If your body often swells, you should check the condition of your kidneys.
The kidneys, nicknamed the "water purifier" of the body, are bean-shaped organs about the size of an adult fist located on the back. There are two kidneys, one on each side. Although called kidneys due to their reddish bean shape, their proper name is "sinjang."
The kidneys play a role in removing unnecessary waste from the body while retaining needed substances. They also maintain homeostasis by keeping electrolyte balance intact and regulate blood pressure by controlling the secretion of renin hormone and salt excretion.
Additionally, they activate vitamin D to help absorb calcium in the body, supporting strong bones, and perform endocrine functions by producing and secreting enzymes.
It is commonly said, "If your kidneys are not healthy, your body often swells." Edema, or swelling, is one of the most representative symptoms of kidney disease.
The interstitial fluid, which exists between the tissues of our body and supplies nutrients to cells while removing waste, is usually balanced by three factors: osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and vascular permeability.
However, when this balance is disrupted by various causes, fluid from the blood vessels moves into the interstitial fluid and abnormally accumulates, causing edema, or swelling of the body.
Edema can occur in any part of the body. It commonly appears in both lower limbs, which are relatively close to the ground due to gravity. It can also occur in the face, pleura, lungs, hands, and abdominal cavity.
Usually, after standing for a long time at work, sitting in a chair, or walking more than usual, swelling is felt in the legs around evening when the day ends.
In many cases, it improves by the next day, but if the swelling worsens, lasts for a long time, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be caused by various systemic diseases such as kidney disease, chronic venous insufficiency, heart failure, or liver disease, so careful attention is needed.
If kidney function is impaired, a large amount of protein is lost through urine, reducing osmotic pressure in blood vessels. This leads to decreased ability to regulate and excrete body fluids and electrolytes, causing fluid accumulation and edema.
Representative conditions to suspect include nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, and acute renal failure, which cause slow and widespread swelling throughout the body.
Initially, it may go unnoticed, but it can be recognized when shoes or clothes feel tight in the morning, sometimes leading to sudden swelling.
Dr. Lee Gahee of Daedong Hospital Artificial Kidney Center said, "Minor edema often goes unnoticed because it does not cause discomfort in daily life. However, if persistent edema appears, suddenly worsens, occurs in only one leg, or is accompanied by shortness of breath or pain, diseases causing the edema should be suspected, and you must visit a medical institution for examination."
When visiting a medical institution for edema, medical history, physical examination, blood tests to check kidney function, liver function, thyroid hormones, urine tests, electrocardiogram, and imaging tests are performed to find the cause.
Treatment begins according to the underlying disease, and edema control may involve fluid intake restriction, diuretic administration, and salt restriction.
If swelling occurs around the eyes, hands, or feet along with general body pain, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or foamy urine, visit a medical institution without delay. Since kidney diseases often do not show early symptoms, regular check-ups are recommended to monitor your health condition.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
