Kidney Function
Healthy kidneys serve many functions:
- Maintain chemical and fluid balance of the body.
- Generate the hormone to stimulate red blood cell production.
- Regulate blood pressure.
- Eliminate waste products.
- Help with the formation of healthy bones.
Kidney Failure
Patients with kidney failure often present a number of the following symptoms:
- Edema
- High blood pressure
- Uremia
- Gross hematuria
- Flank pain
Patients with kidney failure may not have any of the above symptoms. In this case kidney failure is often indicated through routine examinations and abnormal labs.
There are two types of Kidney Failure:
Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF) and Acute Kidney Failure (AKF).
Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF) is when the kidneys stop working and do not regain function.
- This condition may also be referred to as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
- May be caused by an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Heredity may also play a part in CKF.
- Patients with this disease have two different types of treatment options: dialysis or transplant.
Acute Kidney Failure (AKF) is caused by an unexpected event that damages the kidney.
- May be caused by some type of poisoning, severe infection or trauma.
- Dialysis is initiated to help eliminate the potential cause of AKF.
- In most cases, kidney function is eventually restored.
Kidney Disease Warning Signs
There are several signs and symptoms of kidney disease. Some of the most common include:
- High blood pressure
- Bloody colored urine
- Lower back pain (not motivated by movement)
- Burning sensation upon urination
- Difficulties urinating
- Changes in urination frequency
- Noticeable swelling around arms, legs and eyes
Learn more about
kidney disease.
Controlling Kidney Disease
Maintaining control of kidney disease is a collaborative effort between the patient, doctor, patient's family and other medical professionals.
There are four options when faced with kidney failure:
Diagnosing Kidney Disease
Several factors come into play when detecting Kidney Disease. Specific lab values are often evaluated as well as using renal imaging. Learn more about the diagnostic tests for
kidney disease.
MeritCare Nephrology Services offers a variety of specialty related services. Some of these include the assessment and management of:
- Kidney stones
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities
- Acute kidney failure
- Chronic kidney failure
- Immunosuppression drug management post transplant
- Glomerulonephritis
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Disease
Patients often have many questions about kidney disease. Find answers to your questions in our
Kidney Disease FAQ.
Locations
Nephrology Clinic Services are offered in four convenient MeritCare locations.
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Jamestown, North Dakota
- Bemidji, Minnesota
- Morris, Minnesota
Contact
For an appointment, please call (701) 234-3360.