Treatment for Kidney Disease in Cleveland, OH

What Is Kidney Disease?

The kidneys are a vital component to every person’s urinary system. These two organs are responsible for many important functions, though primarily they work to filter out any waste from the blood and have that waste expelled from the body.

Any sort of condition that compromises the kidneys or their daily function can become quite a serious threat to an individual’s health. Unfortunately, this is all too real a situation for millions of Americans who suffer from various forms of kidney disease.

The board certified urologists at Cleveland Urology Associates provide expert treatment for all types of kidney disease. Learn more and call our urology clinic in Cleveland at (440) 891-6500 to schedule your appointment today.

Common Types of Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

The most frequently encountered form of kidney disease is known as chronic kidney disease (CKD). This condition is characterized by progressive damage to the kidneys that typically occurs as the result of an underlying health problem. Most often, diabetes or high blood pressure are to blame for chronic kidney disease.

Glomerulonephritis

Within the kidneys are tiny, fibrous structures that help to filter a person’s blood and remove any unwanted substances. This type of structure, called a glomerulus, can become inflamed and result in the diagnosis of a condition known as glomerulonephritis.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

A cyst is a benign, fluid-filled sac of tissue within the body. Although rarely cancerous, it can still be harmful to an individual’s health if the cyst grows large enough. In the case of polycystic kidney disease, there are many of these cysts that develop throughout the kidneys, which begin to interfere with their necessary functions and can eventually cause complete kidney failure.

Lupus Nephritis

The kidneys can also become affected by lupus, which is an autoimmune disease that has the ability to impact various areas of the body. When this disease specifically causes inflammation and recurring damage to the kidneys, it is categorized as a particular type of lupus called lupus nephritis.

Kidney Stones

A common form of kidney disease, kidney stones are concentrated mineral deposits that become trapped within the organ. These deposits will typically solidify and harden, and if they grow too large to pass through the ureter (the tube connecting each kidney to the bladder) then a blockage may occur. Kidney stones are known for the severe pain that they cause, though this condition is entirely treatable and should not lead to complications except in rare circumstances.

Kidney Infection

Like any area of the body, it is possible for the kidneys to become infected. This is most often the result of a urinary tract infection (UTI) that has gone untreated and has spread its infections to other parts of the urinary system.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer can be an especially difficult form of kidney disease to manage and treat. Many forms of cancer are difficult to detect due to the fact that they exist within internal organs and often do not present any symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. The most common type of kidney cancer is known as renal cell carcinoma.