Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Summer 2018

Y our kidneys do important work. But if they start to malfunction, you might not realize it for a long while. “Most people don’t feel sick from kidney disease until the later stages,” says Lake Regional Nephrologist and Critical Care Specialist Harbaksh Sangha, M.D. “Unfortunately, at that point, the kidneys likely have suffered irreversible damage.” Learning how the kidneys work and what causes kidney problems can help you protect your health. How they work The main job of your kidneys — two bean-shaped, fist-sized organs — is to filter your blood. As blood passes through the kidneys, tiny filters called nephrons sift and hold onto the substances your body might need, including certain nutrients and much of the water. Harmful wastes, as well as extra water and nutrients, are routed to the bladder and flushed away as urine. Your kidneys also produce several hormones. These hormones help to control your blood pressure, make red blood cells and activate vitamin D, which keeps your bones strong. Most kidney disease results from damage to the nephrons. When the damage happens quickly — often because of injury or poisoning — it’s known as acute kidney injury. “More common is chronic kidney disease,” Dr. Sangha says. “Nephrons can decline slowly and silently for years or even decades.” When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, toxins and extra water build up in the blood. Falling hormones also cause problems. Treating kidney disease Eventually, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. The preferred therapy for kidney failure is a kidney transplant, but there are obstacles, including long waiting lists and finding a well-matched Harbaksh Sangha, M.D. NEPHROLOGY Be kind to your kidneys donor. Another option is dialysis, a treatment that filters wastes and water from the blood. There are two types of dialysis — hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both require significant commitment from the patient. Treating kidney disease early is the best way to avoid or delay kidney failure. “The two greatest risk factors for kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure,” Dr. Sangha says. “If you have these risk factors, it’s important to be screened for kidney disease.” Screening involves a urine test to look for kidney damage and a blood test to measure how well the kidneys are working. Keeping kidneys healthy To avoid or delay kidney failure, it’s important to control your blood pressure. “Your doctor will talk to you about lifestyle changes, including weight loss, exercise and eating low-sodium, potassium-rich foods,” Dr. Sangha says. “You also might need medications to reduce blood pressure, control blood glucose and lower your cholesterol. And, of course, smokers need to quit smoking to avoid more damage to the heart and blood vessels.” Don’t wait to take the first step to keep your kidneys healthy. Talk to your health care provider about your kidneys, and ask if you should be tested for kidney disease. DON’T WAIT! To make an appointment with Dr. Sangha at Lake Regional Nephrology, call 573-302-2762 . View his bio at lakeregional.com/physicians . lakeregional.com 5