Chronic kidney disease is defined as damage or decreased function of the kidney that lasts longer than three months. As the kidneys perform highly important functions in regulating your body, we encourage you to visit a specialist to evaluate your symptoms, which may include:
- Constant or less frequent need to urinate need
- Change in look and smell of urine (may have bubbles or look darker)
- Blood in the urine
- Pressure when urinating
It can also cause issues that affect nearly any part of your body, such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle cramping
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- High blood pressure
Risk factors
Chronic kidney disease can affect anyone at any age; however, some are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Signs of an increased risk include:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Glomerulonephritis
- High blood pressure
- Age of 65 or older
- Obesity
- Family history of kidney failure
- Belonging to a group that has a high rate of diabetes and high blood pressure
Treatment
Chronic kidney disease is a condition that must be managed closely with the help of your doctor. It cannot be cured, but the specialists at MedStar Health will work with you to manage the disease and slow its progression. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause:
-
Control blood sugar: Maintaining control of diabetes by managing blood sugar is critical.
-
Control high blood pressure: People with kidney disease often experience worsening blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure in order to preserve kidney function.
-
Diet: A healthy, regulated diet is essential in slowing the progression of the disease and should be done in consultation with a MedStar Health specialist.
If your disease is severe enough or leads to kidney failure, a kidney transplant may be necessary.
Our providers
Expert urology care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our urologists.