Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys are not functioning optimally due to extended damage and cannot filter blood. Managing this ailment requires dedicated care from one or more qualified physicians. Tsegaw E Egziti M.D and his team at Houston Kidney Specialist Center help patients battling chronic kidney ailments.
A patient suffering from chronic kidney disease will present the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- A decline in mental clarity
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Sleeping disorder
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen feet
- General fatigue
The symptoms vary from one patient to the next, and they could also be indicative of other common problems such as stress disorders. If you suspect something is amiss, consult your family physician for a checkup and testing.
What are the causes of chronic kidney disease?
The leading causes of CKD are hypertension and diabetes. These and other causative factors are discussed as follows:
Diabetes
Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes occurs when your blood sugar is so high that your body cannot effectively regulate it. People genetically predisposed to Type 1 diabetes will notice it early in life, while type 2 diabetes is mainly attributed to lifestyle choices.
When diabetes is not managed correctly, your kidneys suffer so much damage that their function of filtering waste and extra fluid from blood is not possible. If there is no intervention or the patient fails to respond to treatment, diabetes can wreak havoc in other organs. The heart, kidney, liver, eyes, etc., damage over time and launch new medical problems.
Hypertension
Hypertension or raised blood pressure is when the blood flowing through blood vessels consistently has high pressure. This disease is severe and can heighten the risk of heart, kidney, brain, and kidney problems. According to the World Health Organization, 1.13 billion persons suffer from hypertension across the globe.
The causes of hypertension include a diet laden with salt, fat, and cholesterol. Family history also makes one susceptible to this ailment and problems with hormone regulation. People who live a sedentary lifestyle are also likely to suffer from hypertension.
Obesity
People who are overweight and cannot shed off the extra pounds become obese, exposing them to many health problems. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) noted that average Americans now consume nearly 20% more calories than in the 1980s. A boom in meat consumption is to blame, among other factors. If your body mass index is imbalanced, you could suffer kidney disease sooner than later.
Urinary obstruction
Extended urinary tract obstruction due to kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can eventually lead to chronic kidney problems. Battling certain kinds of cancer at whatever stage can also trigger urinary obstruction.
If you are suffering from kidney disease, you must consult a certified physician immediately. They will perform a series of tests and recommend a viable line of treatment. Being at the hands of a specialist works in your favor because they will observe your progress and amend therapy if necessary.
