Kidney resources
Causes
Kidney disease happens when the kidney becomes damaged and cannot properly clean the blood.
Common causes includes: diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history.
Who is affected
Kidney disease can affect anyone but it is more common is older adults and people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Many people don't know they have it since the symptoms may not appear early. Family members of the patient can also be affected, emotionally, physically, and financially.
Symptoms
-Feeling tired or weak
-Swelling in the feet and legs
-Nausea or vomiting
-Changing in urination
-Itchy skin
-Muscle cramps
-Loss of appetite
Treatment
There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but treatments can help slow it down:
-Medication
-Healthy eating
-Regular doctor visits
-Dialysis
-Kidney transplant
Psychological Services
- kidney doctors (nephrologists)
-dialysis centers
- Dietitians who help with healthy eating
- therapists who help with stress and emotions
- Support groups where patients can talk with others who have kidney disease.
Barriers to Care
Some patients have trouble getting the care they need because of:
- High medical cost
-Lack of health insurance
-Transportation problems
-Not having a kidney specialist nearby
-Difficult paying for healthy foods
-Stress or fear about treatment
