Chronic Kidney Disease
There's life after Chronic Kidney Disease. We want to help you live it fully.
Overview
WHAT IS CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?
Your kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood. If you experience damage to your kidneys, they may lose their ability to function effectively. A decrease in kidney function that lasts for more than 3 months and leads to a buildup of waste products and extra fluids is classified as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Doctors use a 5-stage system to describe Chronic Kidney Disease. Patients with Stage 1 disease, the mildest form of CKD, have less significant damage to their kidneys and may not have developed as many symptoms of kidney dysfunction. However, CKD can get worse over time if not properly managed, and patients' kidneys may stop working altogether once their disease progresses to Stage 4 or 5. Dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only treatment options for late-stage Chronic Kidney Disease.
Help For Chronic Kidney Disease
TREATMENT & PREVENTION WITH KHA
Kidney & Hypertension Associates provide state-of-the-art renal care designed to help prevent Chronic Kidney Disease from developing in at-risk patients, as well as to treat patients who have already been diagnosed. Even patients who are in the latest stages of CKD can find the medical expertise and support they need to live each day with as much freedom and enjoyment as possible. Our team of physicians and nurse practitioners will strive to provide the most innovative treatment options available, whether your Chronic Kidney Disease can be managed with more traditional interventions or whether you might benefit from the latest breakthroughs in technology or promising new prescription medications.
Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Patients in Stage IV or Stage V
For patients with late-stage CKD, Kidney & Hypertension Associates is the only nephrology practice in southeastern Louisiana that provides resources for peritoneal (at-home) dialysis. Our medical team offers transitional care services for patients who would be best served by receiving dialysis at one of our six partner clinics throughout the Northshore. KHA patients who wish to pursue kidney transplantation will have the full support of our team throughout their preparation for transplant and their follow-up care after surgery.
Where it all Begins
CAUSES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Numerous health challenges can lead to the development of Chronic Kidney Disease. While diabetes is the most common of these, other widespread issues like high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, heart disease, and use or overuse of some medications can permanently damage the kidneys and lead to CKD. Even if none of these factors apply, family history of kidney disease, older age, or being of African-American, Native American, and Asian-American race will increase your risk for Chronic Kidney Disease. CKD can also result from severe or repeated episodes of Acute Kidney Injury, particularly if they aren't treated quickly and effectively.
Managing Complex Cases of Kidney Dysfunction
Multi-Organ Disorders
Your kidneys and most major organs in your body— including your heart, brain, and lungs— have a very complex and interdependent relationship. This means that kidney function can be affected by poor function of your other organs, but poor kidney function can also worsen the functioning of many other organs. When these types of multi-organ disorders develop, it becomes especially critical to prevent or treat Chronic Kidney Disease and avoid failure of other organ systems.