At Pentec Health it is our duty to serve and educate patients and dietitians in our industry. While there is no true cure for chronic kidney disease, there are ways to cope with, treat, and possibly prevent kidney failure. Many patients wait too long for treatment because they are unable to identify early symptoms that can lead to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Our nutrition therapy solutions can help improve quality of life for patients in this stage, but our ultimate goal is to help prevent these outcomes by raising awareness of the early signs of kidney disease.
Early Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease:
Fatigue, having trouble concentrating.
Complications urinating (decreased output, bloody, foamy)
Swelling in the feet or ankles
Muscle Cramps
Itchy Skin
Breathlessness
Trouble sleeping at night
Although these symptoms can be common in other diseases, if you identify these symptoms and see a doctor early on you could increase your chances of positive outcomes including the prevention of ESRD.
Although we can’t predict whether or not you will be vulnerable to chronic kidney disease in the future, certain risk factors have been shown to increase the likelihood of ESRD. These factors can be due to diabetes with poor blood sugar, genetics, heritage, or even older age. It is important to be mindful of the possible risk factors in order to identify and prevent ESRD.
Prevention:
Get out and be active
Be conscientious of your diet
Be aware of your blood pressure and sugar levels
Take control of your overall health and wellness
Ask questions and seek help from health professionals
Stay away from tobacco products
We encourage you to see a doctor as soon as you identify possible signs or symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Your healthcare provider can assist you in evaluating your risk of disease and form a treatment plan to help manage it. We know living with chronic kidney disease is a challenge, but the healthcare industry is making strides in improving quality of life for this patient population.
Bhargava, Hansa D. “Acute Kidney Failure.” Web.md.com, 2 July 2020, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-acute-kidney-failure.
Luo, Elaine K. “Everything You Need to Know About Kidney Failure.” Healthline.com, 23 May 2019, www.healthline.com/health/kidney-failure.
“Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.” Kidneyfund.org, 29 Sept. 2020, www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/stages-of-chronic-kidney-disease/#top.
