According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 1 out of every 7 American adults are living with chronic kidney disease, although many are unaware they have the condition. For residents of Houston, Texas, who are concerned about their kidney health, the team of kidney health specialists at Renal Clinic of Houston serves as an invaluable resource for all aspects of kidney care, including preventive services.
The following information is provided to educate the public on how to take action to prevent chronic kidney disease. If you’d like to learn more or have a screening, reach out to the team at Renal Clinic of Houston in Katy, Memorial City, and Cypress, Texas, to book a visit.
Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function. Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from your blood so they can be eliminated from your body through your urine. When your kidneys begin to fail, waste and fluid build up in your body, causing a range of serious problems.
You might experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, swelling in your feet and ankles, or even chest pain. Once kidney disease progresses to a certain point, a kidney transplant and dialysis are the only available treatment options.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The following eight changes can help.
The leading causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and hypertension, or high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to a wide range of serious health problems. Making matters worse, many people live with diabetes and hypertension for many years without realizing it. Screening for both of these health conditions is incredibly simple and part of routine physical exams.
If you have hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic health issues, work with a medical professional to manage your conditions and improve your overall health. Your body works synergistically, and when something is wrong in one organ or system, it often affects others.
If you know you have hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or a history of smoking, schedule a visit to get screened for kidney disease. Simple blood and urine screening can evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning and determine if more in-depth diagnostic tests are necessary.
Many people believe over-the-counter medications don’t pose any health risks. In reality, over-the-counter medications come with clear warnings about when and how often to take them, as well as warnings about combining them with other medications. Review the instructions on the medications you use, as excessive use can cause lasting kidney damage.
If you smoke, finding a way to quit the habit for good is one of the most impactful things you can do to enhance your health and reduce your risk of serious health problems, including chronic kidney damage. Some medications can help, but deciding to quit is the first step.
Being overweight or obese puts significant strain on your body and increases your risk of chronic kidney disease. Work with your primary care provider to find a weight management program that works for you. Some people achieve impressive results through weight loss medications, while others focus on lifestyle changes to shed excess pounds.
Getting enough physical activity every day keeps your body functioning properly. While it’s easy to get distracted by the obligations of career, family, and community, setting aside time for a walk or other physical activities you enjoy is important.
While an occasional drink is usually nothing to worry about, consuming high volumes of alcohol can threaten your kidney health. Alcohol use increases your risk of hypertension. It can also disrupt your kidneys as they regulate fluids and electrolytes. Heavy drinking can lead to liver disease, which places additional pressure on your kidneys.
If you’re ready to take action to reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease, the team at Renal Clinic of Houston is here to help. Reach out online or by phone today to schedule a visit to learn more about how you can support healthy kidney function and reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease.
