Kidney disease is one of the most dreaded medical conditions that can put your life in jeopardy if not treated promptly. If left untreated, the disease advances and results in severe symptoms and complications that can be life-threatening. If you suspect that you have kidney disease, the kidney diet Memorial Herman Cypress specialists have the solution for you.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease is a life-threatening medical condition that is due to a malfunction or damage in your kidneys. The major function of your kidneys is filtering waste materials from your body and getting rid of them through urine. Kidney disease inhibits your kidneys from filtering out waste products and regulating your blood pressure. If your kidneys are damaged, you may develop short-term or acute kidney disease. You can, however, restore the proper functioning of your kidneys with treatment. Chronic kidney disease is a more severe form of kidney malfunction that can last for three months or longer. In case you have chronic kidney disease, several treatments can alleviate your symptoms and prevent complications.

What are the most common signs and symptoms of kidney disease?

Kidney disease develops slowly and may not cause any symptoms while still in the early stages. As the disease advances, the damage on your kidney worsens, resulting in symptoms, such as:

• Urination changes
• Nausea accompanied by vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Low appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue and weakness
• Sleep changes
• Ankle and foot swelling

As the condition deteriorates, the waste materials accumulate at specific points in your body, leading to complications, such as chest pains and shortness of breath, resulting from a build-up of fluid in your lungs.

What are the available treatments for kidney disease?

Houston Kidney Specialists Center offers a wide range of effective kidney disease treatments that alleviate your symptoms. The skilled team at the center also guarantees accurate diagnostic tests, such as kidney biopsies and urinalysis. Your treatment plan may include:

• Dietary changes

Low intake of proteins minimizes the number of waste materials accumulating in your blood, thereby reducing the pressure on your kidneys and restoring their proper functioning. The team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center may refer you to a dietician if needed.

• Medication

The team may also prescribe specific medications to help manage your symptoms and prevent complications associated with kidney disease. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines and blood pressure medications to improve your condition.

• Dialysis

Dialysis is a long-term treatment that you may undergo for the rest of your life if you have severely damaged kidneys. If your kidneys can no longer filter out waste materials from your blood, your provider uses hemodialysis to take over the role of your kidneys. The team may also use a catheter and a dialysis solution to filter out waste products.

• Kidney transplant surgery

If your kidneys are irredeemable, the professional team may recommend kidney transplant surgery. After the transplant, you may need to take certain medications for the rest of your life to prevent your body from rejecting the kidney.

For effective treatment and management of kidney disease, call the office or book your spot online.