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Kidney Failure due to Sulfa Drugs, Potassium Level 8.8, Lower Back Pain

2013-05-26 09:13

Q:

I had kidney failure a couple of months ago due to an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs. My potassium level was 8.8 and I have been having some mild pains in my lower back around the hips, do you think it may be kidney failure starting again?

A:

Sulfa drugs are a group of synthesis of antibacterial drugs and it is widely used in clinic to help patients fight against bacteria and viruses. However long term intake or improper use of sulfa drugs can cause a series of side effects including allergies, pains or even kidney damages especially if they are taken along with antibiotic cyclosporin. Patients can experience a series of symptoms such as difficulty in urination, burning sense in urination or even blood in urine.

Kidney damages caused by sulfa drugs are acute renal impairments. Often early and effective treatment can reverse renal damages and recover renal functions. However the disappearing of symptoms does not often mean the disease is cured. If not well controlled, acute renal impairments will easily lead to chronic renal disease or even chronic renal failure. That is why many patients suffer from many problems after a period of time.

At present, you are having high blood potassium levels, lower back pains which are typical symptoms of kidney problems, therefore I recommend you to have an early kidney function test to see if there is any problems especially if the symptoms persists for long time.

Normal potassium level in the blood should be 3.5-5.3, therefore your potassium level has been quite high, therefore immediate measures should be taken or it can affect your heart function or even threaten your life. Under normal circumstances, kidneys are the main organ to filter excess potassium from the blood and it can help maintain a safe potassium concentration in the blood. When renal functions are affected, potassium can not be discharged efficiently from the blood, resulting in potassium accumulation in the blood and high blood potassium levels.

Anything that you are not quite clear about, welcome to consult our online doctors or leave us a message, we will give you an early reply via email.


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