Understanding Kidney Disease
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 37 million Americans live with kidney disease, a chronic condition putting people at risk for complete kidney failure. March is National Kidney Month. It’s a perfect time to learn about the role of your kidneys, what kidney disease is, and how to keep your kidneys healthy.
What is Kidney Disease?
The average person has two kidneys. The kidneys are organs that filter excess fluids and waste out of your blood and produce urine. Kidney disease means the kidneys are not filtering the blood correctly. The development of kidney disease is gradual, meaning the kidneys lose function over time. The loss of kidney function comes with signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, urination changes, muscle cramps, swelling feet and ankles, dry skin, and high blood pressure.
People with diabetes and high blood pressure are at a greater risk for kidney disease. It’s also more prevalent in Black, Native American, and Asian American people. Additional risk factors include heart disease, smoking, obesity, age, abnormal kidney structure, or a family history of kidney disease. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to fluid retention, anemia, heart disease, central nervous system damage, and kidney failure.
Diagnosing and Treating Kidney Disease
If you’re exhibiting signs and symptoms of kidney disease, your doctor will test your kidney function to determine your diagnosis. Doctors can assess your kidney function through blood, urine, and imaging tests. In severe cases, your doctor may have to remove a sample of the kidney tissue.
If you’re diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease, your doctor will suggest a treatment plan based on the cause of your condition. In most cases, your doctor will prescribe medications to help with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, swelling, or anemia.
In more severe kidney disease cases where the kidneys can no longer filter the blood of waste and fluids, you may have to undergo a kidney transplant or dialysis. A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure when medical professionals remove the damaged kidney and replace it with a healthy kidney. Dialysis is a treatment that artificially removes waste from your blood, essentially replacing the function of the kidneys.
Preventing Kidney Disease
If you’re at risk for developing kidney disease, you can take steps to help prevent the condition.
- Maintain a healthy weight. A healthy weight lowers your chances of high blood pressure, lowering your risk of kidney disease. Try substituting fresh produce and lean meats for processed foods, and aim to incorporate more physical activity into your day.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking cigarettes damages your kidneys and increases the progression of kidney disease if you already have it. Smoking is an addictive habit, so talk to your doctor about treatment options if you’re having trouble quitting.
- Manage your medical conditions. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, these conditions put you at a significantly higher risk of developing kidney disease. Work with your doctor to find treatments to manage these conditions.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you’re a senior living with kidney disease and need assistance at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our professional caregivers provide non-medical services such as light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, transportation, mobility assistance, and personal grooming. We also offer transition care to help seniors transition home after a hospital stay to reduce the chances of readmission.
The Visiting Angels Ravenna office serves the Chagrin Valley, Portage, and Southern Geauga counties in Ohio. If you’re interested in learning more about our caregiving services, you can complete this form online or call our office at 330.297.2000.