Kidneys are the organs that filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood. These wastes are then excreted in your urine. Kidney disease develops when your kidneys do not function correctly. In the early stages of the condition, you may not show symptoms or realize you have it. The treatment your specialist, Jonathan Pankow, M.D., offers depends on how much your kidneys are damaged. Treatments aim to slow or prevent kidney disease progression by controlling the root cause. A kidney transplant will be done in severe cases or if your kidneys do not work permanently. There are various myths and misconceptions about kidney diseases; below are some.
1. Kidney disease is not a common condition
Kidney disease is among the common medical conditions worldwide. Among seven American adults, one is living with a certain level of kidney condition. You are at a high level of developing the illness if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure, or over 60 years. Asians, African-Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at a higher risk of kidney issues.
2. You will automatically know you have kidney disease
Unfortunately, you will not know you have kidney disease, especially if you are not showing any symptoms. The early stages of kidney disease do not show symptoms in many people. Mostly, symptoms appear in the advanced stages. Getting tested is the only sure way to confirm you have kidney disease. Your specialist will recommend treatment based on the stage of your condition to reduce progression.
3. You can do nothing about kidney disease if you are at a risk
It is not a must you develop kidney disease if you are at risk. Eating healthy, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar can help protect your kidneys. Avoiding smoking and overusing pain relievers like ibuprofen can also reduce your chances of developing this condition. These measures help to keep your kidneys healthy and improve your overall well-being.
4. The cause of kidney disease is not known
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease. These diseases destroy your kidney by damaging the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. Heart disease and glomerulonephritis, a condition that causes the inflammation of your kidneys, can lead to kidney disease. If you are born with a polycystic kidney condition, a problem where cysts form in your kidneys, you are at a higher level of developing kidney disease.
5. Dialysis is the only treatment for kidney disease
It is not a must you go through dialysis if you have kidney disease. Kidney disease progresses in different stages. You can manage the early stages of kidney disease through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications. Following these management strategies can slow or stop your illness’s progression and help you lead a normal life. Your doctor will recommend dialysis if your condition worsens and advances to kidney failure.
Practicing healthy lifestyle habits and controlling your diabetes and hypertension conditions can help prevent kidney diseases. Differentiating the myths and facts can help prevent, manage and seek medical treatment for kidney disease. Schedule an appointment at Houston Kidney Specialists Center for kidney treatment to improve your quality of life.