Kidneys help in cleansing the blood and influence a lot of other body functions. Your kidneys may fail because of several reasons, and it is vital to seek immediate help should you suspect there is a malfunction. Chronic kidney disease occurs when your kidneys cannot work for several months, mainly because of other factors such as high blood pressure and Diabetes mellitus. Treatment for kidney disease aims at stopping or delaying the condition. Tsegaw E Egziti M.D and the team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center may consider several interventions to treat a weak kidney.
Symptoms of kidney disease
Some symptoms can go unnoticed since they may manifest as symptoms of other diseases. When your kidney fails, the body excretes little waste, and it can cause an accumulation. As a result, you may experience edema, which is swelling on the face or legs. Also, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting may accompany this condition.
You may also experience fatigue and body weakness. Poor appetite, weight loss, and difficulty in breathing are also signs of kidney disease. It can also impair your consciousness and affect concentration. The severe condition can cause muscle cramps and paralysis.
Causes
The causes of kidney disease are diverse and can be because of high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Permanent damage occurs due to the inflammation of kidney tissue, misuse of drugs such as pain relievers, kidney stones, and congenital kidney disease.
Early Detection
At the initial stage, your kidneys can still function properly and hence the reason why it is essential to seek treatment early. However, failure to get medical attention early can lead to deterioration, and your doctor may recommend dialysis. Other complications such as heart attack and stroke may occur due to chronic kidney disease.
Your kidneys play other roles, such as managing bone metabolism and blood formation. Chronic kidney disease can interfere with these functions, which can lead to bone damage and blood clotting.
When your kidneys fail, urine accumulates in the body and can lead to skin changes, nerve damage, and other life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary edema.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your doctor starts by conducting a complete examination, which includes measuring the blood pressure and ultrasound. Then, blood tests are conducted to ascertain the blood sugar, hemoglobin, and creatinine levels. Also, the test aims to establish the level of acidity in your blood.
Other tests include the urine test that determines the amount of protein. Your doctor also seeks to establish if underlying conditions such as Diabetes mellitus are responsible for kidney disease. Further tests such as CT scans may be conducted depending on the severity of the condition.
The treatment includes therapy, and drugs are prescribed to treat several conditions such as high blood pressure. Iron drugs and phosphate binders help in stimulating the blood. Simple workouts also help in managing kidney disease. When the treatment fails, dialysis or transplant is recommended.
Chronic kidney disease can change your everyday life; however, early intervention is helpful in managing the symptoms and helping you live a normal life. Contact the specialists at Houston Kidney Specialists Center to learn more about kidney disease.
