Chronic Kidney Disease

Providing Expert Care for Chronic Kidney Disease

At Texas Kidney Institute, we specialize in providing compassionate, cutting-edge care to help patients manage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) effectively. Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or have been managing CKD for years, our expert team is here every step of the way. 

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What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also called chronic renal disease, is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose function over time. Because your kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, regulating blood pressure, and balancing key minerals, CKD can lead to severe complications if left untreated. The disease progresses in stages, and symptoms may appear gradually over time.

As CKD worsens, waste builds up in the blood, causing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and illness. It can also lead to complications such as high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutrition, and nerve damage. CKD also increases the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Common causes of CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Early detection is essential to prevent greater damage, as advanced CKD can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant to sustain life.

The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease

  • 35.5 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
  • Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
  • Heart disease is the greatest cause of death for all people with CKD.
  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
  • Hypertension causes CKD, and CKD causes hypertension, creating a cycle.
  • Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) is an indicator of CKD.
  • High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney failure.
  • African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and seniors are at increased risk.
  • Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.

But here’s the good news: Early detection and proper treatment can significantly slow CKD’s progression, potentially preventing kidney failure.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Most people may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced. However, warning signs may include:

  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Hard time sleeping
  • Muscle cramping at night
  • Swollen ankles, feet, or hands
  • Persistent itching or dry skin
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning

Noticing any of these symptoms? 

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What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases.

Diabetes happens when your blood sugar is too high, causing damage to many organs in your body, including the kidneys and heart, as well as blood vessels, nerves and eyes.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the pressure of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels increases. If uncontrolled, high blood pressure can be a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease.

Other conditions that affect the kidneys are:

  • Glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney’s filtering units. These disorders are the third most common type of kidney disease.
  • Inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, which causes large cysts to form in the kidneys and damage the surrounding tissue.
  • Malformations that occur as a baby develops in its mother’s womb. For example, a narrowing may occur that prevents normal outflow of urine, potentially causing infections and kidney damage.
  • Lupus and other diseases that affect the body’s immune system.
  • Obstructions caused by problems like kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate gland in men.
  • Repeated urinary infections.

Identifying and addressing the root cause is an essential step in developing an effective management plan.

Who’s at Risk for CKD? 

Anyone can get chronic kidney disease at any age. However, certain groups are more vulnerable to developing CKD. You may be at higher risk if you:

  • have diabetes
  • have high blood pressure
  • have a family history of kidney failure
  • are older
  • belong to a population group that has a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians.

Want to know your risk level? 

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How CKD is Diagnosed

A chronic kidney disease diagnosis often involves a combination of tests to assess kidney function and structural health. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

Diagnostic Steps for CKD:

  1. GFR Testing: Calculating your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the best test to measure your level of kidney function and potential disease. Your kidney specialist can calculate it from the results of your blood creatinine test, your age, race, gender, and other factors.
  2. Imaging: Ultrasounds or CT scans can tell your doctor whether your kidneys are too large or too small, whether you have a problem like a kidney stone or tumor, and whether there are any problems in the structure of your kidneys and urinary tract.
  3. Kidney Biopsy: Sometimes a small tissue sample is taken from the kidney to check for a specific type of kidney disease, see how much kidney damage has occurred, and help plan treatment.

The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better the chance of slowing or stopping its progression.

Managing and Treating Chronic Kidney Disease 

Now for the big question: once you’ve been diagnosed, what happens next? At Texas Kidney Institute, we focus on personalized care to manage chronic kidney disease at every stage. 

Our approach includes more than just detection—we work with you to slow disease progression and improve your quality of life. This means creating a customized plan that may involve: 

  • Medication management to address symptoms and prevent complications 
  • Nutrition counseling to support kidney health 
  • Blood pressure control to reduce strain on your kidneys 
  • Dialysis or transplant support, if and when needed 
  • Regular monitoring to track your progress and adjust care as necessary 

Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you get the care and support you need.

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Why Texas Kidney Institute? 

At Texas Kidney Institute, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care backed by state-of-the-art technology and years of expertise. Our dedicated team of award-winning nephrologists works closely with you to develop personalized treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your kidney health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the stages of CKD? 

Chronic kidney disease progresses through five stages, ranging from mild (Stage 1) to end-stage renal disease (Stage 5), where dialysis or transplant is required. 

How is CKD diagnosed?

CKD is primarily diagnosed by testing your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which your doctor can calculate from your blood creatinine, your age, race, gender, and other factors.

Can CKD be reversed or cured? 

While CKD cannot be reversed or permanently cured, early intervention can significantly slow its progression, vastly improving quality of life. 

Do I need dialysis? 

Dialysis is only necessary in advanced CKD stages when kidney function falls below 15%. 

What is dialysis? 

Dialysis is a procedure that filters and removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so.

What foods should I avoid with CKD? 

Limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. A dietitian can help you develop a meal plan tailored to your needs. 

Have more questions? 

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Take Control of Your Kidney Health 

Living well with chronic kidney disease starts with the right care partner. At Texas Kidney Institute, we’re dedicated to helping you manage your health and achieve the best possible quality of life. 

Schedule an Appointment Today

Get Started Today

Do you have questions about kidney disease? Reach out today to get started or get in touch with one of our friendly team members who will help you begin the road to healing.

Schedule Appointment Call: (214) 396-4950