The kidneys play an important role in filtering blood, removing waste through urine, and maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. These organs work non-stop to ensure the body remains healthy and free from toxins.
However, when kidney function is impaired, one condition that can occur is leaky kidneys or proteinuria. If not treated properly, this condition can cause serious complications such as kidney failure.
Causes of Leaky Kidneys
Leaky kidneys occur when the kidney filter or glomerulus is damaged so that it is unable to filter protein properly. Some conditions that can cause leaky kidneys include:
- Diabetes mellitus
High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This damage causes the kidneys to be unable to filter protein properly, increasing the risk of kidney leakage or proteinuria. - Hypertension
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and disrupt the filtering system. As a result, the kidneys lose their ability to retain protein in the blood, causing protein to leak into the urine. - Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the glomerulus or kidney filter can inhibit the blood filtration process. This condition causes proteins that should remain in the blood to leak into the urine, causing gradual kidney dysfunction. - Kidney Infection
Bacterial or viral infections can damage kidney tissue and affect its function in filtering waste. If left untreated, these infections can worsen inflammation, increasing the risk of protein leakage in the urine. - Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune disorders such as lupus can cause the immune system to attack healthy kidney tissue. Chronic inflammation from these conditions can damage the kidney's filters, disrupting the balance of proteins in the blood and urine.
Symptoms of Leaky Kidneys to Watch Out For
Leaky kidneys often do not cause symptoms in the early stages, but over time the following signs may appear:
- Foamy urine is caused by high levels of protein in the urine that should remain in the blood, causing changes in the texture and appearance of the urine when it is excreted.
- Swelling of the face, hands and feet occurs due to fluid retention caused by the loss of protein in the blood so that the fluid balance in the body is disturbed.
- Easily tired because low levels of albumin in the blood reduce the distribution of nutrients and oxygen to the body's cells which play an important role in maintaining energy.
- Decreased appetite is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting due to the accumulation of waste in the body that cannot be excreted properly by the kidneys.
- High blood pressure becomes increasingly difficult to control as impaired kidney function causes an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes that play a role in blood pressure regulation.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To confirm the diagnosis the doctor will perform a urine test to detect protein levels and a blood test to evaluate kidney function. If further proteinuria is found the doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy to determine the exact cause of this condition.
Treatment for leaky kidneys depends on the underlying cause. Some steps that can be taken to control this condition include:
- Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, especially for people with hypertension and diabetes
- Taking medications prescribed by your doctor to protect kidney function.
- Maintain a healthy diet by reducing the consumption of salt and excess protein to reduce the workload on the kidneys.
- Avoid using drugs that can damage the kidneys, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, without a doctor's recommendation.
The Importance of Early Detection
Leaky kidneys can be prevented by implementing a healthy lifestyle such as consuming a balanced nutritious diet, maintaining ideal body weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. Regular health checks are also important, especially for individuals who have a history of kidney disease, diabetes or hypertension.
By recognizing the symptoms of leaky kidneys early, you can immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment so that the risk of complications can be minimized. Do not ignore your kidney health because its role is very important in maintaining the balance of the body as a whole.
Article written by dr. Irman Firmansyah Sp.PD, FINASIM, SH, MH (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).