About Chronic Kidney Disease

More than 20 million Americans (one in nine adults) have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and most don’t know it. Another 20 million are at increased risk for kidney disease. In many cases, early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help to prevent more serious kidney disease and other complications.

Chronic kidney disease includes conditions that damage kidneys and decrease their ability to function properly. If kidney disease gets worse, wastes can build to high levels in the blood and make the patient nauseous.

Patients may develop complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage. Also, kidney disease increases risk of having heart and blood vessel disease.

Chronic kidney disease may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.

Some Symptoms Of Kidney Disease:
• blood in the urine
• pain in the lower back, side, or abdomen
• swelling in the feet and around the eyes
• high blood pressure
• burning or difficulty urinating
• more frequent urination

For more information on referring a patient to the Northwest Kidney Centers, contact us at (206) 292-2771 or via email.