When your kidneys begin to fail, your body can begin to fail soon after, too. Often, this condition is lifelong. If medical professionals catch it early enough, they can try to reverse it, but how it was developed in the first place also plays a role. Those who develop this condition because they are heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages, for example, might have a tough road ahead if they do not change their lifestyle. If you are entering the medical field, you may have to be prepared to help these patients, so kidney disease and dialysis education classes are a must.
Here are three facts about kidney disease and dialysis to consider.
is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease occurs when your kidneys can no longer filter waste. They are the mechanism that clears up excess fluid and waste from your blood. It is a chronic condition that usually lasts through the rest of your life once it begins.
How is it Diagnosed?
This condition does not offer obvious symptoms. In order to be diagnosed, therefore, your doctor will run lab tests. You may feel fatigue, experience a loss of appetite or high blood pressure, but there are other diseases and conditions that also have these symptoms. If you feel off and your doctor cannot determine what you may be suffering from, he will run a series of tests that include imaging and looking at your blood’s health.
What are the Treatments?
In kidney disease and dialysis education classes, you will learn how this condition is diagnosed and treated. For advanced cases, a transplant is the last resort. Kidneys are not readily available, so only qualified patients may apply. Dialysis is the most common treatment for cases when the organs still have enough function left. Medication can also manage the disease.