Written by Dr. Aisha Harris
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common medical problems in the Unites States, especially in the Black community. Black Americans have some of the highest rates of chronic kidney disease as well as rates of end stage renal disease that requires dialysis.
Chronic kidney disease is when there is significant decreased kidney function and kidney health for various reasons.
Chronic kidney disease is classified by multiple stages where multiple factors influence the chronic kidney disease stage level.
The most common causes of chronic kidney diseases are diabetes and high blood pressure. Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure cause injury or damage to the kidneys that causes decreased function and filtration.
The kidneys help filter the blood and then release the substances into urine for use urinate out. Without the kidneys, harmful substances can build up in the body can cause complications including death.
Chronic kidney disease can be caused by multiple or severe acute kidney disease, which occurs when a temporary problem impacts someone’s kidney health, such as dehydration. It can also be linked to a medical kidney disorder that impacts kidney function and increases the risk of chronic kidney disease due to changes or injury to kidney tissue.
Most people are born with two kidneys. They continue to filter our blood so that we can keep other organs functioning with clean blood and the right molecules.
It is beneficial to prevent kidney disease because it can increase your risks of needing dialysis. Dialysis is a procedure that helps replace the job that someone’s kidneys should be doing. By functioning like the
kidneys and cleaning the blood, dialysis continues to save lives through the modern invention.
Many people are concerned about chronic kidney disease. It continues to be a prevalent and concerning medical disorder, especially in the Black community. Preventing chronic kidney disease can look like preventing or stopping the development of uncontrolled diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure. The early signs of cardiovascular disease, which includes diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, should be managed quickly in order to decrease the risk of complications related to poor kidney health and chronic kidney disease.
Kidney disease lives on a spectrum and does not always require dialysis. Poor kidney function can look like decreased urination and leg swelling.
It is important to understand the complexity of kidney disease, as well to talk to someone and reach out if help is needed.
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD is a Flint native and board certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr. Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
