Kidney Conditions Forum - Kidney function in drug addicts

Conditions and Diseases > Kidney Conditions Forum > Kidney function in drug addicts

The kidneys filter blood and regulate body flood. What happens during kidney failure? And what types of kidney failure do doctors diagnose?...

Q: Kidney function in drug addicts

asked by: DoctorQuestion on April 30th, 2009

my brother passed out after doing heroin. His kidneys stopped working and is now on dialysis. His liver isn't working so well either. While he was passed out his leg fell asleep and has not come to yet. And is very very painful. Because of his drug use and kidneys he can't take anything. I have been icing it. What can we do to relieve the pain? It's very swollen too...

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on May 1st, 2009

Kidney Conditions Answer A6473

The kidneys excrete the fluids out of the organism. If they fail, the fluids might cause swelling throughout of the body most visible in the lower parts of the body (legs, feet) due to the gravity. Also, in drug addicts it is not uncommon that after many shots, the veins are so damaged that thrombosis has occurred. In order to rule out thormobosis certain blood tests have to be made. You might want to visit your family doctor for physical examination and the laboratory tests. You might be referred to a specialist for transfusiology for adequate treatment.

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