Chronic kidney disease is a condition that causes gradual kidney dysfunction. The function of the kidneys is to filter wastes and excess fluids from the body. In the early stages, you may not show symptoms. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease may vary in different patients depending on the cause. The common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, chest pain, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Nguyen Medical Group treats chronic kidney disease based on the cause and your symptoms. If you do not treat your chronic kidney disease, it can cause the build-up of debris, increasing the chance of death.
Causes
Diabetes: This is a metabolic condition where you have high blood sugars. If you do not manage your diabetes, it can damage some internal organs, including kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nerves. Too much blood sugar can damage the tiny filters in your kidney.
High blood pressure: The problem happens when there is an increase in blood pressure against the walls of your blood vessels. If you do not control your blood pressure, it can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke. Chronic kidney diseases can also cause high blood pressure.
High cholesterol: High cholesterol can cause the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessel supplying the kidneys. These fatty deposits can disrupt the normal functioning of your kidneys.
Glomerulonephritis: This group of illnesses can damage kidney filtering units leading to chronic kidney disease.
Inherited diseases: Polycystic kidney disease is a common inherited condition that causes large cysts in the kidneys. It also damages the surrounding tissue causing chronic kidney disease.
Kidney and urinary tract defects before birth: Malformations can happen to a baby in the mother’s womb. The urinary tract can narrow and prevent the normal outflow of urine, causing it to flow back to your kidney. Urine can cause infections or damage the kidneys.
Autoimmune diseases: When your body’s immune system turns against your body, this results in autoimmune disease. Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation of small blood vessels that filter wastes in your kidney.
Diagnosis
History: Your doctor will inquire about your family medical history, symptoms you might be experiencing, and if you are under any medication.
Blood tests: Blood tests help your doctor check how much waste product is present in your blood.
Urine tests: Urine tests check for albumin protein that indicates kidney failure.
Imaging tests: Your doctor can recommend a CT scan to observe your kidneys. A CT scan helps your doctor see your kidneys and urinary tract structures that may be causing kidney issues. The doctor can also determine the size of your kidneys and the presence of stones or tumors.
Biopsy: A kidney biopsy involves your doctor taking tissue from your kidney. The sample is taken to the lab for testing to figure out the cause of your kidney problems.
However, you can prevent some cases of chronic kidney disease by having healthy lifestyle habits and proper management of your underlying condition. Schedule an appointment at Nguyen Medical Group for chronic kidney disease treatment to prevent the progression of kidney damage.
