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Your kidneys, two bean-shaped organs, are located in the middle
of your back and sit just below your rib cage. Your kidneys separate
the waste products and extra water out of your bloodstream
and transform it into urine so that your body may dispose of the
waste. However, if your kidneys are not working properly, the
waste materials and extra water remain in your bloodstream.
Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease require a multidisciplinary
team to help them manage and live with the condition.
“Similar to high blood pressure, kidney disease often goes
undetected as there are not any obvious symptoms,” says Dr.
Usman Master, a St. Joe Nephrologist. “That is why we stress
healthy lifestyle choices for our patients as well as continued
education so that they understand the risk factors as well as
propensity for the disease.”
RISK FACTORS
While there may be no apparent indicators of Chronic Kidney
Disease, there are common causes that individuals should be
aware of:
High Blood Pressure
Because high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels
in your kidneys, they may not be able to filter waste as effectively
or at all. If you have high blood pressure, be sure to take the
medications as prescribed by your doctor. They will take additional
pressure off of your kidneys.
Hereditary
Like many other diseases, kidney disease can also be inherited. If
any member of your family has a history of kidney disease, speak
with your primary care physician.
Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar
levels. Diabetics’ bodies have a difficult time processing sugar
and as such, it may stay in their bloodstream. If the sugar is not
processed and disposed of properly, it can begin to become toxic
to the body.
TESTING
If you believe that you are at risk for kidney disease or have a
family history of kidney disease, there are several routine tests
that your physician can perform such as:
• Checking and monitoring blood pressure
• Measuring protein levels in a urine sample
• Blood testing for serum creatinine levels
REFERRALS
Please contact the SJMO referral line at 800.372.6094 to find a
SJMO Nephrologist near you.
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