Renal Disease Specialist

What are the different types of renal disease?

Renal disease refers to any problem that affects your kidneys. Three of the most common conditions include:

Kidney stones

Kidney stones develop when minerals and salts in your urine crystalize and form stones. These stones gradually enlarge, and if they leave your kidneys, they cause pain while traveling down your ureter or block the flow of urine.

Renal artery disease

As cholesterol builds up in a renal artery, it restricts blood flow to the kidneys. As the blockage enlarges over the years, you develop hypertension and kidney damage.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops when the kidneys become permanently damaged. Renal artery disease contributes to the problem, but the top two CKD causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. The gradually increasing damage prevents your kidneys from doing their job, allowing toxic wastes to build up in your blood.

What symptoms develop if I have renal disease?

Renal disease causes symptoms such as:

• Edema (swelling) of your legs, feet, or ankles
• Dry, itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Increased or decreased urination
• Back, side, or groin pain
• Burning or pain when urinating

Many people with renal disease also develop insomnia. 

How are renal diseases treated?

Each type of renal disease follows a different treatment protocol:

Kidney stone treatment

After performing diagnostic imaging to determine the size and location of your kidney stone, your provider may recommend:

• Waiting for the stone to pass
• Medication to relax the ureter and help the stone pass
• Shock wave lithotripsy to break up the stone and help it pass
• Ureteroscopy to remove stones from the ureter or kidney
• Percutaneous lithotripsy to remove large stones from the kidney

You may also need medications to ease the pain while waiting for the stone to come out with your urine. 

Renal artery disease treatment

You may need to make lifestyle changes to slow down the buildup of plaque and take medications to treat underlying conditions such as diabetes. If the blockage is severe, your provider recommends a minimally invasive procedure to remove the plaque and restore circulation. 

Chronic kidney disease treatment

Your treatment for chronic kidney disease includes following a special diet and taking medications to treat your symptoms and manage underlying health conditions. When your kidneys lose 85-90% of their ability to work, you need dialysis to filter your blood. 

If you develop any symptoms of renal disease, don’t wait to seek treatment. Call Pinnacle Healthcare System or book an appointment online today.