Your kidneys play a critical role in your overall health. They’re responsible for filtering out waste and excess fluids from your bloodstream, which keeps your electrolytes in balance, regulates hormones, and controls your blood pressure. Because they’re so vital, kidney disease is a serious illness that can have far-reaching implications for your daily life. To help you understand more about this chronic health condition, the experienced specialized care physicians at Santiam Hospital in Stayton, OR, provide some important information about the causes of kidney disease and its treatments.

Understanding the Causes of Kidney Disease & Its Treatment

What Are the Most Common Causes of Kidney Disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most frequent reasons people develop kidney disease. These health conditions place a large strain on kidney function, and if left uncontrolled for a long period, renal damage will occur. Other common causes include glomerulonephritis, a condition that impairs your kidney’s ability to filter out waste; infections; kidney stones; and polycystic kidney disease, which is an inherited disorder.

When Should I See My Doctor? 

If you experience symptoms such as excessive fatigue, urination difficulties, foot and ankle swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath, make an appointment with your primary care clinic. Your doctor will order laboratory and diagnostic imaging tests to determine if these symptoms point to kidney disease. You may also be referred to a specialized care provider, such as a nephrologist, for more targeted evaluation and treatment.

What Treatments Are Available?

Management of kidney disease involves identifying and treating the underlying cause, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. Your doctor will likely prescribe medications to get your health in check and control your symptoms. Preventive care measures, such as achieving a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and seeing your doctor regularly, will also help slow the progression of the disease. If left untreated, kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or transplantation.

Chronic kidney disease is a serious, but treatable, condition. Get the best care for your chronic condition by working with the experienced medical professionals at Santiam Hospital. From preventive medicine to specialized care services, their medical facilities provide high-quality medical care with a personalized approach. To make an appointment today, call (503) 769-2175 or visit their website to find out more.