swollen legs

I (56) have been suffering from diabetes. Recently my legs have swelled up. I feel weak and drowsy. I have also lost my appetite. Although my urine seems normal, a blood test has revealed kidney failure. Please help.

You are probably suffering from chronic renal failure due to uncontrolled diabetes. This can be present with or without a decrease in the amount of urine. Besides, you may have reduced sleep, nocturia (frequent urinary urge at night), tingling sensation, itching, hiccups, anaemia, high blood pressure and pain in the bones. You should restrict the intake of water, protein, salt, and potassium-containing items like fruits. Control your sugar properly. Avoid taking medicines on your own, especially painkillers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin.

frequent urination

I am a 35-year-old woman. Recently I have developed a problem of frequent urination, especially during the nights. At times I feel pain when I urinate. Although I take plenty of water it doesn?t help a bit. What should I do?

This is a common problem of young women. Get your urine and blood sugar levels checked. Besides drinking 2-3 litres of water a day you may take several simple measures to avoid infection in the urinary tract. Urinate before going to bed at an interval of two to three hours. Don?t use strong soaps during bathing. Wear clean and loose-fitting undergarments. If infection in the urinary tract is confirmed antibiotics can completely cure your problem.

blood pressure

My son (18) complains of headache and a poor vision. His blood pressure is 200/110 despite taking four medicines supposed to lower blood pressure. His blood pressure fluctuates often and rarely becomes normal. Please suggest a way out.

Your son is probably suffering from a kidney disease called renal hypertension. This can be due to pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys due to bacterial infection), glomerulonephritis (a type of inflammation in the kidneys), polycystic kidney disease (formation of multiple cysts in the kidneys), renal artery stenosis (narrowing of a renal artery) or a rare tumour in the adrenal gland. With tests of blood, urine, and ultrasonography, the problem can be easily pinpointed and completely treated by medicines or surgery. Young people may also get high pressure due to the ?Cushing?s syndrome? (abnormal condition characterised by obesity and muscular weakness) or thyroid problems. It can also be caused by steroids. Uncontrolled high blood pressure for a long time may cause bleeding from the nose, in the brain, blindness or damage to the kidneys. See a specialist.

urinary trouble

I am a 76-year-old man. I am facing difficulty in passing urine for the last few months. Even after passing urine, I feel I have to urinate again. Can you help?

You may be suffering from enlargement of the prostate gland, which is very common among people of your age. In this problem, increased frequency of urination, nocturia (excessive urge of urination at night) and delay in initiating urination take place. Retention of urine is also a common outcome. Many of these symptoms are harmless and can be controlled by medicines. Nevertheless, an ultrasonography should be done to measure the extent of prostate gland enlargement. If it is abnormally enlarged, you may require surgery. Nowadays, such surgeries are done without opening any part of the human body.

blood in urine

Occasionally I (35) find blood in my urine. What?s the problem?

Blood in the urine is not always dangerous. Problems like kidney stone, glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease) and tuberculosis infection can cause it. Detailed investigations should be undertaken to pin down the exact cause of the problem. Drugs like aspirin may discharge blood in urine. Bleeding disorders like haematuria may also be the cause of blood in urine.