When kidneys are damaged and no longer function properly, this is known as kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that gets progressively worse.
It's estimated that more than one in seven U.S. adults have CKD, according to the CDC. That’s around 35.5 million people, or 14%. The CDC also says that as many as nine in 10 adults with CKD are unaware that they have the condition.1
Here at Charleston GI, our team of caring professionals can help address symptoms you may be experiencing due to kidney disease and can refer you to a kidney doctor, known as a nephrologist, for further examination. Our board-certified physicians are committed to your health and well-being, so schedule an appointment with us today!
CAUSE
The top two causes of chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. Other causes may include:2,3
Glomerulonephritis: inflammation of the kidney's filters called glomeruli
Interstitial nephritis: inflammation of the kidney's tubules and the area around them
Polycystic kidney disease: a genetic disorder that leads to the growth of cysts in your kidneys
Urinary tract blockage: caused by kidney stones, cancer, or an enlarged prostate
Pyelonephritis: recurrent kidney infection
Vesicoureteral reflux: a condition that makes urine flow back up into your kidneys
RISK FACTORS
According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for chronic kidney disease include:2
Abnormal kidney structure
Being Black, Native American, or Asian American
Diabetes
Family history of kidney disease
Frequent use of medications that can damage the kidneys
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Obesity
Older age
Smoking
SYMPTOMS
According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of chronic kidney disease can include:3
A need to pee more often
Tiredness, weakness, low energy level
Loss of appetite
Swelling of your hands, feet, and ankles
Shortness of breath
Foamy or bubbly pee
Puffy eyes
Dry and itchy skin
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Numbness
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
High blood pressure
Darkening of your skin
Symptoms may not be noticeable until the disease has progressed or may be a result of a different illness.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If you experience any of these symptoms, you’ll want to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, there are ways to slow the progression of the disease. The sooner CKD is detected, the better.
During your visit with your doctor, you can expect to discuss your and your family’s health history and undergo a physical and neurological exam.4
DIAGNOSTIC TEST
According to the Mayo Clinic, testing for kidney disease may include:4
Blood tests
Imaging tests
Kidney biopsy
Urine tests
TREATMENT
While CKD cannot be cured, there are a variety of ways to manage the disease and help support kidney function. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of these ways include visiting your doctor or nephrologist regularly, altering your diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. You should also avoid smoking and taking painkillers and other medications that may worsen the disease. In addition, be sure to manage your blood pressure, and if you’re diabetic, be sure to manage your blood sugar.3
According to the Mayo Clinic, treatments for kidney disease complications might include:4
Medications to lower high blood pressure
Medications to relieve swelling
Medications to treat anemia
Medications to lower cholesterol levels
Medications to protect your bones
Diet low in protein
Patients who reach end-stage kidney disease have two main treatment options: dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Dialysis: Since your kidneys can’t remove waste from your blood anymore, this procedure does that for them. The two types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis: A machine is used to remove waste from your blood. Your blood is run through the machine and then back into your body.
Peritoneal dialysis: This procedure uses a dialysis solution, which is transported into your abdomen via a catheter. The solution absorbs waste and drains back through the catheter and out of the body.
Kidney Transplant: During a kidney transplant, your body receives a healthy kidney from either a living or deceased donor.
PREVENTION
Did you know that one in three U.S. adults is at risk for kidney disease?5 The good news is that you can be proactive in lowering your risk of getting kidney disease. Ways you can be proactive include:
Visiting your doctor regularly
Not smoking
Staying active
Eating healthily
Limiting alcohol
Managing high blood pressure
For diabetics: managing blood sugar
FOODS TO AVOID WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Those with kidney disease should proceed with caution when it comes to certain foods that contain sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Depending on the stage of kidney disease, protein can also be problematic. Here are some top foods to avoid or limit, according to Healthline:6
Apricots: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Avocados: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Bananas: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Brown rice: Contains more potassium and phosphorus than white rice.
Canned and packaged foods: Most are high in sodium.
Dairy: Contains phosphorus, potassium, and protein.
Dates, raisins, and prunes: Contain concentrated potassium.
Oranges and orange juice: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Pickles, processed olives, and relish: Contain high amounts of sodium.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Pretzels, chips, and crackers: Usually contain high amounts of sodium.
Processed meats: Contain high amounts of sodium and protein.
Soda (especially dark-colored soda): Contains additive phosphorus.
Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens:Contain high amounts of potassium.
Tomatoes: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Whole wheat bread: Contains more phosphorus and potassium than white bread. Also, bread in general is usually high in sodium.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about your diet and what is recommended for you.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic kidney disease can include the following indicators:3
A need to pee more often
Tiredness, weakness, low energy level
Loss of appetite
Swelling of your hands, feet, and ankles
Shortness of breath
Foamy or bubbly pee
Puffy eyes
Dry and itchy skin
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Numbness
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
High blood pressure
Darkening of your skin
How common is kidney disease?
According to the CDC, kidney diseases are a leading cause of death in the U.S.7 It's estimated that more than one in seven U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease. That means that around 35.5 million people, or 14%, have CKD. Not only that, as many as nine in 10 adults with CKD are unaware that they have the condition.1
Can kidney disease be cured?
Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured. However, there are ways to manage or slow the progression of the disease, including regular exercise, a diet that supports your kidney, taking certain medications, and more. Regular doctor visits are important for monitoring your condition. Patients with end-stage kidney disease may undergo dialysis or receive a kidney transplant.
Can I live a normal life with chronic kidney disease?
Yes. With the correct treatment and management of the disease, you can live a fairly normal life with chronic kidney disease.
Is chronic kidney disease a life-threatening disease?
Chronic kidney disease can be a life-threatening disease if it progresses. While there is no cure, progression can be slowed by proper treatment and management of the disease. Those with end-stage kidney disease may opt for dialysis or a kidney transplant.
What not to drink with kidney disease?
Healthline says to avoid drinking sodas, particularly dark-colored sodas, since additives in the soda contain phosphorus. It’s also recommended to limit or avoid drinking alcohol. Be sure to talk with your doctor to see what is recommended for you.6
What foods should I avoid with kidney disease?
According to Healthline, you should avoid or limit foods with high amounts of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein. These include:6
Apricots: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Avocados: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Bananas: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Brown rice: Contains more potassium and phosphorus than white rice.
Canned and packaged foods: Most are high in sodium.
Dairy: Contains phosphorus, potassium, and protein.
Dates, raisins, and prunes: Contain concentrated potassium.
Oranges and orange juice: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Pickles, processed olives, and relish: Contain high amounts of sodium.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Pretzels, chips, and crackers: Usually contain high amounts of sodium.
Processed meats: Contain high amounts of sodium and protein.
Soda (especially dark-colored soda): Contains additive phosphorus.
Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens:Contain high amounts of potassium.
Tomatoes: Contain high amounts of potassium.
Whole wheat bread: Contains more phosphorus and potassium than white bread. Also, bread in general is usually high in sodium.
Again, talk with your doctor to see what they recommend for you.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. NO REFERRAL NEEDED!
As your local gastroenterology experts, we’re here to address any GI conditions you may be experiencing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule your appointment — no referral needed.
Charleston GI has several convenient locations in the Charleston, SC, area, and our experienced gastroenterologists are committed to providing exceptional care and supporting you on your health journey. Reach us today!
