Kidney disease results in the build-up of waste in the body that your kidney is supposed to filter out. This happens because the excretory function of your kidney is altered, resulting in the accumulation of toxins in the body. Therefore, skilled and experienced nephrologists are keen on the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic kidney problems. Kidney diet Memorial Hermann in Cypress encourages you to adapt to some changes, including diet modification, to avoid stressing your kidneys when you already have kidney disease.
What is kidney disease?
Kidney disease occurs due to damage to your kidneys, leading to their malfunctioning. The two organs in your urinary system whose function is to filter toxins and waste products from your blood are known as the kidneys. The waste is then disposed of through urine. Therefore, when a person has kidney disease, their kidneys are not in a position to either filter your blood or control blood pressure effectively.
In case your kidneys fail to function properly immediately, you may have short-term or acute kidney disease. In this case, the function of your kidney can be restored if you adhere to the treatment given; however, if your kidney malfunctions for approximately three months or longer is referred to as chronic kidney disease. It is a condition that can develop slowly and mainly starts with no discernible signs or symptoms. If you are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you may be required to undergo treatment for the rest of your life. The treatment for chronic kidney disease only reduces your complications and symptoms you are likely to experience.
What are the signs and symptoms of kidney disease?
If kidney disease slowly develops, its signs and symptoms may take a while to present, but as the damage to your kidney worsens, you might start noticing low appetite, nausea, vomiting, urination changes, weakness, fatigue, high blood pressure, sleep changes, muscle cramps or twitches, and foot and ankle swelling. As the condition progresses, the fluid that your kidneys are supposed to excrete and filter begins accumulating in various parts of your body. At times you can experience pain when breathing due to the accumulation of fluid in your heart. One can also experience shortness of breath due to fluid build-up in your lungs.
Which kidney disease treatments are available?
The effective treatment for kidney disease offered begins with diagnostic tests like urinalysis and kidney biopsies to determine if you have a kidney problem. The team can recommend an appropriate treatment once they know how severe the kidney disease is, and it may include:
· Medications
There are various medications that can help to control kidney disease-related symptoms and complications. Your specialist may prescribe blood pressure medications, high cholesterol medications, and anti-inflammatory medications.
· Dietary changes
It would be advisable to eat less protein to reduce the number of proteins in your blood. This improves the functioning of the kidneys since it takes some of the pressure off your kidneys.
· Dialysis
Dialysis is a long-term treatment option for people having severe or end-stage kidney disease. Hemodialysis is used to filter your blood because your damaged kidneys can no longer do so. A catheter and a dialysis solution can also be used to absorb waste products in your blood.
· Kidney transplant
A healthy kidney transplant from a donor can restore your body's ability to filter waste products. However, you will be required to take medications for your entire life after the transplant to prevent organ damage.
For effective management and treatment of kidney disease, call or visit Houston Kidney Specialist Center today.