As many as 37 million people in the United States are living with chronic kidney disease. At LibertyMed Health Group in Glendale, California, experienced physicians Ara Shafrazian, MD, and Arthur Babakhanians, MD, offer on-site diagnostic testing for kidney disease and dysfunction. The medical team customizes a treatment plan and offers on-site dialysis services for advanced kidney failure. If you need an evaluation for symptoms of kidney disease, call the practice or request an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is kidney disease?
Your kidneys are responsible for creating urine to filter excess fluids and waste out of your blood. Kidney disease describes any condition that disrupts this process.
You may develop kidney disease for a variety of reasons. Many underlying health conditions can cause damage to your kidneys and increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Some examples of these conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Chronic inflammation
- High blood pressure
- Recurrent kidney infections
You may also be at a higher risk for kidney disease if you have a family history of the condition, if you smoke, or if you’re obese. Your kidney function also begins to decline as you get older, so your age can leave you more susceptible to kidney disease.
What are the symptoms of kidney disease?
In the early stages of kidney disease, you may not have any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may experience:
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Foot and ankle swelling
- High blood pressure
- Changes in urination
- Nausea and vomiting
Because these symptoms can occur with other medical conditions, it’s important that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the team at LibertyMed Health Group to confirm or rule out kidney disease.
How is kidney disease treated?
If you have symptoms of kidney disease, the physicians at LibertyMed Health Group use on-site diagnostic testing, including blood tests and urine tests, to evaluate the function of your kidneys. Once they confirm the stage of your kidney disease, your provider customizes a treatment plan.
Lifestyle changes
For early-stage kidney disease, you may need treatment for the underlying cause of your disease, such as high blood pressure, and diet and lifestyle modifications to preserve your kidney function.
Dialysis
When your kidney disease is advanced, LibertyMed Health Group offers dialysis services on-site at their Glendale, California, office. Dialysis involves the use of a machine to filter your blood, removing excess fluids and waste. Your physician determines how often you need dialysis to protect your health.
Kidney transplant
For those with chronic, end-stage kidney disease, a kidney transplant may be necessary. Your provider can discuss your options for a transplant.
If you need help managing kidney disease or have unexplained symptoms that require a diagnosis, schedule a consultation with the team at LibertyMed Health Group online or by calling the office.
