Azotemia is characterized by excessive levels of nitrogenous compounds like urea and cretinine in the bloodstream. This condition generally occurs due to improper filtering of the blood by the kidney or renal failure. These nitrogenous compounds are quite toxic in nature. Thus, their accumulation in the blood leads to various health hazards.
Pre-renal Azotemia
Azotemia is classified into three different types depending on its origin: Pre-renal azotemia, Renal or intra-renal azotemia, and Post-renal azotemia.
Pre-renal azotemia is characterized by excessive amounts of nitrogenous compounds in the bloodstream due to restricted blood flow to the kidneys. Other causes of pre-renal azotemia include irregular pumping of the heart and low blood pressure.
Renal or Intra-renal Azotemia
Renal or Intra-renal azotemia is a type of azotemia in which the increase in the levels of nitrogenous compounds in the blood generally occurs due to damage caused to the kidneys. Diseases such as diabetes and pyleonephritis also lead to the development of renal azotemia.
Certain drugs such as Gentamycin, Cisplatin and Mitomycin, among others, have also been found to cause renal azotemia. These drugs, if taken in excess, can lead to the degradation and degeneration of the linings of the kidney, thus increasing the probability of developing renal azotemia.
Post-renal Azotemia
Post-renal azotemia causes increase in the levels of nitrogenous compounds in the blood due to blocked pathways in the kidney. This blockage may occur in the ureters, the urethra or even in the passages through the bladder.
The most common cause for post -renal azotemia is kidney stones, as it is a well-known fact that stones lead to blockage in the kidneys. Other common causes are inflammation of the kidneys and enlargement of the prostate gland in men.
Symptoms of Azotemia
The most common symptoms associated with all three forms of azotemia include black or reddish-colored urine, painful urination, high fever, feeling of fatigue even while sitting idle, frequent vomiting and loss of appetite.
Some people also develop swellings near their ankles and elbows, which occur due to the accumulation of the nitrogenous compounds in their bloodstream.
Treatment Methods
The most common treatment method is the prescription drug Amifostine. This drug helps reduce the adverse effects caused by drugs such as Cisplatin and Mitomycin, and thus helps reduce the probability of developing azotemia.
Other common treatment methods generally used to treat azotemia include administration of insulin and loop diuretic drugs, as both of these help prevent the accumulation of nitrogenous compounds in the bloodstream.
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