Often, many citizens may not have signs of kidney damage and this, coupled with good test results, makes them confident that their kidney health is adequate. However, a more detailed check, such as ultrasound, can surprise in the final results. Such examinations have resulted in the presence of cysts, tumors and even the presence of cancer in the kidneys. Invited to the studio of the show Diagnozë, nephrologist Prof.Asoc Marsida Duli, from Premium Clinic, showed the importance of ultrasound, even when the tests come out well or patients do not have distinctive signs of kidney disease.
Ultrasound is one of the best diagnostic methods: without radiation, without side effects and provides a clear assessment of the morphology of the kidney. It is recommended to be performed by a nephrologist specialist, as he accurately correlates the morphological appearance with the clinical signs of kidney diseases. During a routine ultrasound, tumors, even kidney cancer, can be detected, which often do not give any symptoms. Cysts in the kidney or inherited diseases such as polycystic kidney disease can also be detected. In most of these cases, blood tests come out normal and the patient has no signs,” said the nephrologist.
The appearance of one of the variants of anemia is also related to the proper functioning of the kidneys. Often, prolonged anemia and lack of improvement in health after drug treatments can be a cause of kidney damage and the presence of a disease in this organ. Therefore, it is important to perform a series of tests.
"Anemia can be one of the early and silent signs of kidney damage. It occurs because the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce erythrocytes (red blood cells), is produced in the kidney. When the kidney is damaged, erythropoietin production decreases and anemia appears. Patients who suffer from anemia resistant to iron treatment, or who have always had anemia without a clear cause, should check kidney function through tests such as creatinine, azotemia and uric acid," explained nephrologist Marsida Duli.
It may seem unbelievable, but low levels of Vitamin D in the blood can be a result of kidney problems. Besides the liver, the kidney is the other organ that enables the definitive activation of vitamin D. If you are sufficiently exposed to the sun and take a supplement to increase the level of this vitamin and do not see results, then a visit to a nephrologist is necessary.
"Vitamin D that is absorbed through the skin or taken with food is first activated in the liver and then in its final form – 1.25 hydroxy vitamin D – in the kidney. Kidney damage directly affects this process and can lead to vitamin D deficiency, even in very early stages where there are no other symptoms. So, a lack of vitamin D in blood tests should raise suspicion of possible problems in kidney function," the nephrologist added, among other things.
The show Diagnozë, by moderator and author Freskida Miloti, comes to A2 CNN viewers every Saturday at 18:15, with various and very important health topics. The show is rebroadcast every Sunday at 18:15. Stay informed by the most professional doctors who are part of our shows, for better health. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
