Kidney Health, the Common Conditions

Kidneys perform critical body functions of blood filtration and excretion of harmful wastes from the body. When they fail to function, these toxic wastes build up in your body, causing severe health issues. For instance, kidney disease results from kidney failure and affects about 10% of the world’s population. Luckily, you can always prevent kidney health issues by eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regulating your blood sugar and pressure. Jonathan Pankow, M.D., a nephrologist and internal medicine specialist, offers critical care for all kidney problems. Read below to understand the conditions Dr. Pankow and the team treat.

The certified team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center offers advanced treatments for various kidney disease-related issues. They commit to ensuring they meet every patient’s concern by providing practical care, relief, and effective solutions to their problems. Kidney specialists treat every patient differently by providing customized treatment plans.

Here are among the conditions they treat

Acute kidney failure

It is a condition where the kidneys suddenly fail in their function to filter blood. As a result, harmful waste products and chemicals accumulate in your blood, putting you at risk of health issues.

Acute kidney failure commonly develops in severely sick patients under intensive care. The disease can, however, occur at any time. Hence, it’s advisable to watch out for the signs and symptoms to prevent complications.

The following may indicate acute kidney failure:

•         Chest pain
•         Breathing problems
•         Hand tremor
•         Irregular heartbeat
•         Decreased urination
•         Muscle weakness
•         Confusion
•         Nausea

Chronic kidney disease

Kidney disease is the condition where your kidneys malfunction due to their damage. Kidneys are responsible for removing waste products from the blood and excreting them through urine.

When you have kidney disease, your kidneys don’t filter blood and regulate your blood pressure. The condition usually develops slowly with no visible signs until there is significant damage. 

The signs and symptoms of kidney disease, include:

•         Nausea and vomiting
•         Low appetite
•         Sleep changes
•         High blood pressure
•         Weakness and fatigue
•         Foot and ankle swelling
•         Urination changes

The Houston Kidney Specialists Center team offers effective treatment plans to help manage your condition.

Diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic patients are often at risk of developing kidney disease, referred to as diabetic kidney disease. Diabetes is a condition that affects glucose and blood sugar production. Without proper management, diabetes may lead to blood sugar buildup in your body, including the blood vessels in the kidneys.

It causes failure of the kidneys to filter blood and high blood pressure, among other kidney failure problems.

Kidney stones

Sometimes the waste products kidneys remove include uric acid calcium oxalate, among other chemicals that crystallize to form hard particles called kidney stones. You may know you have kidney stones when you experience severe pain in your abdomen, lower back, and groin.

Frequent urination, nausea, and vomiting may also indicate kidney stones.

Kidney health issues occur when your kidneys fail to perform their functions. The problems cause waste in your blood and body system leading to different health issues. Dr. Pankow and the team at Houston Kidney Specialists provide extensive care for all kidney issues through advanced diagnosis and treatments. Talk to them today to have a consultation with the kidney specialists.