Persistent kidney illness is severe enterprise. It could actually result in a coronary heart assault or stroke. Or kidney failure, which suggests needing dialysis or a kidney transplant to dwell. The appropriate remedy might help forestall these severe outcomes.
Kidney illness is de facto widespread. About 1 in 7 adults has it. However the scary factor is: 90% of individuals with power kidney illness do not know they’ve it, says Mark Okusa, MD, a nephrologist (kidney physician) at UVA Well being.
Few Early Indicators, Testing Is Key
How are so many individuals strolling round with kidney illness and do not know it? Many do not really feel sick or discover signs till their illness is at a complicated stage. At that time, they’re in danger for severe problems.
At Threat for Persistent Kidney Illness?
A easy blood and urine check might help you catch it early earlier than you’ve gotten severe problems. Speak together with your physician about screening or discover a UVA Well being physician close to you if you do not have one.
Meaning it is essential to know the danger elements for power kidney illness. You are extra prone to get it you probably have:
When you have any of those, it’s best to get examined, Okusa says. Medical doctors use blood and urine exams to diagnose power kidney illness.
What If You Have Persistent Kidney Illness?
The illness retains your kidneys from filtering blood in addition to they need to. Meaning waste and fluid out of your blood construct up in your physique.
If a screening reveals you’ve gotten it, your physician can work with you to maintain it from getting worse. Which may appear like:
- Working with a registered dietitian on a kidney-healthy weight-reduction plan
- Protecting your blood strain beneath management
- Staying in your goal blood sugar vary you probably have diabetes
- Treating your weight problems
- Taking or not taking sure medicines to guard your kidneys
- Assist to quit smoking
How UVA Well being Is Serving to
UVA Well being just lately joined the Kidney Illness Screening and Consciousness Program and held its first free kidney well being screening occasion in Charlottesville. Observe @KDSAPatUVA to seek out out about upcoming occasions.
