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Kidney Disease Specialist

Metro Renal Associates Our Services Kidney Disease

Metro Renal Associates

Nephrologists located in Washington, DC & Capitol Heights, MD

About 10% of the world’s population is affected by chronic kidney disease. The team at Metro Renal Associates in Washington, DC, specializes in diagnosing and treating this prevalent health condition with innovative methods. Weighing factors such as your symptoms, diagnosis, overall health, and preferences, the experienced nephrologists develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your active, healthy lifestyle. To find out more about kidney disease and available treatment options, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Kidney Disease Q & A

What are the different types of kidney disease?

Kidney disease refers to a host of different health problems that affect the health and function of your kidneys. Some of the most common types of kidney disease include:

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

FSGS affects your kidney function by leading to the scarring of glomeruli, the tiny filtering units inside your kidney where blood get cleaned.

Membranous nephropathy

This occurs when the small blood vessels in your kidney that filter waste from your blood suffer damage and become thickened.

Lupus nephritis

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect practically any part of your body, including your kidneys. It can lead to devastating inflammation in your kidneys.

HIV-associated nephropathy

Kidney disease can develop in association with an HIV infection, leading to FSGS-related kidney damage.

 

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

It’s important to pay attention to some of the most common signs and symptoms of kidney disease. These include:

  • Swelling in your face, hands, feet, legs, or ankles
  • Rashes and itching
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • A decrease in urine volume
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating

 

Elevated creatinine levels after a blood test can also be an indicator of possible kidney disease. Other important factors to pay attention to are underlying health conditions, especially diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney disease.

 

What causes kidney disease?

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of kidney disease since it can lead to deteriorating kidney health and function.

Other potential causes of kidney disease include damage to your kidneys from issues such as blood clots, autoimmune disorders, or infection. Blood flow problems stemming from heart disease, blood or fluid loss, and liver failure can also cause kidney disease.

 

How is kidney disease treated?

When the team at Metro Renal Associates offer a kidney disease diagnosis after evaluating your symptoms and performing a series of tests, they indicate the level of progression the disease’s progression. Kidney disease refers to five stages of kidney damage: stage 1 to stage 5.

The stage of kidney disease is based on a measurement called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The nephrologists at Metro Renal Associates generally receive referrals when patients are in stage 2 or 3, which is a critical juncture when you need to begin preparations and education about treatments like dialysis.

Other treatment options available include targeted plans to address any underlying cause such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

To learn more about other kidney disease treatments, call Metro Renal Associates or schedule an appointment online today.

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