Also known as chronic kidney failure, chronic kidney disease involves gradually losing kidney function. Kidneys filter excess fluids and waste from the blood through urine. When affected by kidney disease, the organs fail to eliminate the waste, resulting in the accumulation of toxins in the body. One may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. However, if detected, the treatment focuses on slowing the disease progression by addressing the cause. Causes Some of the primary causes of chronic kidney disease are: High blood pressure: Also known as hypertension, this develops when the pressure of the blood against the vessel walls increases. If left unchecked, it might result in kidney disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Conversely, even chronic kidney disease can result in high blood pressure. Diabetes: One is affected by diabetes when their blood sugar levels are too high. If left unchecked, diabetes might cause damage to various parts of the body, like blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Hypertension and diabetes are the primary conditions responsible for approximately two-thirds of all chronic kidney disease cases. Additionally, the following factors also contribute to the risk of developing kidney problems: Inherited diseases: Conditions like polycystic kidney disease are prevalent causes of kidney failure. PKD leads to large cysts in the kidney that damage the surrounding tissue. Autoimmune diseases: Here, the immune system works against the body. One such disease is lupus nephritis, which causes inflammation, scarring, or swelling in the small blood vessels that filter the waste from the kidney. Glomerulonephritis : This is a cluster of diseases that causes inflammation and hampers the kidney’s filtering units. Urinary tract and kidney abnormalities: This includes malformations, which may develop when the baby is in the womb. For instance, a narrowing might develop, which intervenes with the natural outflow of urine, resulting in it flowing back to the kidney.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition that affects the macula—the small central area of the retina responsible for central vision. The condition is the leading cause of vision loss in those over 50 and is a significant public health issue. Despite its prevalence, there are still many myths and misconceptions about the condition that prevent others from understanding the risks, symptoms, prevention, and management of age-related macular degeneration. Symptoms Early signs of AMD include a sudden change in vision, such as more blurriness or distortion than usual. One may also experience difficulty reading fine print or recognizing faces at a close distance. As the disease progresses, one may lose peripheral vision and eventually be unable to see anything beyond 20 feet (6 meters). Other symptoms include loss of eyesight in one or both eyes, change in color perception, and trouble driving or walking at night due to poor visibility at dusk and dawn. Common myths about AMD The condition is rare There are many myths about the disease, but one of the most prevalent one is that the condition is rare. However, millions of people experience some form of age-related macular degeneration, i.e., it affects nearly 1 in 10 people over the age of 50. So if one is experiencing any changes in their vision, they should book an eye consultation immediately. It leads to total blindness While age-related macular degeneration can cause vision loss, it does not mean that people affected by the disease will experience a complete loss of vision. AMD often affects the central vision, making it difficult to see things up close. It cannot be treated Doctors can recommend a number of treatment options for AMD that help one deal with the symptoms. Treatment may involve wearing custom-made glasses or contact lenses that filter harmful light rays, while other options include laser treatment to remove damaged tissue from the eye.

Excessive sugar intake has been linked to several health problems, including high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If one is worried about their sugar intake, this is a common concern, and over time, there has been a growing emphasis on limiting sugar. This is possible by making minor changes to daily meals and lifestyle, helping one lower the risk of developing serious health problems. So, here are some practical ways to cut down on sugar: What is hyperglycemia? Hyperglycemia is a condition in which one’s blood sugar levels are abnormally high. There are two main types of hyperglycemia: fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. Fasting hyperglycemia is when the blood sugar level is higher than 125–130mg/dL after not eating for 8 hours or more. Postprandial hyperglycemia develops when the blood sugar level is higher than 180 mg/dL about 1–2 hours after a meal. People with high blood sugar might experience symptoms like headache, blurred vision, thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Causes High blood sugar is a common problem that can lead to diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its cells, leading to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly the result of lifestyle factors, such as poor eating habits and a lack of exercise. Here are some of the common causes of hyperglycemia: Excessive intake of sugar or carbohydrates: Here, the body starts producing more glucose, which is the main form of energy used by cells. Lack of exercise: Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels and keep them in check, so a sedentary lifestyle can lead to high blood glucose. High cholesterol or triglycerides: This makes it harder for the body to process glucose properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Tips for limiting sugar Sugar is not great for one’s health, and excessive sugar intake can lead to cavities and have an impact on overall health.

Kidney disease is a severe health condition that can lead to kidney failure. The organ helps to refine and remove waste products from the blood. When kidney disease occurs, it can damage different organs of the body and lead to serious health problems. This condition causes toxins to accumulate in the blood, causing kidney damage and impairing their function, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. What are the causes of kidney disease? High blood pressure Elevated blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time by causing them to lose their ability to filter toxins and fluids from the bloodstream properly. Diabetes Diabetes increases your risk for kidney disease because it damages the blood vessels in your body, including those that supply blood to the kidneys. Pyelonephritis (a type of urinary tract infection) This can cause inflammation and scarring in the renal tissue, leading to kidney failure. Vesicoureteral reflux This is when urine backs up into the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the bladder to the outside world. It often leads to renal failure if it’s not treated on time. Interstitial nephritis This is an inflammation of the kidney cells that results in decreased function or even loss of kidney function over time. It can be caused by various factors, such as infection with bacteria or viruses, exposure to toxins or chemicals, and autoimmune diseases like lupus. Glomerulonephritis It is an inflammation of the glomeruli (small cells in the renal pelvis that filter waste from the blood). It can be caused by infection, injury, or autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), and it often progresses slowly over time. Autoimmune diseases These involve your immune system attacking your body tissues (including your kidneys). This damage can lead to a gradual decline in kidney function over time, even without apparent symptoms.

A healthy kidney function is pivotal for maintaining good health. Every thirty minutes, they filter the blood and remove excess fluids, poisons, and waste from the body. Kidneys also produce vital hormones and control blood pressure. Every one in seven adults in the country suffers from kidney disease, which impairs kidney function. Consequently, excess waste and fluid accumulate in the body. It might cause several health problems like stroke and heart disease. Read on to know more. Causes Acute kidney disease If the kidney suddenly stops functioning, the doctors refer to it as acute renal failure or kidney injury. Its primary causes are: Urine backing up in the kidneys Not enough blood flow to the kidneys Direct kidney damage These things may happen when: A woman experiences pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia. One undergoes a traumatic injury involving blood loss, like a car accident. A person inhales toxins that cause damage to the kidney. One has kidney stones or an enlarged prostate that hinders urine flow. One gets into shock because of sepsis. Muscle tissue breaks down, or one is severely dehydrated, which sends excessive kidney-toxic protein into the bloodstream. One has an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body. One experiences liver or heart failure. Chronic kidney disease If the kidneys do not work well for over three months, it is called chronic kidney disease. It might not show any signs in the early stages, but that is also when it is the easiest to cure. Some prevalent causes include: High blood pressure Type 1 and 2 diabetes Lupus or other immune system diseases Long-lasting viral illnesses like hepatitis C, hepatitis B, AIDS, and HIV Polycystic kidney disease or a genetic condition where fluid-filled sacs develop in the kidney. Inflammation in the kidney filters usually from a strep infection A urinary tract infection within the kidneys results in scarring when the infection heals.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin disease that causes significant discomfort. The dry and itchy skin can make life difficult for those who suffer from the condition. Hence, this article will discuss everything one needs to know about atopic dermatitis. It will discuss AD’s symptoms, triggers, and management. Therefore, this information is vital to help manage the condition if you or anyone you know has atopic dermatitis. What is atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can cause intense itching and inflammation. It is most prevalent in children but can arise at any age. It often runs in families and may be aggravated by environmental factors such as stress, cold weather, and harsh chemicals. It can also be debilitating, causing immense physical discomfort and psychological distress. Flares (episodes of intense symptoms) are common with atopic dermatitis. However, remission (when the symptoms are milder than usual) usually lasts for several months but can last for years in some cases. Symptoms If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you likely have atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic skin condition that can be highly frustrating, as it often involves recurring episodes of eczema or dermatitis involving both dry and wet phases. Additionally, your skin becomes red, swollen, or tender when you scratch or rub it. You may also experience recurrent bacterial infections in your skin. And finally, you find it challenging to tolerate clothing made from synthetic materials. If you have AD, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Causes There are many different causes of atopic dermatitis, and it is often a complex combination of factors that leads to the condition. The most important factor is a weakened immune system, which can be caused by mutations or exposure to certain environmental things. This weakened state makes the skin more susceptible to inflammation and irritation.