituitary gland into the blood. Then it travels
to kidney where it reduces the water that is released
for urine. With less vasopressin, the body does
not get enough water to store and thus it leads
to high level of sodium. Some other common causes
are;
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Mismanaged IV fluids
Why Does It Occur?
Hypernatremia main occur in patients who are unable
to take in water due to some diseases or are bedridden.
It may occur due to intake of beverages and foods
that are high in sodium content. It may occur in patients whose thirst is impaired
due to some medication.
Treatment
The main treatment for treatment of hypernatremia
is the infusion of water that contains 0.9% of
sodium chloride, which helps in balancing the
normal amount of sodium in the blood stream. If
hypernatermia is causing neurological symptoms,
water infusion may be carried out that contains
0.45% sodium to balance the level of water and
sodium in the body.
To conclude, it can be said
that both the conditions of the kidney that is hypernatremia and hyponatremia are caused
due to lack or water intake or large amounts of
water that lacks sodium. Sodium is in form of
salts in the body and its distribution is very
important for human life. It performs many important
functions like passage of nutrients into cells
and maintaining the blood pressure. The lack or
excess of it can lead to dire consequences. |
