Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease
Healthy kidneys remove extra water and waste from the blood, help control blood pressure, keep body chemicals in balance, help produce red blood cells and keep bones strong. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when the kidneys are no longer able to remove toxins from the body and perform to their best ability.
Kidney disease is a growing problem. More than 20 million Americans may have kidney disease and many more are at risk. Anyone can develop kidney disease, regardless of age or race.
According to the American Society of Nephrology, more than 20 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease, which is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States. The state of California accounts for nearly 3 million adults and children with CKD.
What causes kidney disease?
Diabetes: The number one cause of kidney disease.
Blood pressure: Kidneys play an important role in keeping a person’s blood pressure in a healthy range, and blood pressure, in turn, can affect the health of the kidneys. High blood pressure can damage the kidney and cause chronic kidney disease.
Genetic and autoimmune diseases: a family history of kidney failure or diseases that negatively affect the kidneys.
Other outside influences: Exposure to toxins and extreme allergens, as well as from severe blood loss or trauma.
What are the symptoms of kidney disease?
Once you have kidney disease, you can’t get rid of it. Over time it can lead to kidney failure. If the kidneys fail, treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary. Kidney disease can also lead to other health conditions including heart disease, stroke or heart attack.
Symptoms of kidney disease can include:
- changes in urination
- swelling of feet, ankles, hands or face
- extreme fatigue or weakness
- loss of appetite
- shortness of breath
- ammonia or metallic breath
- severe itching, especially in the leg area
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones occur when substances in the urine gather together to form crystals. Larger stones can damage the kidneys. Smaller ones can usually pass through in the urine. Passing a kidney stone can be quite painful due to the sharp edges that are a natural part of the crystal formation. Treatments can vary and should be discussed with your nephrologist.
How do we diagnose and treat kidney disease?
Early detection is key with kidney disease. The sooner that kidney disease is detected, the sooner you can begin treatment, which may include taking medicines called ACE inhibitors or ARBs that support your body by managing high blood pressure in order to extend kidney health.
If you have questions about symptoms, diagnosis or treatment of kidney disease, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Tariq Javed at his offices in Visalia (559-625-8674) or Porterville (550-793-4400).