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Published on: Apr 22, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Kidney Function Test

A kidney function test, also called a renal function test, is a group of tests that help measure how well your kidneys are working. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluid from your blood. They also make hormones that help control blood pressure, red blood cell production, and the balance of minerals in your body. To find out how well your kidneys are working, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:

-A creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is produced when muscle tissue breaks down. High levels of creatinine may mean that your kidneys are not filtering waste products from your blood as they should.

A kidney function test, also known as a renal function test, is a blood or urine test that is used to measure the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and to determine how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of kidney disease, such as swelling in your ankles or feet, high blood pressure, feeling tired all the time, changes in your urine output or color, and a metallic taste in your mouth.

If you have any questions about this test or why it has been ordered for you, be sure to speak with your doctor. A kidney function test is a blood or urine test that is done to check how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor may order this test if you have any of the following symptoms:

-swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands

-shortness of breath

-rapid weight gain

-blood in your urine

-pain in your side or lower back

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it does not mean you have a problem with your kidneys. However, it is important to find out what is causing them. A kidney function test can help determine whether there is a problem with your kidneys and what type of treatment you may need. A blood test called creatinine is used to estimate kidney function. When the kidneys are not working well, creatinine builds up in the blood. The higher the level of creatinine, the poorer the kidney function. You doctor can order this test to see how well your kidneys are working.

A kidney function test is a blood or urine test to check how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor may order one if you have signs or symptoms of kidney problems, such as swelling in your feet, high blood pressure, or a recent infection. If you have any questions about your results, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. They will be able to explain what the numbers mean and what, if anything, you need to do about them. A kidney function test, also called a renal function test, is a blood or urine test that checks how well your kidneys are working. Your kidneys remove wastes and excess water from your blood and make urine. Your doctor may order a kidney function test if you have signs or symptoms of kidney problems, such as:

-changes in the amount of urine you make

-swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands

-shortness of breath

-fatigue

-nausea or vomiting

-pain in your back or lower abdomen

-headache

If you have any questions about your results, be sure to ask your doctor.

A kidney function test, also called a renal panel or a serum creatinine test, measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is produced by the muscles and released into the bloodstream. A high level of creatinine may indicate that your kidneys are not working properly. A kidney function test, also called a renal function test, measures the amount of waste products in your blood and urine.

Waste products in the blood can come from many sources, including the breakdown of red blood cells, the metabolism of protein, and the digestion of food. When your kidneys aren't working properly, these waste products can build up and cause health problems. A kidney function test usually includes a measurement of creatinine in the blood and urine. Creatinine is a waste product that is created when muscle tissue breaks down. It's a good indicator of how well your kidneys are removing wastes from your body. The higher the creatinine level, the less well your kidneys are working.

A kidney function test is a blood test that can help determine how well your kidneys are working. Kidney function tests may be ordered if you have signs or symptoms of kidney disease, such as nausea, vomiting, changes in urine output or color, swelling in the feet or ankles, and shortness of breath. Your doctor may also order a kidney function test if you're taking medications that can affect the kidneys, such as antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum. The results of your kidney function test can help your doctor decide whether you need further testing to diagnose kidney disease and determine the best treatment for you.

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HIV vs. AIDS: Understanding the Symptoms, Treatment, and Key Differences

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are terms often used interchangeably, but they are distinct stages of the same disease process. While HIV refers to the virus that attacks the immune system, AIDS is the final, most severe stage of HIV infection. Understanding the symptoms of HIV and AIDS, along with the treatment options available, is crucial for early detection and effective management of the disease. This blog will explore the key differences between HIV and AIDS, how HIV becomes AIDS, and the symptoms and treatments for both.

What Is HIV?

HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are essential for fighting off infections. When the immune system becomes severely damaged, the body becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. The virus is primarily spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is important to note that HIV can be managed with proper medical care, but it remains a chronic condition.

What Is AIDS?

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, which occurs when the immune system is severely damaged by the virus. Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, especially if the virus is diagnosed early and treated effectively with antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS in about 10 to 15 years.

Difference Between HIV and AIDS

The primary difference between HIV and AIDS is their stage in the disease process. HIV is the initial infection, while AIDS represents the advanced stage. In medical terms, HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, whereas AIDS is a syndrome—a collection of symptoms and infections that arise when the immune system is significantly weakened.

How Does HIV Become AIDS?

HIV progresses to AIDS when the immune system becomes severely damaged, and the CD4 count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimetre of blood. This makes the body vulnerable to infections and diseases that a healthy immune system would normally fight off. The progression of HIV to AIDS can take several years, and early diagnosis and treatment with ART can delay or even prevent the onset of AIDS.

Early Signs of HIV Infection vs. AIDS

It is crucial to understand the early signs of HIV infection and how they differ from the symptoms of AIDS. While both conditions affect the immune system, their symptoms vary based on the stage of the disease.

Early Signs of HIV Infection

The early signs of HIV infection typically appear within 2-4 weeks after exposure to the virus. These symptoms are often referred to as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or primary HIV infection. Symptoms may include:

Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Rash
Muscle aches
Diarrhea
Headache

These symptoms are similar to those of the flu or a common cold, which is why many people might not initially recognize that they have HIV.

Symptoms of AIDS

As the immune system weakens and HIV progresses to AIDS, individuals may experience more severe symptoms. These include:

Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Extreme and unexplained tiredness
Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
Pneumonia
Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders

Symptoms of AIDS in Men vs. Women

While the overall symptoms of AIDS are similar in both men and women, there can be some differences.

Symptoms of AIDS in Men: Men with AIDS may experience severe weight loss, opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, and increased susceptibility to HIV-associated cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma.
Symptoms of AIDS in Women: Women with AIDS may experience vaginal infections, cervical cancer, and higher rates of severe herpes outbreaks. Additionally, women might experience a more rapid progression from HIV to AIDS compared to men.

Stages of HIV Leading to AIDS

HIV progresses through three stages before potentially reaching AIDS:

Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection
This stage typically occurs 2-4 weeks after exposure to the virus and is characterized by acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) symptoms, as mentioned earlier. The viral load is very high during this stage, making the person highly contagious.
Stage 2: Clinical Latency (Chronic HIV)
During this stage, the virus remains active but reproduces at very low levels. People may not experience any symptoms, and this stage can last for several years if the person is on ART. However, without treatment, the virus continues to damage the immune system.
Stage 3: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
This is the final stage, where the immune system is severely damaged, and the body becomes vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers.

HIV/AIDS Treatments

While there is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS, the disease can be managed effectively with treatment. The most common treatment for HIV is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART involves a combination of HIV medicines taken daily to prevent the virus from replicating, allowing the immune system to recover and function properly.

HIV/AIDS Treatments Include:

Antiretroviral Medications: These medications work by reducing the viral load in the body, which helps in managing HIV and preventing its progression to AIDS.
Prevention of Opportunistic Infections: For people with AIDS, treatments may also include medications to prevent infections that a weakened immune system is more susceptible to, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
Supportive Care: This may involve treatments for pain, nausea, diarrhoea, or any other symptoms caused by opportunistic infections.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between HIV and AIDS is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. While HIV is the virus that causes the infection, AIDS is the final, most severe stage of the disease. By recognizing the early signs of HIV and seeking treatment, individuals can prevent the progression to AIDS and manage the condition effectively with modern treatments. Regular testing, early diagnosis, and adherence to ART can greatly improve the quality of life for people living with HIV, ensuring they can live long, healthy lives.

For more information on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, or if you’re seeking guidance, reach out to Secondmedic Consultants. We’re here to help you take control of your health journey.