5 Things You Need to Know About Kidney Disease

1. Declining Stages

The kidneys' most commonly known function is to screen out waste material and fluid, which is carried out of the body in the form of urine. In addition, the kidneys also moderate the levels of sodium and potassium in the body, and produce hormones that are vital to the proper operation of many organs the body. Kidney disease is diagnosed in five stages of continuous decline in the function of the kidneys, to the point where the person needs to be on dialysis or obtain a kidney transplant to live.

2. The Power of Kidney Function

The kidneys are well equipped to continue to operate even at a decreased function level, so sometimes symptoms aren't noticed until the disease has had a chance to progress. Symptoms can vary by patient, and different parts of the body may be affected. The buildup of waste materials in the body is the cause of most symptoms. Fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, frequent urination, fluid retention and anemia are some of the most common symptoms.

3. Early Symptoms Non-existent

Since kidney disease rarely shows any symptoms in the early stages, your best protection if you're at risk is good comprehensive medical care. Blood and urine tests in addition to X-rays can give your doctor an overall picture of your kidney function. Your doctor may request that you collect all of your urine at home over a 24-hour period to give him an idea of your kidney function based on several different markers.

4. Life Circumstance or an Inheritance

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease, due to the high level of glucose in the blood. Persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure are also at an increased risk of kidney disease. Prolonged use of medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen has been shown to cause kidney damage. There are also genetic links, as kidney disease seems to run in families. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, sometimes leads to kidney disease.

5. Joining Forces

An important part of treating your chronic kidney disease is eating a diet that will assist your kidneys in their function. A dietitian trained in the special needs of kidney disease patients, working in conjunction with your doctor, is your best plan. Following a prescribed diet will also help you to shed any excess pounds, which will be good for your kidneys, too. If you are a diabetic or have high blood pressure, monitoring and controlling your condition as much as possible will help your kidney function. If you smoke, stop.