A creatinine test is often part of the blood tests ordered to check kidney function. However, once you are given a laboratory report, you may ask yourself, "So what does it mean for a person this age?
Conversely, it's helpful to know what the normal creatinine level is by age so you can gain some perspective when interpreting a lab report. Creatinine results should not be used alone as it can be influenced by other factors such as muscle mass, age, gender, hydration status, medication and overall health.
Creatinine is a waste product that is made naturally in the body by the muscles. Creatinine is excreted by the healthy kidneys from the blood via urine.
As the function of the kidneys slows down, creatinine can build up in the blood. This is why doctors might sometimes use creatinine as part of an examination of your kidney function.
But a creatinine blood test isn't a full picture of kidney function.
Muscle mass contributes to part of the production of creatinine. Levels may vary by age group because of the differences in muscle mass that can occur among children, adults and older age groups.
Thus, it may not be a good idea to compare the outcome of one individual to one universal value.
Relevant blood tests, medical history, blood pressure, medications, and urine tests may also be taken into account by healthcare professionals, along with creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
These reference ranges may vary between laboratories, and each laboratory will provide a reference range when reporting results.
There are other factors besides age. Sex and muscle mass can also affect creatinine concentration. A muscular person might have a higher creatinine level but not the same kidney-function status, as compared to a leaner person.
Likewise, a creatinine level which seems normal for an older adult with less muscle mass may warrant a further assessment of kidney filtration.
That's why health professionals tend to rely on eGFR and other indicators instead of just creatinine.
Creatinine may be affected by several factors:
The body's muscle mass and physical appearance
Age
Sex
Hydration status
Recent strenuous exercise
Certain medications
Dietary factors
Existing kidney conditions
Other health conditions
If there is an acute change in creatinine, it does not necessarily indicate permanent kidney disease. Similarly, a lab result that falls in the reference range does not preclude the diagnosis of kidney disease.
If the creatinine is out of the normal range, it's best to talk to a knowledgeable health care provider.
An important purpose of measuring creatinine is that it can be used in the equations to estimate GFR.
eGFR estimates the ability of the kidneys to filter blood, and is used to assess and stage chronic kidney disease.
Urinalysis for the presence of albumin or protein can also be performed by healthcare providers. Multiple indicators give a more comprehensive picture than any one lab value.
The reason for the elevated creatinine may include a number of factors. One of the possibilities is kidney impairment, but other factors can influence the outcome as well.
A health care provider will want to do the test again, review medications, check hydration, consider eGFR, or conduct other tests depending on the situation.
Self-diagnosis of kidney disease based on a creatinine number should be avoided.
General wellness is an important aspect of kidney wellbeing. Good health practices can include appropriate exercise, a healthy diet, control of blood pressure, control of diabetes if applicable, avoiding unnecessary medications or supplements and scheduled health care visits.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with kidney disease might need special dietary or fluid needs. So, any health-related recommendations should be tailored to the person's specific condition.
Traditionally, Ayurveda focuses on a holistic regimen of lifestyle, diet, traditional herbal wellness and personalized routines.
Those who prefer alternative treatments can consider consulting with an ayurvedic doctor for guidance on complementary treatments for kidney health as part of their overall kidney health care regimen.
MediLux Ayurveda offers customized ayurvedic wellness solutions to those who are interested in alternative kidney care. This guidance should be used in addition to, and not as a substitute for, appropriate medical assessment and treatment, and should not be used to replace prescribed medicines or medically needed care.
Individuals with low kidney function should consult the doctor regarding use of herbal products and supplements as some may interact with medications or may not be suitable for low kidney function.
People in the USA and UK interested in complementary kidney wellness guidance from Ayurveda can avail the convivence of online consultation with MediLux Ayurveda.
Personalized consultation will allow a chance to talk about wellness objectives, lifestyle inquiries, nutrition issues, and interest in the traditional ayurvedic approaches.
Knowing what constitutes normal creatinine levels by age can help you better understand your lab results, but you should always check your lab results in the context of your health history.
Talk with a suitable health care provider about your results if you're concerned about your creatinine, eGFR or kidney health.
To know about each Kidney wellness goal and to get personalized kidney-friendly advice along with medical support in the USA or UK, book a FREE online consultation with MediLux Ayurveda today!