How Is Low Hemoglobin Linked with Kidney Failure

2015-02-19 02:30

Low hemoglobin is a common topic among kidney failure patients. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that can help us carry oxygen to every part of our body. When hemoglobin level is below the lowest limits of normal value, we look pale and also become tired easily. With kidney failure, we are likely to suffer from this problem. Well, how is low hemoglobin linked with kidney failure?

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells. For kidney failure patients, their hemoglobin level is low usually because of renal anemia which is a common complication of kidney disorder. Kidney is a natural filter of our body and besides cleansing blood, it also secretes some hormone like EPO (erythropoietin) to maintain the normal function of our body.

EPO is a glycoprotein hormone that controls red blood cell production. In kidney failure, kidneys are severely damaged and can not secrete enough EPO at all. Under such a condition, red blood cell production decreases and consequently, hemoglobin level in blood becomes low. Renal anemia is diagnosed when red blood cell count is lesser than normal value. Besides, kidneys remove toxins out of the body and when kidneys shut down, toxins build up in blood. These toxins damage red blood cells, which also contributes to the decrease of hemoglobin level.

Slightly low hemoglobin level is not deadly, but if not controlled well, it will become severer and severer. At that time, further health tissues will be caused. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment are very importantly.

In kidney failure, to increase hemoglobin level in blood, both diet treatment and medical treatment are needed. Different medical methods are applied in different cases. What medicines to take and what foods to take are determined by exact illness condition, so here you can describe your illness condition to our online doctor to get personalized remedies.

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