UREMIA

Uremia is a condition where there is the accumulation of waste product in the blood due to the decreased kidney function. Uremia means “urine in the blood” and refers to the effects of the waste product accumulation. It affects the entire body.

Uremia most often occurs due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) that may lead to end-stage renal (kidney) disease (ESKD), but can also occur quickly leading to acute kidney injury and failure (AKI) that is potentially reversible. Uremia may cause serious health complications such as fluid accumulation, electrolyte, hormone and metabolic problems. Left untreated, uremia is usually fatal and was always so before dialysis and transplantation were available.

CAUSES

Healthy kidneys filter waste and fluids from your body through the urine. Kidneys help maintain normal levels of acids, electrolytes and hormones such as Vitamin D and erythropoietin (EPO). Damaged kidneys don’t work well, allowing multiple toxins to build up in your blood. Most people feel sick when kidney function is less than 15% (15 ml/min) of normal and need to start dialysis when function is less than 10% (10 ml/min) of normal. Lab studies monitor chemicals that are elevated in uremia but not necessarily causative:

• Creatinine (waste product produced in muscle and in dietary protein).
• Urea (waste product formed in the liver as protein is broken down).
• Estimation of overall kidney function using a formula (eGFR - ml/min).
• Stage of CKD from 1 to 5 based on eGFR data from the National Kidney Foundation with dialysis usually starting at Stage 5.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of uremia include:

• Cognitive dysfunction (problems with thinking and remembering).
• Fatigue.
• Shortness of breath from fluid accumulation.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle cramps.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Itching.
• Unexplained weight loss.

In very severe instances, symptoms may include uremic fetor (a urine-like odor on the breath or metallic taste in the mouth) and uremic frost (yellow-white crystals on the skin due to urea in sweat).

COMPLICATIONS OF UREMIA

Uremia can cause serious complications if it’s not treated. Your body may accumulate excess acid, or hormone and electrolyte imbalances –especially for potassium - that can affect the heart. These problems can affect your metabolism, or your body’s process of converting food to energy. The buildup of toxins in your blood can also cause blood vessels to calcify (harden). Calcification leads to bone, muscle, and heart and blood vessel problems. Other complications of uremia may include:

• Acidosis (too much acid in your blood).
• Anemia(too few healthy red blood cells).
• High blood pressure.
• Hyperkalemia(too much potassium in your blood).
• Hyperparathyroidism(too much calcium and phosphorus in your blood leading to elevated parathyroid hormone levels and bone abnormalities).
• Hypothyroidism(underactive thyroid).
• Infertility(inability to get pregnant).
• Malnutrition (lack of nutrients in your body).

PREVENTION

People with end-stage kidney disease should have regular dialysis to keep toxins under control. If you have chronic kidney disease, you may be able to prevent or delay disease progression by:

• Controlling your blood pressure, diabetes or other medical problems.
• Taking your prescribed medications.
• Avoiding medications that may further damage your kidneys.
• Eating a heart healthy diet.
• Exercising.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Quitting smoking.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When uraemia is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering mental and physical symptoms.

Arsenic alb: This occurs when there is trouble in passing urine. Also useful in case of uremia, nephritis, urgent need to urinate or urinating without knowing.

Opium: This homeopathic medicine used in cases of uremia (a type of blood disease), general oedema, dark stool, white urine, concealment of urine, swelling of the stomach, mucous-like urine and uremic shakings.

AMPELOPSIS QUINQUEFOLIA - Ampelopsis quinquefolia is another effective remedy for high level of creatinine in blood. There is uraemia or uremic coma. Vomiting, purging, tenesmus, cold sweat and collapse are the leading symptoms.

CUPRUM ARSENITUM - Cuprum ars is also a very effective remedy for high level of creatinine in blood. There is kidney inefficiency and uremia. The urine smell like garlic. Urine of high specific gravity increased, acetones and diabetic acid.