Questions to ask your nephrologist (kidney doctor) When should I expect to feel better? Will I be on dialysis for the rest of my life? How can I get the most out of my treatment? Is there anything I may experience that I should contact you about?
If I have an acute kidney problem, do you expect me to recover, and how long might that take? If my kidney problem is chronic, how long can I continue without dialysis, or will I ever need dialysis? What medications are available to keep kidney disease from getting worse? What type of dialysis do you recommend?
1) How can I prevent formation of stones in kidney? 2) Does a renal failure hereditary ? 3) What are the dietary measures to be taken for normal functioning of kidney? 4) How does diabetes harm kidneys ?
Urine and blood tests are used to detect and monitor kidney disease. Currently, the key markers used include abnormal urine albumin levels and a persistent reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Seeing a doctor when you have stage 3 CKD
As stage 3 progresses, a patient should see a nephrologist (a doctor who specializes in treating kidney disease). Nephrologists examine patients and perform lab tests so they can gather information about their condition to offer the best advice for treatment.
Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup. Only eat reduced-sodium soups that don't have potassium chloride as an ingredient (check the food label.) Also, only eat 1 cup, not the whole can.
The Institute of Medicine has estimated that men need approximately 13 cups (3 liters) of fluid daily, and that women need approximately 9 cups (2.2 liters) of fluid daily. Less is more if you have kidney failure (a.k.a. end stage kidney disease).
Your nephrologist will review your medical history, and do a complete physical exam to determine how your kidneys are functioning. Your nephrologist will order blood and urine tests and a diagnostic imaging of your kidneys may also be required.
Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal. Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet. Shortness of breath. Fatigue.
1. Hypertension: Hypertension remains one of the most damaging complications of CKD and is thought to contribute to the acceleration of progressive decline in kidney function, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and related mortality.
Dialysis and kidney transplant are the two treatments for kidney failure. The dialysis treatments or transplanted kidneys will take over some of the work of your damaged kidneys and remove wastes and extra fluid from your body. This will make many of your symptoms better.
Your kidneys could be damaged if you take large amounts of over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. None of these medicines should be taken daily or regularly without first talking to your healthcare provider.
When your kidneys are failing, a high concentration and accumulation of substances lead to brown, red, or purple urine. Studies suggest the urine color is due to abnormal protein or sugar as well as high numbers of cellular casts and red and white blood cells.
Sodas. According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.
Signs and symptoms of Stage 1 CKD include: High blood pressure. Swelling in your hands or feet. Urinary tract infections.
Swelling in your hands or feet. Urinary tract infections. Blood in your urine (also called hematuria) Kidney damage that shows up in an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI or kidney biopsy.
Symptoms of stage 3 CKD
Fluid retention, swelling (edema) of extremities and shortness of breath: Urination changes (foamy; dark orange, brown, tea-colored or red if it contains blood; and urinating more or less than normal) Kidney pain felt in their back. Sleep problems due to muscle cramps or restless legs.
What tests do doctors use to diagnose and monitor kidney disease? a blood test that checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood, called GFR. GFR stands for glomerular filtration rate. a urine test to check for albumin.
Some of the most common kidney pain symptoms include: A constant, dull ache in your back. Pain in your sides, under your rib cage or in your abdomen. Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.
Reduced GFR is a red flag for six major complications in patients with CKD: acute kidney injury risk, resistant hypertension, metabolic abnormalities, adverse drug reactions, accelerated cardiovascular disease and progression to end-stage kidney disease.