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About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
More than one in seven American adults (more than 35 million people) has chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is dangerous when not treated. At Care Rite, PLLC, in Dyersburg, Halls, Ripley, and Brentwood, Tennessee, the compassionate primary care team diagnoses and helps you manage CKD to avoid life-threatening problems. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation today by calling the office or booking online. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Q&A
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic (long-term) kidney disease is a disease in which your kidneys don’t function effectively. The kidneys are two organs in your abdominal area designed to filter out toxins, waste, and extra fluid from your blood.
Kidney disease tends to worsen over time and requires effective management to prevent your kidneys from shutting down entirely. See the experts at Care Rite, PLLC, at the first sign of kidney disease or if you have its risk factors.
Which symptoms can chronic kidney disease cause?
Chronic kidney disease symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Puffy eyes
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Reduced appetite
- Low energy
- Itchy and dry skin
- Bubbly or foamy urine
- Hand, feet, or ankle swelling
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Numbness
- Muscle cramping
- Skin darkening
- Nausea
- Vomiting
However, you may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of your disease. It might take several years for waste to build up in the bloodstream, leading to symptoms.
What are the risk factors of chronic kidney disease?
Kidney disease risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Other forms of kidney disease
- Recurrent kidney infections
- Lupus and other autoimmune diseases
- Diabetes-related neuropathy
- Family history of kidney disease
- Aging
- Some medications
- Abnormal kidney size or structure
When not treated, kidney disease can cause complications and life-threatening problems. See your provider at the first sign of chronic kidney disease.
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
The experts at Care Rite, PLLC, discuss your symptoms and medical history, check your vital signs, and complete a physical exam to help determine if you have chronic kidney disease or other chronic disease. They also offer on-site blood and urine testing, ultrasounds, and other imaging procedures. You might need a kidney biopsy.
How is chronic kidney disease treated?
There’s no cure for chronic kidney disease, but the Care Rite, PLLC, team can help manage your disease to reduce the risk of complications. Your treatment plan may include:
- Altering your diet (limiting protein, sodium, potassium, etc.)
- Taking medications
- Staying active
- Not smoking
- Avoiding alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases
- Undergoing dialysis
Dialysis uses a machine to clean your blood, removing excess waste products.
Some people with severe kidney disease require a kidney transplant. Your Care Rite, PLLC, provider can refer you to another specialist if needed. They follow up long-term to help you effectively manage your condition.
Schedule a chronic kidney disease evaluation at Care Rite, PLLC, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. Telehealth visits and walk-ins are also available.