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Chronic Kidney Disease Specialist

Metro Renal Associates Our Services Chronic Kidney Disease

Metro Renal Associates

Nephrologists located in Washington, DC & Capitol Heights, MD

Approximately 30 million Americans are living with chronic kidney disease at any given time. The team at Metro Renal Associates in Washington, DC, helps curb the progression of chronic kidney disease and the gradual loss of kidney function. When chronic kidney disease goes untreated and worsens, it can lead to kidney failure, but early treatment can negate the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. If you notice symptoms such as muscle cramps or loss of appetite, call Metro Renal Associates or schedule an appointment online today.

Chronic Kidney Disease Q & A

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease refers to the gradual deterioration of kidney function. Your kidneys help your body filter wastes products from your blood, which then get ejected from your body in your urine. If left untreated, chronic kidney disease progresses to a dangerous point where excess waste accumulates in your body.

During the early onset of chronic kidney disease, you may notice a few signs or symptoms. It may not become noticeable until you experience kidney failure.

 

What are common symptoms of chronic kidney disease?

While there are different types of chronic kidney diseases, the most common signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:

  • A decrease in urine volume
  • Elevated creatinine level
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sleep problems
  • Swelling of your feet and ankles

 

Another common symptom of chronic kidney disease is hyperuricemia, a condition marked by too much uric acid accumulating in your blood. Even though they’re not necessarily symptoms, diabetes and high blood pressure are conditions that can lead to chronic kidney disease.

 

What are the different types of chronic kidney disease?

There are a number of different forms of chronic kidney disease, and they affect your kidney function differently:

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

FSGS affects your kidney function by leading to the scarring of glomeruli, the tiny filtering units inside your kidney where blood get cleaned.

Membranous nephropathy

This occurs when the small blood vessels in your kidney that filter waste from your blood incur damage and become thickened.

Lupus nephritis

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect practically any part of your body, including your kidneys. It can lead to devastating inflammation in your kidneys.

HIV-associated nephropathy

Kidney disease can develop in associated with an HIV infection, leading to FSGS-related kidney damage.

Diagnosing what type of chronic kidney disease you’re suffering from helps the team at Metro Renal Associates determine the best course of treatment.

 

How is chronic kidney disease treated?

Treating chronic kidney disease centers on slowing the progression of kidney damage by addressing its underlying cause. That means the first step is getting a comprehensive diagnosis through blood and urine tests, as well as imaging tests.

Once the team at Metro Renal Associates has a better idea of what’s causing your chronic kidney disease, they can recommend the best course of treatment. That may include medication management for whatever underlying condition is the root cause, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

For more severe cases, hemodialysis or a kidney transplant may be your best chance of restoring your quality of life. More conservative measures are available if you’d prefer not to undergo those procedures, but rest assured your nephrologist will guide you every step of the way.

To find out more about treating chronic kidney disease, call Metro Renal Associates or schedule a consultation online today.

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