Kidney disease doctors in Tennessee help patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a variety of other renal problems. Millions of people have this condition and are able to manage it with the help of their physician. This article will briefly explain what CKD is, and some of its symptoms.
The kidneys collect the body's waste products and remove them by transferring them to the urine where they can be expelled. The body has two of these organs, one on each side of the lower back. They filter the blood and make urine, which contains water and waste products.
They have many jobs, including releasing hormones that build strong bones, make red blood cells, and regulate blood pressure. Drugs and toxins are filtered out, while sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and water are regulated.
When the renals are damaged, they are unable to function as they should. Waste products begin to build up in the blood; hypertension can develop, as person becomes weak and anemic. Over time, heart and blood vessel damage can develop until they eventually fail. When this happens, it is time to begin dialysis so that the blood can once again be filtered. Some people require a kidney transplant.
Several conditions can cause CKD, but the two main ones are diabetes and hypertension. When diabetes is the cause, it is because the blood sugar gets too high, and the kidneys and other organs can be damaged. Hypertension puts extra pressure on the vessel walls causing damage. Other conditions that can cause CKD are Lupus, blockages caused by kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or tumor, and conditions like glomerulonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease. Even frequent urinary tract infections can lead to the disease.
Often times, symptoms are not seen until the disease is severe. If that happens, there will be trouble concentrating, reduced appetite, low energy, swollen ankles and feet, puffiness around the eyes, dry itchy skin, and muscle cramps and needing to urinate more during the night.
Doctors recommend getting checked for CKD if their patients have diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of the disease. Certain populations have a greater risk for developing renal disease; they are American Indians, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Asian, and Pacific Islanders.
Blood tests that check the level of creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and urine tests that check for protein and albumin, can determine if the renals are doing their job.
When visiting kidney disease doctors in Tennessee, ask what can be done to improve renal function. They will do a thorough history and physical, and be able to office competent advice.
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