Chronic Kidney Disease
Facts:
• More than 20 million Americans around one out of nine adults) have chronic kidney disease and most do not even know it
• More than 20 million others are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease.
• Kidney disease increases your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease
• Early detection and treatment help to reduce the progression of kidney disease
• Your healthcare provider can order a blood test for you to determine if you are at increased risk for kidney disease
Your kidneys are important to good health and your overall well-being:
• They balance your body fluids
• They regulate your body water and important minerals in your blood
• They remove waste products from your blood
• They remove drugs and toxins from your body
• They release hormones into your blood to control blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep your bones healthy
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which your kidneys do not filter waste products from your body as efficiently as they once did. This makes it harder for your kidneys to keep you healthy. If it gets progressively worse, waste products and fluids may build to high levels in your blood and make you sick.
What are risk factors for chronic kidney disease?
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Family history of chronic kidney disease
• Older age
What should I do if I am at increased risk for chronic kidney disease?
• Control high blood pressure and diabetes
• Have a urinalysis to check for protein in your urine
• Have a blood test to check creatinine, which is a waste product that the kidneys normally filter and remove from your body
• Control high blood pressure and diabetes
• Avoid smoking; if you smoke, enroll in a smoking cessation program
• Avoid large amounts of over-the-counter pain relievers
• Eat a diet with less salt and less protein
• Limit intake of alcohol
• Maintain a regular exercise program
What are the symptoms of progressive kidney disease?
• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Poor appetite
• Insomnia
• Dry itchy skin
• Muscle cramping at night
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning
• Frequent urination, especially at night
What can be done for me if I have kidney disease?
• You may have been referred to a nephrologists, who is a doctor specializing in kidney problems
• Aggressive control high blood pressure and diabetes
• Follow a special diet that limits the amount of protein
• Treat anemia
• Prevent bone disease
• Avoid smoking
• Prevent heart problems
• Exercise regularly
Remember, visit your healthcare providers regularly.
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