Intrinsic Renal Disease

Intrinsic renal disease is a type of kidney disease that is often the result of an injury to the kidneys. The disease also is caused by lack of blood to the kidneys, drug abuse and inflammation from other causes. The kidneys are vital because these organs keep you alive by filtering toxins out of your body. Toxins and even excess vitamins are excreted through the urine.

Effects

• People with intrinsic renal disease will often have other symptoms such as anemia, bad breath, joint problems, ammonia taste in their mouth, swelling, bloody urine or severe fatigue. People suffering from kidney disease may also look pale and become depressed. They do not feel well, which causes them to lose interest in their normal daily activities.

Considerations

• If you have been diagnosed with intrinsic renal disease there are a few things you may want to consider to improve your quality of life. Make changes in your diet immediately. You can strengthen your kidneys by taking steps such as drinking pure water daily. In addition, eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Cranberry juice can also help to flush and cleanse the kidneys. Take liquid vitamin supplements to bypass the digestive process. The vitamins will help give you strength and energy while dealing with the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, a low phosphorus diet is beneficial for people with kidney disease.

Types

• There are four main type of intrinsic renal disease: glomerular, tubular, vascular and interstitial. People who are at risk for these types of renal disease are those who have diabetes, chronic renal insufficiency and congestive heart failure. Drug therapy is the main treatment for several types of intrinsic renal disease. Medications include loop diuretics, mannitol, calcium channel beta blockers and dopamine.

  Vascular renal failure is often treated aggressively with surgery. Interstitial renal disease is often treated with corticosteroids. Interstitial disease typically brings on a fever or rash.

Causes

• One of the most common causes of intrinsic renal disease is an injury from a car crash, though there are also several types of intrinsic renal disease with other causes. Vascular is usually caused by capillary thrombosis. Glomerular is usually brought on by hypertension and other health conditions. Tubular disease is brought on by toxins and ischemia. The most common reason for interstitial disease is from an allergic reaction to a drug, but it can also be brought on by infection or autoimmune disease.

Prevention/Solution

• Sometimes kidney disease is a result of an injury which is out of your control, but in many cases you can control whether you develop intrinsic renal disease by making lifestyle changes. Be good to your kidneys by drinking pure water and eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Purify your kidneys by drinking raw beet, carrot and cucumber juice. Cut refined sugars and processed foods from your diet. Be mindful of what you are putting into your body and focus on maintaining a healthy weight.