Kidney disease: a silent problem

Kidney disease: a silent problem

Enrique has been having problems with managing his health. He knows he has high blood pressure and diabetes, but he can not resist serving extra portions of the fried bread that his wife prepares. During a checkup, Dr. Brenes did a blood test. The results showed that Enrique had developed a chronic kidney disease. Enrique wondered if the test results might be incorrect because he did not feel sick. Dr. Brenes explained that people who have kidney disease often do not know it. That is why it is called a "silent" disease.

People have two kidneys, each the size of the fist of the hand. The kidneys have an important function. They filter the debris from the blood and remove excess water from the blood to produce urine. The kidneys also control blood pressure and produce hormones that the body needs to stay healthy.

Kidney disease
Kidney disease can sometimes develop very quickly, and when that happens, it is known as an acute kidney injury. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, this form of kidney disease can sometimes improve.

The most common form of kidney disease occurs slowly, over a long period of time. This form is called chronic kidney disease. Some people know it as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal is another word used to refer to the kidney. Chronic kidney disease is a lifelong disease; will not disappear.

Chronic kidney disease is a widespread problem, especially in the elderly. In an early stage of the disease, the kidneys do not perform well to remove excess water and waste from the blood.

Over time, the problem worsens and the kidneys may stop working completely. This is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). When kidney disease worsens considerably, it can cause other problems like heart disease, bone disease, arthritis and nerve damage.

Who is at risk?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two main causes of kidney disease. People who have heart disease also have a high risk of developing kidney disease.

The family medical history also plays a role in a person's risk of developing kidney disease. That means that if someone in your family, like your mother, father, sister or brother has kidney disease, you are more likely to have it as well.

In addition, individuals of certain races and ethnic groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans seem to be more likely to develop kidney disease.

Age is another factor. As you get older, your kidneys may not work as well as when you were younger. Ask your doctor to help you keep track of your kidneys' functioning.

Tests to detect kidney disease
Kidney disease often has no symptoms. In fact, it may be that you feel good until you get to the point when your kidneys almost stop working. Only the doctor can determine if you have kidney disease.

There are two kinds of tests your doctor can do to determine if you have kidney disease: a blood test and a urine test.

The blood test, known as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), measures how much blood the kidneys filter per minute . The doctor uses this information to determine how well the kidneys are working. A GFR of more than 60 means that the kidneys are working well. A GFR of 60 or less may mean that you have a kidney disease. You can not increase your GFR, but there are things you can do to prevent it from decreasing (see the section called Preventing Kidneys from getting worse ).

The urine test indicates if you have a type of protein, called albumin, in the urine. The presence of protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage. It is most common in people who have diabetes. Your doctor may need to have additional tests to see if you have kidney disease or not.

Because most people who have a kidney disease also have diabetes, high blood pressure or both disorders, your doctor may also check if you have those problems.

The earlier kidney disease is discovered, the sooner a treatment can begin to maintain the health of the kidneys longer.

Prevent Kidneys from Getting Worse
There is no cure for kidney disease. However, there are things you can do to help prevent your kidneys from getting worse.

If kidney disease is at an early stage, so your kidneys are still working, your doctor may prescribe a blood pressure medication and a diuretic (a water pill) to lower your blood pressure Arterial and protect the functioning of the kidneys. In addition, you may need to make some changes in your lifestyle, such as consuming a special low-sodium diet and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease
If your kidneys have stopped working, or you are in the terminal stage of kidney disease, there are treatments that can replace kidney function. The two main options are dialysis and a transplant.

Dialysis is a special process that removes waste and water from the blood. Dialysis is done in a special center about three times a week or at home while you sleep.

The doctor will decide which option is right for you. A transplant is when you receive a healthy kidney from a donor. Because people have two kidneys, a living person, usually a family member, can give them one of their kidneys.

Talk with your doctor to determine if dialysis or a transplant are options that may work for you.

Medicare and kidney disease
The Medicare program can help cover the cost of certain education and treatment programs related to kidney disease. Contact the Medicare program for more information on the costs that this program covers. See the following publications: Medicare Coverage for Kidney Dialysis and Kidney