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May 14, 2023 0

Proper kidney function is an essential part of leading a healthy life, so it’s important to get regular kidney function tests (KFTs) to detect any underlying issues. KFTs help identify any abnormalities in the kidneys, urinary tract, and other related organs. They can also be used to monitor existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems that can cause kidney damage.

Having a KFT done regularly can help you detect any potential conditions early and avoid serious long-term damage or complications from going untreated. It’s also important to get KFTs if you’re taking medications or other substances that can affect your kidneys. That way your doctor can monitor your results and make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions or changes in your renal health. Regular testing is the best way to ensure proper kidney health for the long term!

Types of Kidney Function Tests: Blood, Urine, Imaging

If you have been experiencing kidney issues, you may need to undergo a kidney function test to evaluate the health of your kidneys. The test evaluates the amount of waste product being removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys and is therefore a great indicator of overall kidney functioning.

Kidney function tests can typically be divided into three main types: blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests.

  • Blood Tests – Blood tests measure levels of waste products in your bloodstream, like creatinine. They also check electrolyte levels, which are another key indicator of kidney health. Blood tests can provide a detailed picture of how well your kidneys are working and help your doctor diagnose any kidney-related problems you may be experiencing.
  • Urine Tests – Urine tests allow for a more in-depth look into what is happening in your kidneys. Your urine can tell how much protein and other substances are being eliminated from your body as well as which substances are not being filtered correctly by the kidneys. This information can then be used to determine whether there is an issue with one or both of your kidneys that needs to be addressed.
  • Imaging Tests – Imaging tests use X-rays or ultrasound technology to take pictures inside your body and help identify structures or malfunctions within them. In this particular case, imaging tests can provide a detailed look at any blockages or abnormalities within the renal system and can help determine if there’s an underlying cause for any issues you may be experiencing with your kidneys.

Overall, these Kidney Function Tests make it possible for doctors to accurately diagnose any underlying issues with your kidneys so that you can get the proper care needed for

How Kidney Function Tests Work

You might be wondering exactly what happens when you get a kidney function test. Well, these tests work by measuring the amount of certain elements in your blood or urine. These elements can include creatinine and urea nitrogen, which are both naturally produced by your body and indicators of kidney health.

Blood Tests

A sample of your blood is taken and analyzed to measure the levels of these elements. The results from these tests will give doctors insights into how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your body. Depending on the severity of any issues, treatment options may be discussed with you if necessary.

Urine Tests

Various urine tests can also be done to further analyze the waste in your kidneys. These tests include:

  • Urinalysis — This test looks for abnormalities in urine color, clarity, proteins, sugar, ketones, and other substances that may indicate kidney disease or another illness.
  • 24-Hour Urine Test — For this test, you’ll be required to collect all of your urine in a given day to measure an entire day’s worth of waste and other substances excreted by the kidneys such as sodium and creatinine.
  • Creatinine Clearance Test — This measures creatinine levels in both urine and blood samples to determine how much creatinine is cleared from your body per minute – which directly reflects how well kidney filtration is working.

So there you have it – now you know how kidney function tests work!

Interpreting the Results: What Do My Kidney Function Test Scores Mean?

Now that we’ve gone over what your kidney function tests are and the types of tests that exist, let’s talk about how to interpret the results.

The first thing you’ll want to look at is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This number gives you an estimate of your kidneys’ ability to filter waste from your blood. Typically, an eGFR between 60-90 is healthy for adults. A score lower than that could be an indicator of kidney damage or disease.

If any of your kidney function test results exceed laboratory reference values, it could indicate a kidney disorder. Your doctor or healthcare provider will explain what these terms mean, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan to manage any further care you may need.

It’s important to note that in some cases, abnormalities in kidney function can be identified without needing any tests at all. Symptoms like swelling in ankles or legs, fatigue or difficulty sleeping, and decreased urine output are all signs of possible issues with your kidneys that should be addressed by a qualified healthcare provider immediately.

Ultimately, understanding the purpose and procedure behind kidney function tests can help you get insight into your overall health—so if you’re concerned about possible issues with your kidneys, it’s important to get tested right away to make sure everything is functioning properly!

The Best Kidney Specialists and Nephrologists in the US

Getting the best treatment for your kidneys is essential for good health and longer life. That’s why it’s important to find the best kidney specialists and nephrologists in the United States California Kidney Specialists is one of the largest kidney care groups In Southern California with over 35 years of dedicated service & has a team of experienced nephrologists, kidney transplant specialists and kidney transplant surgeons in California.

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November 19, 2022 0

Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to a number of health problems, including chronic kidney disease. If you have diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease and take steps to protect your kidneys.

Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and even death. It’s caused by a number of factors, including diabetes. If you have diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease and take steps to protect your kidneys.

In this post, we’ll discuss how diabetes can lead to chronic kidney disease and what you can do to prevent it.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are too high. It’s caused by the body not being able to produce or use insulin properly.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body process sugar, which is the main source of energy for the cells. When you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels can become so high that it can damage your kidneys.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?

You know that diabetes is a condition that affects how the body uses blood sugar. But did you know that it can also lead to chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, and it’s one of the leading causes of death in people with diabetes. The good news is that there are things you can do to protect your kidneys, like keeping your blood sugar under control and getting regular checkups.

Your kidneys filter toxins from your blood and help keep your bodies balance of fluids and minerals. When they start to fail, it can cause a lot of problems. So it’s important to take care of them and get them checked regularly.

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses blood sugar. If you have diabetes, your body can’t make or use insulin properly. This can cause high blood sugar levels, which over time can damage your body’s organs, including your kidneys.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood as they should. CKD is a common complication of diabetes. In fact, about one-third of people with diabetes develop CKD.

How Does Chronic Kidney Disease Progress?

You’re probably wondering how chronic kidney disease progresses. It can take a long time for the disease to develop, and there are several stages it goes through.

In the early stages, there might be no symptoms at all. The kidneys might still be functioning normally, and so you might not even know you have the disease. But as it progresses, the kidneys will start to fail. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body, which can cause a range of problems, including nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Eventually, the kidneys will stop working completely, and you’ll need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. So it’s important to get tested for chronic kidney disease if you have diabetes—the sooner you catch it, the better your chances of avoiding these serious complications.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Chronic Kidney Disease?

You might be surprised to know that one in three Americans is at risk for developing chronic kidney disease. And the reason for this is diabetes.

In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time, leading to chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and even death. But it’s important to know that it can be treated if it’s caught early enough. So if you have diabetes, it’s important to get your blood sugar levels checked regularly and see your doctor if you start to experience any Symptoms of Kidney Disease

How Can You Prevent or Delay the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease?

You might be wondering how you can prevent or delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. Here are five tips to get you started:

1. Control your blood sugar levels. This is one of the most important things you can do to protect your kidneys.

2. Exercise regularly. This helps keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control.

3. Eat a healthy diet. This includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.

4. Keep your weight under control. Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease.

5. See your doctor regularly for checkups and screenings. Early diagnosis is key to getting the treatment you need to protect your kidneys.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious condition that can have a lot of complications, including chronic kidney disease. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar under control to help prevent kidney damage. Talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your diabetes and keep your kidneys healthy.

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October 10, 2022 0

Millions of people are affected by kidney disease, but most of them don’t even know it.

That’s because the early signs of kidney disease are often mistaken for something else. You might think that you’re just tired all the time or that you have a case of the flu. But sometimes, the signs can be a lot more obvious.

If you’re having trouble breathing, urinating a lot, or feeling tired and out of it, then it’s time to see a doctor and get checked out. Kidney disease doesn’t have to be a death sentence—early diagnosis and treatment can help you live a long and healthy life.

What Are the Tell-Tale Signs of Kidney Disease?

If you’re worried that you or a loved one might be suffering from kidney disease, it’s important to be aware of the tell-tale signs.

Some of the most common symptoms include excessive thirst, fatigue, swollen ankles and feet, and changes in urination habits. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

kidney disease can lead to several serious health complications, so it’s important to catch it early. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with kidney disease can still lead full and healthy lives.

How Can Kidney Disease Be Diagnosed?

How can kidney disease be diagnosed? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. It depends on the person’s symptoms and medical history.

But some tests can help doctors determine whether someone has kidney disease. One of the most common is a blood test, which can measure how well the kidneys are functioning.

Other tests include:

– Urinalysis: This test looks at the urine for evidence of infection, kidney stones, or other problems.

– Imaging tests: These tests create pictures of the kidneys and can help identify tumors, cysts, or other problems.

– Biopsy: In this test, a tiny piece of tissue is removed from the kidney and examined under a microscope.

What Are the Treatment Options for Kidney Disease?

You might be wondering what the treatment options are for kidney disease. Well, the good news is that there are many different treatment options available, and the best option for you depends on the stage of your kidney disease.

If you’re in the early stages of kidney disease, your doctor might recommend changes to your diet and lifestyle. You might also need to take medication to help control your condition. If your kidney disease is more advanced, you might need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

No matter what stage of kidney disease you’re in, it’s important to get regular checkups and see a doctor who specializes in kidney diseases.

What Are the Risks of Ignoring Kidney Disease?

What are the risks of ignoring kidney disease? Well, for one, it can lead to a lot of health problems. Left untreated, kidney disease can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, and even strokes.

But that’s not all. If you ignore kidney disease, it can also lead to serious, and sometimes irreversible, damage to your kidneys. In the worst-case scenario, you could even lose your kidneys altogether.

So if you think you might be at risk for kidney disease, don’t wait—see your doctor right away. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat.

Conclusion

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to see a nephrologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preserving kidney function and preventing other health problems.

Kidney disease doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with kidney disease can lead normal, healthy lives. Don’t wait – if you think you might have kidney disease, see a nephrologist today

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October 9, 2022 0

Nephrotic Syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes a buildup of protein in the body. This protein can damage the kidneys and lead to severe illness. The immune system is the body’s primary defense against disease, and it contains cells that are specialized for fighting infection and other foreign substances. In this article, we will explore how the immune system affects Nephrotic Syndrome.

What is Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome?

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (IPS) is a condition in which the kidneys fail to filter waste products from the blood. The cause of the condition is unknown, although some experts believe that it may be caused by an immune reaction to a virus.

Symptoms of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

The most common symptoms include:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Muscle cramps or pain
  3. Loss of appetite or anorexia (lack of desire to eat)
  4. Dark urine
  5. Swollen feet and hands

What Causes Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome?

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys. The immune system attacks the cells of the kidney, causing inflammation and damage to the organ.

Several different factors can contribute to this disease, including genetics, age, race, gender, and other environmental factors.

The cause of the idiopathic nephrotic syndrome remains unknown but it is believed that certain people are more likely to develop it than others.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome?

The Signs & Symptoms of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome include:

– Mild to severe pain in your abdomen

– Blood protein in your urine (albumin)

– Painful urination

– A feeling of fullness after eating or drinking

How is it Diagnosed and Treated?

It’s important to know the symptoms of the idiopathic nephrotic syndrome because they can be hard to distinguish from other diseases. The most common symptom is that of protein in the urine, but it’s also common for your doctor to find a significant decrease in kidney function or swelling around the kidneys.

If you have any questions about what might be causing your symptoms, ask your doctor or nephrology specialist about it. It’s important to get a second opinion before making any decisions about treatment or diagnosis, but don’t wait too long—the longer you wait, the harder it will be for your kidney function to return to normal.

 

Conclusion: How the Immune System Affects the Kidneys and Can Lead to IDN

If you want to avoid IDN and its consequences, there are a few lifestyle changes that you can make. This article goes over how the immune system interferes with the kidneys, and how to mitigate these negative immune effects.

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October 9, 2022 0

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs used to treat cancer. They work by blocking the ability of cancer cells to hide from the immune system. In recent years, they are effective in treating other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.

However, these drugs may also cause kidney damage. This is because they prevent the immune system from attacking and killing cancer cells that are hiding in the kidneys.

What do immune checkpoint inhibitors do?

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a class of drugs that work by targeting the immune system. They can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
  • Melanoma and other cancers
  • Metastatic breast cancer
  • Multiple myeloma

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of cancer drug used to treat several types of cancer, including melanoma and lung cancer.

These types of drugs work by stopping the immune system from attacking your body’s tissues. This is great for people with trouble with their immune system because it means they don’t have to worry about their body attacking their cancerous tumors.

Unfortunately, these drugs also have some side effects that may cause problems. Here are some of the most common side effects:

  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Rash or itching
  • Hair loss or baldness
  • Nausea or vomiting (often severe)
  • Changes in vision

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and kidney disease.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been used to treat a variety of different cancers, but they are now also being tested for several other diseases. The most common use is for people with kidney disease who have failed to respond to conventional treatments.

If you have kidney disease and your doctor has recommended that you try an immune checkpoint inhibitor as part of your treatment, there are some things you should keep in mind:

  • You may need to take the drug for longer than expected—your doctor will monitor how well the drug works for you over time.
  • You will likely need to undergo additional blood tests before and after taking the drug so that the effects can be monitored carefully.
  • The side effects from these drugs can be severe—they include stomach ulcers, nausea/vomiting, low blood pressure, and fatal heart attacks.

 

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October 1, 2022 0

Did you know that adult kidney transplant recipients with chronic rejection should limit protein intake to 0.73 ± 0.11 g/kg body weight as this may safely stabilize the glomerular filtration rate and slow the progression to kidney failure?

In a healthy individual, a protein intake of ~ 0.8 g/kg body weight per day is recommended for the general population for body weight maintenance. However, the average protein intake among patients with chronic kidney disease is 0.9 ± 0.4 g/kg body weight per day, which is higher than the guideline level. A previous study has shown that higher dietary protein levels are associated with accelerated renal function decline in dialysis patients. Therefore, further studies on the effects of dietary protein intake on the progression of chronic kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis are needed.

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining normal body fluid homeostasis. The primary function of the kidney is to filter waste, excess water, and salt while retaining essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Kidney function deteriorates when there is an increase in glomerular filtration rate and the excretion of waste products increases in excess. This phenomenon is called glomerulosclerosis. Accumulation of corticosteroids (produced by autoregulatory mechanisms) inhibits the release of vasopressin from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland

Conclusion:

The current research on immunosuppressive protocols for kidney transplant recipients with chronic rejection does not support the restriction of dietary protein and interference with normal nutrition for patients. Researchers are working on finding a balance between recommendations mentioned in different studies.

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September 2, 2022 0
If you want to live a healthy life, then you must be aware of some of the habits that are damaging your kidneys.
  1. Overusing Painkillers: Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Analgesics, may alleviate your aches and pains, but they can harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. NSAIDs block pain signals from your brain to your body, which can damage small blood vessels in the kidneys.
  2. Frequent use of excessive salts: Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys.
  3. Eating Processed Foods: Processed foods are significant sources of sodium and phosphorus. Many people who have kidney disease need to limit phosphorus in their diets.
  4. Not Drinking Enough Water: Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the best ways to avoid painful kidney stones. Those with kidney problems or kidney failure may need to restrict their fluid intake, but for most people, drinking 1.5 to 2 liters (3 to 4 pints) of water per day is a healthy target.
  5. Missing Out on Sleep: A good night’s rest is extremely important to your overall well-being and, it turns out, your kidneys. Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours.
  6. Eating too much meat: Eating too much meat can damage your kidney too. Animal protein is known to produce high amounts of acid in the blood which can be detrimental to the kidneys and cause acidosis. Acidosis is a condition in which the kidneys cannot remove acid fast enough.
  7. Smoking: Smoking is harmful to your health which includes your kidneys. People who smoke are more susceptible to having protein in their urine, which is a sign of kidney damage
  8. Excessive alcohol consumption: High alcohol intake may raise uric acid generation and damage your kidneys hence it is mandatory to cut down on alcohol intake.

 

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July 15, 2022 0

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you can take steps to protect your kidneys from more damage.

  • Maintain a healthy blood pressure level.

The most important thing you can do to treat kidney illness is to control your blood pressure. Hypertension can cause kidney injury. You can preserve your kidneys by maintaining the blood pressure at or below the level recommended by your doctor. Blood pressure will be less than 140/90 mm Hg for the majority of people.

  • If you have diabetes, achieve your blood glucose target.

Your specialist would also check your A1C.. The A1C complete blood count ( cbc determines your normal blood sugar level over the last three months. This test is distinct from the routine blood glucose tests you perform. The higher your A1C score, the larger your blood sugar over the last three months. Maintain a close eye on your daily blood glucose levels to help you reach your A1C target.

  • Assess your kidney health with the help of your medical team.

The tests used by doctors to diagnose kidney illness could also be used to detect changes in kidney function and damage. Kidney disease deteriorates with time. Ask your healthcare provider how well the test findings compare to the previous ones every time you are examined.

  • Take medicines exactly as directed.

Take your medicines as per your doctor’s advice.

  • Create a food plan with the help of a dietician.
  • Include physical activity in your daily routine.
  • Strive towards a healthy weight.
  • Get adequate rest.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Discover healthy coping mechanisms for stress and despair.

If you are facing these 10 Things, Get Kidney Treatment at our San Dimas, Covina, Pasadena, Upland & Ontario Clinics. Please call to make an appointment: California Kidney Specialists

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California Kidney Specialists is one of the largest kidney care groups In Southern California with over 35 years of dedicated service & has a team of experienced nephrologists, kidney transplant specialists and kidney transplant surgeons in California.

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