Living with Therapy

There are just under 60,000 dialysis patients in Germany. For the person affected, blood washing means an immense change in normal everyday life, both in private and at work. Although it is possible to provide treatment close to home and in many places late-night and night dialysis options allow patients a certain degree of flexibility, … Living with Therapy

Renal Replacement Therapies: Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation

When the kidneys no longer manage to perform their function of excreting toxins and water, their duties must be taken over elsewhere. Various methods of blood washing are available, as well as transplanting foreign kidneys. In Germany, nearly 80,000 people are affected. When are kidney replacement procedures used? In principle, the answer is simple: whenever … Renal Replacement Therapies: Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation

What are the Different Types of Dialysis?

In Germany, hemodialysis (HD) predominates with 86.1%. In this process, an “artificial kidney“(= hemodialyzer) is connected directly to the bloodstream. Although it bears no visual resemblance to real kidneys, it can mimic their function within certain limits. However, its detoxification capacity does not correspond to more than 10-15% of healthy kidneys. The hemodialyzer consists of … What are the Different Types of Dialysis?

Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

Behind blood in the urine (hematuria) can be many different causes. Often a disease of the bladder or kidneys is the trigger of the complaints. In men, diseases of the prostate are also a possible cause. In some cases, however, traces of blood can also appear in the urine of healthy individuals. If you notice … Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

Early Detection of Kidney Damage

The kidneys are the “sewage treatment plant” of the human body. These two organs regulate the water balance and are responsible for the elimination of toxins. In addition, the kidneys produce certain hormones and regulate blood pressure. An unmistakable sign of kidney disease is protein in the urine. Kidney damage as a result of other … Early Detection of Kidney Damage

Typical Gout Symptoms

Before the first gout attack occurs and the disease is discovered, gout disease often exists for years. The phase in which uric acid levels continue to rise slowly but without symptoms is called the asymptomatic phase. Typical gout symptoms do not become noticeable until the level reaches a critical point and a gout attack occurs. … Typical Gout Symptoms

Collagenoses: Diseased Connective Tissue Throughout the Body

Just like rheumatoid arthritis, collagenoses are among the inflammatory rheumatic diseases in which the immune system produces antibodies against the body’s own components. In this case, the connective tissue is the target of the attack by the autoantibodies, which trigger chronic inflammation there. What are collagenoses? Collagenoses are a group of rare autoimmune diseases in … Collagenoses: Diseased Connective Tissue Throughout the Body