Chronic Kidney Disease / CKD
Chronic Kidney Disease Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and care coordination for chronic kidney disease symptoms, kidney function concerns, diabetes-related kidney issues, high blood pressure-related kidney damage, urine testing, creatinine testing, imaging, dialysis planning, and kidney transplant referral when needed.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over a long period of time. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste and excess water from the body. Loss of kidney function causes a dangerous buildup of waste and fluid. Chronic kidney disease is most often associated with diabetes and high blood pressure, and requires prompt treatment to keep life-threatening complications from developing.
Chronic kidney disease evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides evaluation for urinary and kidney-related concerns and can help coordinate next steps for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
The symptoms of chronic kidney disease in its early stages include the following:
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
As chronic kidney disease worsens, symptoms include the following:
- Abnormal discoloration of the skin
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Weak libido
- Decreased urine output
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Vomiting
- Sleep disorders
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact her or his physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive treatment.
Early symptoms may include weight loss, nausea, fatigue, appetite loss, and headache.
Worsening CKD may be associated with high blood pressure, shortness of breath, confusion, or reduced urine output.
Symptoms such as confusion, shortness of breath, vomiting, or major changes in urine output should be discussed promptly with a physician.
Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed by a complete review of symptoms and a physical examination by a doctor. In most cases, blood tests are then performed to measure creatinine levels; when kidneys fail, abnormally high amounts of creatinine are present in the blood. Additional tests include the following:
- Urinalysis
- Bone density
- X-rays or other imaging tests
In some cases, a kidney biopsy is performed to diagnose chronic kidney disease.
Blood tests may measure creatinine levels to help evaluate kidney function.
Urinalysis may help identify protein, blood, infection, or other abnormalities in the urine.
X-rays, imaging tests, bone density testing, or kidney biopsy may be recommended in some cases.
Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment for chronic kidney disease aims to restore kidney function and prevent waste from building up in the body. Treatment for the underlying cause or illness may help kidneys to function properly. Because high blood pressure can worsen chronic kidney disease, medications to control blood pressure are usually prescribed. Phosphate binders and vitamin D supplements may also be prescribed, and diet modifications may be recommended.
Other methods of treatment include antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, or dialysis, which may be temporary or ongoing depending on the patient's condition. In severe cases, a kidney transplant may be necessary.
Treatment may focus on diabetes, high blood pressure, infection, or another condition affecting kidney function.
Blood pressure medication, phosphate binders, vitamin D supplements, antibiotics, or diet modifications may be recommended.
Dialysis may be temporary or ongoing. In severe cases, kidney transplant may be necessary.
CKD treatment depends on stage, kidney function, underlying cause, blood pressure, diabetes control, urine findings, medications, and overall health. Many patients with CKD are also managed by a nephrologist.
Ongoing Care for Chronic Kidney Disease
A patient suffering from chronic kidney disease should be under the continuous care of a physician, and should be examined on a regular basis. Left untreated, chronic kidney disease can be fatal.
Ongoing exams, blood work, urine testing, blood pressure monitoring, and treatment adjustments may be needed.
Prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of waste and fluid buildup, infection, progression, and life-threatening complications.
Call your physician promptly for worsening fatigue, confusion, shortness of breath, vomiting, decreased urine output, swelling, severe high blood pressure, or other urgent symptoms.
Common questions about chronic kidney disease.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. A physician can evaluate symptoms, order testing, and coordinate ongoing kidney care.
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over a long period of time.
What do the kidneys do?
The kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste and excess water from the body. Loss of kidney function causes a dangerous buildup of waste and fluid.
What is chronic kidney disease most often associated with?
Chronic kidney disease is most often associated with diabetes and high blood pressure.
What are early symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
Early symptoms may include weight loss, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache.
What symptoms may happen as CKD worsens?
As CKD worsens, symptoms may include abnormal skin discoloration, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, confusion, metallic taste in the mouth, weak libido, decreased urine output, numbness in the hands or feet, vomiting, and sleep disorders.
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
CKD is diagnosed through symptom review, physical examination, blood tests to measure creatinine levels, urinalysis, bone density testing, X-rays or other imaging tests, and sometimes kidney biopsy.
How is chronic kidney disease treated?
Treatment may include addressing the underlying cause, controlling blood pressure, phosphate binders, vitamin D supplements, diet modifications, antibiotics, dialysis, or kidney transplant in severe cases.
Does CKD require regular follow-up?
Yes. A patient suffering from chronic kidney disease should be under the continuous care of a physician and should be examined on a regular basis.
Where can I get chronic kidney disease evaluation near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides evaluation for kidney and urinary concerns in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a kidney concern consultation in La Mesa.
If you have kidney function concerns, abnormal urine results, diabetes, high blood pressure, decreased urine output, fatigue, nausea, or symptoms that may suggest kidney disease, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your concerns and help coordinate next steps.