Kidney diseases have become more common in recent years. These diseases can be serious, but with an understanding of the causes and symptoms of kidney disease, along with the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and slow down the progression of your condition.
Taking care of your kidneys is essential to your overall health and well-being. That being the case, let’s discuss some common kidney conditions, how they can affect your health, and how you can manage them.
5 Common Kidney Conditions
Common kidney conditions include:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – CKD is a progressive condition that can lead to irreversible damage to your kidneys. It is caused by other health conditions that affect your kidneys – like high blood pressure or diabetes. CKD can cause complications like anemia, nerve damage, weakness, and fluid buildup.
Symptoms of CKD can be subtle and can include fatigue, swelling, and frequent urination. The treatment for CKD focuses on slowing down the disease’s progression and managing symptoms. This can include medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
- Kidney Stones – These are small, hard mineral deposits that can form in your kidneys. Kidney stones can be very painful, especially when they move through your urinary tract. Some of the factors that increase your risk of developing kidney stones include dehydration, a diet high in salt, and a family history of kidney stones.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones can include severe pain in your back or side, blood in your urine, and difficulty passing urine. Treatment for kidney stones can range from drinking more water to surgery.
- Glomerulonephritis – This condition affects the glomeruli – the tiny filters in your kidney that remove excess fluid and waste from your body. The causes of glomerulonephritis include infections, immune system disorders, and certain medications.
Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis can include swelling in your legs and feet, blood in your urine, and fatigue. Treatment involves controlling the underlying cause, medication, and, in some cases, kidney transplant.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – PKD is an inherited condition that causes cysts to form in your kidneys. These cysts can grow over time and cause damage to your kidneys, leading to complications like high blood pressure and kidney failure.
Symptoms of PKD can include pain in your abdomen or back, high blood pressure, and frequent urination at night. Treatment for PKD focuses on managing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease.
- Nephrotic Syndrome – This condition affects the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. It is characterized by excessive protein in your urine and can cause complications such as infection, blood clotting disorders, and fluid buildup. It can be caused by other health conditions like diabetes or lupus.
Symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome can include swelling in your legs and feet, fatigue, and foamy urine. Treatment involves managing symptoms and addressing underlying causes.
Self-Help Ways to Maintain Your Kidney Health
There are several steps you can take to promote your kidney health:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps flush out toxins in your body and prevents the formation of kidney stones.
- Follow a well-balanced, healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. At the same time, avoid excessive salt, processed foods, and sugary beverages.
- Control your blood pressure. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a leading cause of kidney damage. So, monitor your blood pressure regularly and follow your doctor’s recommendations to keep it normal, which may include taking medication as prescribed.
- Manage your blood sugar levels. Diabetes is another major cause of kidney problems. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely and work with your healthcare team to keep them within a healthy range.
- Limit your alcohol consumption. Because excessive alcohol intake can put a strain on your kidneys, drink in moderation or consider eliminating it altogether.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking has been known to damage blood vessels and adversely affect kidney function.
- Exercise regularly. Engage in routine physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and promote good circulation. However, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.
- Avoid overuse of pain medications. Over-the-counter pain medications can cause kidney damage if used excessively. Follow recommended dosage guidelines and consult your doctor if you have concerns.
- Get regular check-ups and screenings. These can help detect any potential kidney issues early on.
- Manage chronic stress that can negatively impact kidney health. Try practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply engaging in relaxing activities you enjoy.
Nephrologist in Marlborough, Massachusetts
If you have any concerns about your kidney health, reach out to Commonwealth Nephrology Associates for guidance. Our specialists are experienced in providing comprehensive care for patients with kidney conditions, including CKD, glomerulonephritis, and hypertension. They offer various dialysis modalities, such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, based on individual needs and preferences.
For patients with end-stage kidney disease, the doctors at Commonwealth Nephrology Associates also evaluate and facilitate kidney transplant options. This life-saving procedure involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a compatible donor.
We have seven locations for your convenience, including two full-time main offices in Norfolk and Natick and five satellite offices in neighboring communities. To learn more about the specific treatments and services provided at Commonwealth Nephrology Associates or to schedule a visit at the location nearest you, call us today at (617) 739-2100 or use our Online Appointment Request Form.
