We will discuss one of the most common complications of Kidney Disease Cause Anemia, anemia. For those who don’t know, anemia is a condition where your body lacks an adequate amount of red blood cells. This can cause many symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and yellowing of the skin. In patients with kidney disease, anemia is a common occurrence, and in this video, we’ll explore why this is so, and what can be done to manage it.
Role of kidney:
To understand how kidney disease can cause anemia, it’s important to first understand what role the kidneys play in the body. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and removing excess fluid from the body. They also play an important role in the production of a hormone called erythropoietin, or EPO. This hormone is responsible for stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, which are needed to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Effects of kidney disease:
When a person has kidney disease, their kidneys are unable to function properly, which can lead to decreased production of EPO. As a result, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. This is especially common in patients with chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys have been damaged over time.
Other causes of anemia in patients with kidney disease:
While EPO deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in patients with kidney disease, other factors also play a role. For example, kidney disease can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, which can affect the production of red blood cells. Additionally, patients with kidney disease are often at higher risk of infection and inflammation, both of which can contribute to anemia.
Symptoms of anemia in patients with kidney disease:
As mentioned earlier, the main symptoms of anemia are fatigue, shortness of breath and pale skin. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, such as poor nutrition or heart disease. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
treatment options:
Fortunately, several treatment options are available for anemia in patients with kidney disease. The most common treatment is EPO replacement therapy, which involves injecting the patient with synthetic EPO to stimulate the production of red blood cells. In some cases, iron supplements may also be given to make sure the body has enough iron to produce red blood cells.
Lifestyle Changes:
In addition to medical treatment, kidney disease patients can also make several lifestyle changes to manage anemia. These may include eating a diet rich in iron and other nutrients, getting regular exercise, and avoiding drugs or substances that harm the kidneys.
Conclusion:
Anemia is a common complication of kidney disease, mainly due to decreased production of EPO. However, several treatment options are available, including EPO replacement therapy and dietary changes. If you are experiencing symptoms of anemia, it is essential to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
