If you have concerns about your Kidney health, you may want to consult with a pediatric nephrologist. These doctors specialize in kidney disease, and will examine your child’s symptoms and your family’s medical history. Your doctor may also order blood tests and urine samples to check for structural problems and infection. Kidneys are essential organs in our body, and when they don’t work properly, albumin and creatinine levels in the urine may increase.
Your doctor can provide you with information about kidney health and diet. Specifically, your doctor may suggest a low-sodium diet and exercise program. Eating healthy foods is also an important part of your overall health. Eating less salt can protect the kidneys and slow the progression of disease. A dietitian can help you choose low-sodium foods. Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be a vital part of your overall health and kidney health.
Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, beneath your rib cage. They filter waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood. They also produce hormones to regulate blood pressure and manage anemia. When you urinate, urine flows from the kidneys to your bladder and is excreted. Kidney disease may occur in one kidney or both. But in most cases, your kidneys are healthy and you can function just fine with only one.
If you suspect that you have Kidney disease, your healthcare provider will order a blood test to rule out any medical conditions. If your kidneys are swollen and inflamed, you may experience swelling of your feet, hands, and abdomen. Kidney failure can also cause a decreased immune response, which makes you more vulnerable to infection. Your healthcare provider will also order blood tests to check your blood pressure. If your kidneys are enlarged or not working properly, your healthcare provider will recommend medication based on your symptoms.
ACR (albumin to creatinine ratio) is another test that will measure your kidney function. It measures the amount of albumin in your urine. The higher the number, the worse your kidney function is. A high albumin level may indicate kidney failure. A positive result may indicate kidney disease, but a positive result may be due to fever or heavy exercise. If you do have a positive result, you may need to undergo further tests for a few weeks to confirm it.
Sodium is an important mineral that plays many roles in the body. However, the amount found naturally in foods is often enough. Too much sodium can cause water retention and thirst, and raise blood pressure. Overdoing on sodium will damage your kidneys, and make your heart work harder. Avoid adding salt to your food and drinking water when possible. To maintain kidney health, your diet should be rich in vegetables, fruit, and lean protein.
While living kidney donation is an option for people in need of a transplant, not everyone is a good candidate for it. People with several medical conditions or advanced age may not be a good candidate for it. Patients must undergo tests to make sure they’re transplant-ready. Some patients will need to undergo weight loss or get rid of other medical conditions before transplantation. If living donation is not an option for you, talk to your physician and ask about your options.
