323 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits RENAL INSUFFICIENCY Healthy kidneys perform several essential functions: maintaining proper fluid levels in the body, regulating blood salts and minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium), producing hormones, eliminating toxins and other waste substances from metabolism, etc.. In renal insufficiency, the kidneys no longer function well enough to carry out these roles and, furthermore, toxins and waste products accumulate in the blood. If the insufficiency becomes severe, dialysis may be required to remove excess waste and fluids from the bloodstream, or a kidney transplant may be needed to replace the damaged organ. RENAL LITHIASIS Renal lithiasis refers to the presence of solid components, known as calculi or stones, within the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra). When located in the kidneys, the condition is referred to as nephrolithiasis, while in other parts of the urinary system, it is called urolithiasis. Stones typically form when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallise and bind together. Most of them consist of calcium compounds, particularly calcium oxalate (around 60%), although other minerals may also be involved. Renal lithiasis is a common and chronic condition affecting about 12% of the population, with a higher prevalence in men (twice as frequent as in women, especially among middle-aged men) and a high recurrence rate (50%). It usually manifests in the form of acute, intense pain episodes (renal colic) interspersed with asymptomatic periods or mild clinical signs. Symptoms can range from being entirely absent to presenting with laboratory findings (such as blood or white blood cells in urine), lower back pain, renal colic, burning sensation during urination, urinary tract infections, and more. Renal colic is the most frequent symptom. It typically begins suddenly, often during the night or early morning while at rest, and causes severe, fluctuating pain that is unaffected by changes in body position. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, bowel discomfort or obstruction, profuse sweating, among others. Fever is generally not present unless there is a concurrent infection, particularly of the kidney or urinary tract. Passing kidney stones can be extremely painful. Risk factors include diet, excess body weight, certain diseases, and the use of some medications and dietary supplements. RESORPTION (See BONE) RESPIRATORY (See PHYSIOLOGY / Respiratory system) RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (See PHYSIOLOGY) RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. It primarily causes inflammation in the joints and is usually accompanied by pain, deformity, and difficulty in movement. In some cases, it may also affect other parts of the body.
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