Dietary recommendations depend on your CKD stage, but generally include limiting sodium (under 2000mg/day), moderating protein intake, and in later stages reducing potassium and phosphorus. Avoid processed foods, canned soups, and fast food. A renal dietitian can create a personalized meal plan. Many patients are surprised how much diet changes can slow kidney disease progression.
ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril) and ARBs (like losartan) are the preferred blood pressure medications for kidney patients. Beyond lowering blood pressure, they reduce protein leakage from the kidneys and slow CKD progression. When starting these medications, a mild rise in creatinine is expected and normal. Your nephrologist will monitor your labs closely.
Protein in the urine (proteinuria) is an important warning sign that the kidney filters may be damaged or leaky. Normally very little protein passes into the urine. Persistent proteinuria can accelerate kidney damage over time. It is measured with a simple urine test and, if found, your nephrologist will work to identify and treat the underlying cause.
The most important steps are controlling blood pressure (target under 130/80), managing blood sugar if you have diabetes, avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen, following a low-sodium diet, staying well hydrated, not smoking, and taking prescribed medications consistently. Regular follow-up with your nephrologist allows early detection of changes so treatment can be adjusted promptly.
Dialysis is a treatment that does the work of your kidneys when they can no longer function well enough on their own. There are two main types: hemodialysis, which filters your blood through a machine typically 3 times per week, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of your abdomen to filter waste and can often be done at home. Our team will help you understand which option best fits your lifestyle.
Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles that is filtered out of your blood by the kidneys. When kidneys are not working properly, creatinine builds up in the bloodstream. A rising creatinine level on your blood work is one of the earliest signs of kidney disease and is the most common reason patients are referred to a nephrologist.
Chronic kidney disease is classified in 5 stages based on your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which measures how well your kidneys filter waste. Stage 1-2 is mild loss of function, Stage 3 shows moderate decline, Stage 4 is severe, and Stage 5 is kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant. Early stages often have no symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is important.
The most important
Dialysis is a treatment that does the work of your kidneys when they can no longer function well enough on their own. There are two main types: hemodialysis, which filters your blood through a machine typically 3 times per week, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of your abdomen to filter waste and can often be done at home. Our team will help you understand which option best fits your lifestyle.
Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles that is filtered out of your blood by the kidneys. When kidneys are not working properly, creatinine builds up in the bloodstream. A rising creatinine level on your blood work is one of the earliest signs of kidney disease and is the most common reason patients are referred to a nephrologist.
Chronic kidney disease is classified in 5 stages based on your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which measures how well your kidneys filter waste. Stage 1-2 is mild loss of function, Stage 3 shows moderate decline, Stage 4 is severe, and Stage 5 is kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant. Early stages often have no symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is important.
Often people are referred to the kidney doctor without knowing exactly why. This occurs fairly frequently so I like to take the first few minutes of the visit to explain this to you. Typically you "feel fine" and are not complaining of any symptoms. The beginnings of kidney disease are often subtle and show up on your routine blood work or urine testing. The most common reason for referral is an elevation of your creatinine, which is measured on routine blood work. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from our muscles during normal daily activities. The only way for this toxin to be removed from our blood is through the kidneys. If the kidneys are having trouble for any reason purifying the blood the creatinine level will be elevated. The higher the creatinine level the worse the kidney function. An elevated creatinine level may reflect a kidney prolem that needs to be evaluated. Another reason is if you have protein or blood in your urine that was picked up on testing. Protein in the urine could suggest 'leaky kidney filters' or other problems in the drainage of the kidneys (ureters, bladder, urethra) that needs evaluation. There are many other reasons that patients are referred to a kidney specialist including high blood pressure, kidney stones, cysts in the kidneys or abnormal body chemistries (like a high or low potassium level or sodium level). I'll be sure to review with you initially what your reason for the visit is.
The kidneys clean and filter the blood to remove excess toxins and water. They regulate our blood pressure and also help to keep our bones healthy and blood counts normal.
Some non-specific symptoms of renal disease include: - Fatigue - Weakness - Difficulty concentrating - Trouble sleeping - Dry, itchy skin - Frequent urge to urinate - Blood in the urine - Urine is foamy - Puffiness around the eyes - Loss of appetite - Swelling in the ankles and feet - Muscle cramps
Yes. You can lose as much as 90% of your kidney function and continue to feel fine or have only minor symptoms. It's very important to start managing risk factors for kidney disease as early as possible to avoid progression.
The treatment options for end-stage kidney failure are kidney transplantation, dialysis or no treatment for some patients. End stage renal disease is a terminal condition if it's not treated by dialysis or transplantation.
