Sudden weight loss is usually an indication of a serious medical condition. One of those conditions can be kidney disease. The kidneys are an integral part of the body. They dispose of toxic waste and fluids that are normally ingested along with the food we consume. Our internal organs rely on the kidneys to keep everything in proper working order. Kidney malfunction has a debilitating effect on the rest of the human body.
Weight Loss and Other Symptoms
Weight loss is just one of the symptoms of kidney disease. There are other symptoms, including changes in urination, swelling in the lower abdomen, fatigue and severe exhaustion, visible rashes and itchy skin, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, coldness of the skin, dizziness, problems focusing, and intense leg pain. Sudden weight loss, by itself, isn’t necessarily related to kidney disease. But, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to sudden weight loss, see a doctor immediately.
Treatment for Kidney Disease
There are a few different treatment options for kidney disease. If you are suffering from kidney malfunction, the following information will help you decide which course of treatment is best for you.
Hemodialysis is the process of cleaning and filtering your blood through a machine in order to temporarily rid your body of dangerous toxins, as well as excess water and salt. Hemodialysis can help regulate blood pressure and restore proper balance to other important elements in your body, such as bicarbonate, sodium, calcium and potassium.
Another treatment is peritoneal dialysis. This process is very similar to hemodialysis in that it removes dangerous toxins, excess water, and salt from your body. However, peritoneal dialysis uses the inner lining of your own stomach to filter your blood instead of using a machine. The inner lining, known as the peritoneal membrane, acts much like an artificial kidney in order to help restore proper balance to your body.
If you have already gone through a form of dialysis and haven’t gotten any better, you may have to opt for a kidney transplant. A transplant surgeon will remove your kidney and replace it with a healthy one instead. Once the rest your body adjusts to the new kidney, it will begin to function normally. The kidney will remove waste and produce urine just as the original kidney had done.
As with any serious medical condition, consult a medical professional before proceeding with any course of treatment.