Painkillers cause kidney damage

Some painkillers can cause kidney damage, especially when used for a long time or in high doses. This can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Understanding the types of painkillers and their effects on the kidneys is important to minimize the risk of damage.

Types of painkillers and their effects on the kidneys:

1.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

• Examples: Ibuprofen (Advil, motrin), naproxen (Aleb), aspirin.
• Effects: NSAIDs inhibit inflammation and pain by inhibiting enzymes involved in the production of prostaglandins (COX-1 and COX-2), a chemical that promotes inflammation, pain and fever.However, prostaglandins also play a role in maintaining blood flow to the kidneys. Long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause kidney damage or damage.
• Risk Factors: People at high risk of pre-existing kidney disorders, heart failure, liver disease, or being elderly.

2.Acetaminophen (paracetamol):

• Example: Tylenol.
• Effects: Acetaminophen is generally considered safer for the kidneys compared to NSAIDs. However, excessive use can lead to kidney damage, especially when combined with other nephrotoxic drugs or in the case of an overdose.
• Risk Factors: Chronic use or overdose can lead to acute kidney injury. It has low nephrotoxicity compared to NSAIDs, but can cause risks if used incorrectly.

3.Prescription painkillers (opioids):

• Examples: Morphine, oxycodone (oxycontin), hydrocodone (vicodin).
• Effects: Opioids are not directly nephrotoxic, but they can cause urinary retention and other complications that indirectly affect kidney function. In addition, they can lead to changes in blood pressure that can affect kidney health. Oct.
• Risk Factors: The main risks are due to misuse, addiction and the possibility of combining them with other nephrotoxic drugs.

The mechanism of kidney damage:

• Reduced blood flow: NSAIDs can reduce the production of prostaglandins, causing reduced blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing acute kidney injury.
• Interstitial nephritis: The use of chronic painkillers can cause interstitial nephritis, inflammation of the interstitial tissue of the kidneys, long-term damage and decreased kidney function.
• Direct toxicity: Some painkillers can have a direct toxic effect on kidney cells, especially when taken in large quantities or in combination with other medications.

Prevention and management:

1.Use painkillers sparingly:

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to manage pain.
• Avoid using NSAIDs regularly if they are not prescribed by a healthcare provider.

2.Monitor kidney function:

• If you are taking long-term analgesics, check your kidney function regularly with blood tests (such as serum creatinine) or urine tests.

3.Stay hydrated:

• It maintains kidney function and provides adequate hydration to help support the excretion of waste products.

4.Avoid combinations:

• Be careful to use more than one nephrotoxic medication at the same time, as this may increase the risk of kidney damage.

5.Consult a health professional:

• Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping the medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions that may affect kidney function.

Result:

Painkillers are effective at managing pain, but they should be used with caution to prevent potential kidney damage. Understanding the risks associated with NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and opioids can help you make informed decisions about pain management. Regular monitoring and consultation with your healthcare professional is essential to minimize the risk and protect kidney health. 

Kidney stones: overview, causes, symptoms and treatment

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. Stones are often formed with an increased concentration of urine, which allows minerals to crystallise and stick together.

Types of kidney stones:

1.Calcium stone: The most common type, often in the form of calcium oxalate.

2.Struvite stone: It is often formed in response to infections such as urinary tract infections.

3.Uric acid stones: can form in people who do not drink enough water or lose too much water, follow a high-protein diet, or suffer from gout.

4.Cystine stones: They are formed in people with hereditary diseases that lead to excessive excretion of certain amino acids by the kidneys (cystinuria).

Reasons:

1.Dehydration: If you don't drink enough water, urine becomes more concentrated and the risk of stone formation increases.

2.Diet: High intake of protein, sodium and sugar may increase the risk. For example, too much salt in the diet increases the amount of calcium that the kidneys need to filter out, which significantly increases the risk of kidney stones.

3.Medical conditions: diseases such as urinary tract infections, kidney diseases, metabolic disorders and hyperparathyroidism.

4.Family history: The presence of kidney stones in the family history increases the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain in the side and back under the ribs
• Pain spreading to the lower abdomen and groin area
• Pain that rolls in a wave and varies in intensity
• Painful urination
• Urine is pink, red or brown in color
• Urine is cloudy or foul-smelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constant urge to urinate
• Fever and chills if you have an infection

Diagnosis:

• Imaging examination: computed tomography, X-ray or ultrasound to visualize the stone.
• Urine analysis: to identify minerals that form stones and to detect infection.
• Blood test: To identify substances that may contribute to the formation of stones.

Treatment:

1.Medication:

• Painkillers to relieve severe pain.
• Medications that help remove stones from the body.
• Drugs to prevent the formation of stones in the future (for example, thiazide diuretics for calcium stones, allopurinol for urinary stones).

2.Lifestyle and home remedies:

• Drink plenty of water: constant fluid intake helps to cleanse the urinary system.
• Dietary changes: reduction of sodium and animal protein intake.

3.Medical procedures:

• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (UUVL): With the help of sound waves, the stone can be divided into small fragments and excreted in urine.
• Ureteroscopy: A thin and flexible tube with illumination and a camera for detecting and removing stones.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A very large stone is surgically removed through a small incision in the back.
• Parathyroid surgery: If the stone is caused by hyperactivity of the parathyroid gland.

Prevention:

1.Hydration: Drink enough water to keep urine diluted.

2.Meal adjustment:

• Limit your intake of salt and animal proteins.
• Eat foods rich in calcium, but avoid excessive amounts of calcium supplements.

3.Medicines: If you are prone to the formation of certain types of stones, your doctor may prescribe medications to help control the levels of minerals and salts in your urine.

Conclusion:

Kidney stones are very painful and can cause serious complications if left untreated. Understanding the types, causes, and treatments of kidney stones can help you manage them and prevent the formation of kidney stones. If kidney stones are suspected, it is important to drink enough water, follow a balanced diet and consult a doctor. 

Brown rice vs. White rice: Nutritional Comparison and Health Effects

 Brown rice and white rice are both staple foods consumed worldwide, but they differ greatly in nutritional profiles and health benefits.

 

Differences in nutrition

1. Processing:

• Brown rice: This is a whole grain, which means it contains all parts of the grain, including bran, germ and endosperm. Bran and germ are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• White rice: This is a refined grain in which bran and germ are removed, leaving a predominantly starchy endosperm. This process significantly reduces its nutritional content.

2.Fiber content:

• Brown rice: High in fiber and contains about 3.5 grams per cup cooked. Fiber aids digestion, provides a feeling of satiety and regulates blood sugar levels.
• White rice: less fiber and is cooked about 0.6 grams per cup. Lack of fiber can lead to faster spikes in blood sugar.

3.Vitamins and minerals:

• Brown rice: Rich in magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, thiamine, niacin and vitamin B6.
• White rice: It is often rich in iron and some B vitamins, but overall it contains less nutrients than brown rice.

4.Antioxidants:

• Brown rice: Contains higher levels of antioxidants due to the presence of bran and germ.
• White rice: Bran and germ are removed during processing, which results in significantly less antioxidants.

Health effects

1. Glycemic Index (GI):

•  Brown rice: Has a lower glycemic index (50 GI) compared to white rice, which means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
• White rice: A higher glycemic index (72 GI), which leads to a faster spike in blood sugar. This can be a concern for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.

2.Weight management:

• Brown rice: Higher fiber content provides a feeling of fullness and helps in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
• White rice: Less filling due to low fiber content, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. 

3.Heart health:

• Brown rice: The presence of fiber, antioxidants and magnesium supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and improving heart function.
• White rice: Lacks these beneficial ingredients and does not offer the same heart health benefits.

4.Digestive health:

• Brown rice: Fiber helps digestion and prevents constipation.
• White rice: It is easy to digest for some people, especially those with digestive disorders, but it does not have the same digestive benefits as brown rice.

Considerations:

1.Arsenic content:

• Brown rice: Arsenic tends to accumulate in the outer layer of grains, so it may have higher levels of arsenic compared to white rice. When cooking to reduce the level of arsenic, it is recommended to rinse the rice well and use plenty of water.

2.Cooking time and texture:

• Brown rice: It takes time to cook and is chewy.
• White rice: It is fast to cook and has a soft and supple texture, which some people prefer.

Conclusion:

Brown rice is generally considered nutritious due to its high fiber, vitamin and mineral content, but even if white rice is particularly concentrated, healthy eating individuals should choose based on their nutritional needs, health status, and personal preferences. Incorporating a variety of whole grains, including brown rice, can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.