Kidney Disease

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease happens when your kidneys, which act as the body’s natural filters, become damaged and can’t function properly. These vital organs remove waste, balance fluids, and help control blood pressure, but when they start to fail, harmful toxins build up in your body. Chronic kidney disease develops gradually over time, often due to conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

While kidney disease is serious, early detection and proper management—through medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes dialysis or a transplant—can slow its progression and help you maintain a better quality of life.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Kidney disease often develops slowly, and in its early stages, you might not notice any symptoms. However, as kidney function declines, waste and fluid build up in the body, leading to noticeable signs, including:

• Fatigue and weakness – A lack of properly filtered blood can lead to low energy levels.
  Swelling (edema) – Fluid retention can cause puffiness in the legs, ankles, feet, or face.
• Changes in urination – You may urinate more or less frequently, notice foamy or dark-colored urine, or feel increased urgency.
• Shortness of breath – Excess fluid can build up in the lungs, making it harder to breathe.
• High blood pressure – The kidneys help regulate blood pressure, and when they struggle, it can rise.
• Trouble concentrating – A buildup of toxins in the blood can cause brain fog and difficulty focusing.
• Loss of appetite and nausea – Toxins in the bloodstream may make food less appealing and lead to an upset stomach.

Since kidney disease can progress silently, regular check-ups and blood tests are essential for early detection and management.

What are the causes?

Kidney disease can develop for a variety of reasons, but the most common culprits are conditions that put extra strain on these vital organs over time. The leading causes include:

• Diabetes – High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter waste properly.
• High blood pressure – Increased pressure on kidney blood vessels can weaken and damage them, reducing kidney function.
• Heart disease – Poor heart health affects blood flow to the kidneys, which can lead to damage.
• Chronic infections or autoimmune diseases – Conditions like lupus or recurring kidney infections can trigger long-term kidney damage.
• Genetic disorders – Some inherited conditions, like polycystic kidney disease, cause cysts to form in the kidneys, interfering with their function.
• Long-term use of certain medications – Overuse of pain relievers like NSAIDs can lead to kidney damage over time.

Because kidney disease often develops gradually, managing risk factors like blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall heart health can help protect your kidneys and keep them working properly for years to come.

Schedule an appointment in Fairbanks, Alaska

If you are suffering from kidney disease and you live in or around Fairbanks, schedule an appointment with Dr. Nick Sarrimanolis. Dr. Sarrimanolis and staff can help you manage your symptoms and prevent further health complications from occurring. Please request an appointment online or give us a call at (907) 451-1174.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.

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