Can a Kidney Repair Itself?

Understanding Kidney Repair: How Damage Impacts Recovery

Kidney disease is a critical illness that affects millions of people every year worldwide. Kidneys can be damaged for various reasons, including infections, dehydration, blood loss, and the prolonged use of certain medications. Some damages are reversible, while some are permanent.

So, the kidney repair depends on the underlying cause of the damage. Read ahead to get a brief overview of the types of kidney failure, their causes, and whether the kidneys can repair themselves.

Types of Kidney Failure

In case of kidney or renal failure, your kidneys don’t function efficiently enough to filter out waste products from the blood. Kidney failure is classified into 2 types based on the causes:

1. Acute Kidney Failure

When the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter impurities from the blood for a short period, it is diagnosed as acute kidney failure. Symptoms of this condition are swelling around the hands and feet, reduced urine output, nausea, tiredness, and confusion.

Various causes of such failure include:

• Severe dehydration
• Chronic infections in the urinary tract
• Blockages in the urinary tract due to the formation of stones or a tumour
• Blood loss from major physical injury or trauma
• Prolonged use of certain medicines like painkillers
• In such cases, timely treatment is required. With the right treatment and follow-up care, it is possible to reverse kidney damage.

2. Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic kidney failure progresses very slowly, often showing no signs and symptoms. The primary cause of such disorders is factors that remain elevated for extended periods, such as high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:

• Swelling around hands, feet, and ankles
• Extreme tiredness
• Foamy or bubbly urine
• Dry and itchy skin
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Sleep disorders
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty to focus

Chronic kidney damage is permanent and irreversible. You can only manage these symptoms through lifestyle choices, medications, and dialysis.

Can the Kidneys Repair Themselves After Damage?

The answer depends on the type and severity of the kidney damage. However, they cannot fully repair on their own; treatments and medications are required to support the recovery process.

Repair in Acute Kidney Failure

In the case of acute kidney failure, if the underlying cause of the failure is treated promptly, the kidney function may return to normal after treatment. Until then, dialysis and medications are required to filter out waste products from the bloodstream.

However, if, due to any physical trauma, the kidney tissues are severely damaged, then it can turn into permanent kidney failure, and recovery is not possible.

Repair in Chronic Kidney Failure

In the case of chronic kidney failure, the damage is permanent, and the symptoms can only be managed through medications and lifestyle changes. The damage is classified into five stages, and with each progressing stage, the conditions worsen.

If it’s the last stage of kidney damage, then a kidney transplant is the only option for the person to live longer. You can introduce healthy habits to prevent further kidney damage. Early detection and prompt medical attention can help in such a scenario.

Lifestyle Habits to Manage Kidney Disease 

It is essential to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Here are the lifestyle modifications you can follow to prevent further kidney damage:

• Follow a balanced diet, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and plant-based proteins. Reducing sodium intake, also known as salt, is important if you have high blood pressure.
• Try to maintain the blood pressure and blood sugar levels within the target range.
• Engage in regular physical exercise to improve strength and muscle mass and lower stress levels.
• Cut down on alcohol, smoking, and consumption of tobacco products.
• Follow a monthly check-up routine to maintain your overall health and well-being. Visit a healthcare professional for advice on the necessary lifestyle changes to incorporate into your daily routine.
• Take enough rest and improve your sleeping habits.
• Practice mindfulness and journaling techniques to reduce stress levels.

It is essential to recognize that kidney damage is critical, and its complications can vary depending on the stage. Timely medical intervention and proper care can help reverse acute kidney failure. However, it can be a substantial financial burden if you are not backed by health insurance.

At Star Health, our Star Critical Illness Multipay Insurance provides comprehensive coverage for treatments of 37 critical illnesses, including dialysis and kidney transplants. It provides lump sum coverage upon diagnosis and cashless treatments in 14,000+ network hospitals across India. Invest in a policy to protect your health and peace of mind during challenging times.

Call us now for further details! 

Also Read:

→ Can I Improve My Kidney Function

→ Can I Live a Normal Life with Kidney Disease

→ Can Kidney Disease be Cured

→ Can the Kidneys Go Back to Normal

→ How to Stop Kidney Stone Pain Immediately