Kidneys are tasked with waste filtration from our bodies. Unfortunately, kidney disease disrupts this process resulting in waste buildup due to improper functioning. Luckily, at Houston Kidney Specialists Center, Ghayyath Sultan, M.D. and his team specialize in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic kidney disease. Schedule your appointment to regain optimal kidney function today.
What is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease occurs due to damage to your kidneys and culminates in their malfunctioning. Your kidneys are the pair of organs in your urinary system accountable for waste filtration from your blood and their disposal through urine. If you suffer from kidney disease, your kidneys might be incapable of effectively filtering your blood or controlling your blood pressure.
When your kidneys stop functioning well, you may experience acute or short-term kidney disease. However, you can resume kidney function with treatment.
Chronic kidney disease describes kidney malfunction that lasts for three months or longer. It develops gradually and often begins without any visible signs. In such cases, you might need to undergo treatment for the rest of your life. However, chronic kidney disease treatment can relieve your symptoms and complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Since kidney disease develops slowly, its symptoms usually take a while to reveal themselves. As your damage intensifies, you might start noticing:
- Low appetite
- Sleep changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Urination changes
- High blood pressure
- Foot and ankle swelling
- Muscle cramps or twitches
As the disease escalates, the fluid that your kidney fails to filter and excrete may start building at various points in your body. Fluid buildup in your heart may result in chest pain, or you may face shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in your lungs.
Available Kidney Disease Treatments
You can access numerous effective kidney disease treatments alongside diagnostic tests like urinalysis and kidney biopsies at Houston Kidney Specialists Center. After determining the severity of your condition, Dr. Sultan proceeds to recommend suitable treatment. Your treatment plan might entail:
- Medications
Various medications can help manage complications and symptoms of kidney disease. Your prescriptions might include anti-inflammatory drugs, blood pressure medications, medications for high cholesterol, and more.
- Dialysis
Dialysis refers to long-term treatment for the end-stage of severe kidney disease. For hemodialysis, a machine conducts your blood filtration instead of your kidneys, which are no longer efficient. Another alternative involves a catheter and a dialysis solution for absorbing waste.
- Dietary Changes
Reducing your protein intake lowers the amount of waste in your blood, thereby lowering your kidneys’ pressure and improving their functioning. The Houston Kidney Specialists Center providers can recommend a dietician for you if necessary.
- Kidney Transplant Surgery
In this case, your doctor administers a healthy kidney transplant from a living or deceased donor to restore waste filtration. You will need to be under medications for the rest of your days following a transplant to ensure your body does not reject the alien organ.
Bottom Line
Kidney disease can cause devastating effects absent proper management. As such, you best seek treatment before your condition worsens. To receive effective kidney disease diagnosis, treatment, and management, contact Houston Kidney Specialists Center. Call the offices or schedule online today.
