When your kidneys are working properly, they perform the incredibly important function of removing wastes and excess water from your blood, producing urine in the process. Unfortunately, your kidneys can become damaged by different circumstances, including high-blood pressure, medications, dietary choices, and more. Eventually, this starts to impact their functionality.
Kidney issues are more common than many people realize. Approximately 15% of adults in the US have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Unfortunately, 90% of these people are unaware that anything is wrong with them. That’s because kidney issues often don’t show symptoms in their early stages. Kidneys are pretty resilient, working themselves harder when challenges arise.
Eventually though, they’ll incur serious damage. If they’re left untreated for too long, they can fail altogether.
Signs of Kidney Problems
When your kidneys become damaged, they can’t filter wastes as efficiently. This leads to wastes building up in your blood, which can eventually make you feel sick. Damaged kidneys may also cause your body to hold on to more water, which builds up blood pressure.
Other symptoms of kidney issues include:
- General weakness
- Exhaustion
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry, itchy skin
- Need to urinate more often
- Blood in urine
- Poor appetite
- Muscle cramping
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s very important you see a professional. Otherwise, your kidneys may become permanently damaged and fail.
Life After Kidney Failure
Those who are nearing kidney failure will likely experience regular nausea and even vomiting, among other symptoms. Much of your body’s wastes are being left in your system, slowly poisoning you. Finally, your kidneys will fail.
At this point, the only options are regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Dialysis involves being hooked up to a machine that performs the job of your kidneys, filtering your blood. Dialysis won’t cure kidney failure, but it can extend your life as long as long as regular appointments are kept.
A more permanent solution is kidney transplant.
If the procedure is a success, you will have a properly functioning kidney, and you will no longer need dialysis. Still, kidney transplants have their drawbacks. Before you can have the procedure done, you must be qualified and find a compatible donor.
While kidney transplants are a common procedure with a high success rate, the operation can still fail. Even with a successful operation, a transplanted kidney has a limited shelf life that can range from 10-15 years.
The best option is early kidney disease detection and healthy lifestyle choices. Even if you’re not experiencing noticeable symptoms, you should have your blood and urine checked for potential problems. At Advanced Nephrology & Hypertension, we provide a full range of kidney services, from early screenings and nutritional advice to management of more severe symptoms.
Don’t wait until serious problems arise. Get your kidneys checked. For nephrology care in Springfield, Ohio, contact us today!