Conditions and Treatments We Cover

Northeast Nephrology offers an array of cutting edge treatment options for various kidney diseases and conditions. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our nephrology doctors and how you can seek treatment at our facility.

Acute & Chronic Kidney Disease

Acute kidney disease–sometimes referred to as acute kidney injury (AKI) or acute renal failure–refers to a condition in which a patients’ kidneys suddenly and significantly decrease in function. This dramatic drop in filtration can lead to a dangerous buildup of waste products in the blood. Causes of acute kidney disease are many and varied and often stem from other serious illnesses instead of direct physical damage. Causes may be reversible once the causal condition is properly diagnosed and treated.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), on the other hand, is a prolonged condition that worsens over time and can lead to longterm, irreversible kidney damage. Patients with CKD could feel sick due to high levels of waste and toxins in the blood. They could also develop related conditions, such as high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage. These additional illnesses could also be the root cause of CKD. Together, weakened kidneys and diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders can feed a cycle that progressively worsens a patient’s health. Some inflammatory conditions, genetic diseases and autoimmune diseases can also lead to kidney disease. Early detection and treatment are key to keeping progression at bay.

Glomerular Disease

Glomerulonephritis is the umbrella term for a group of diseases that affect the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units inside the kidney that filter wastes and toxins out of the blood. Injury or damage to the glomeruli results in excess waste and fluid in the body, and can ultimately lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure if not diagnosed and addressed with treatment. Glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome and glomerulosclerosis are some specific conditions that can arise from damage to the glomeruli.

Hereditary Kidney Disease

As the name suggests, hereditary kidney disease refers to any condition that is caused by a specific genetic alteration that causes the kidneys not to function properly. They can be inherited from one or both parents, and a family history of kidney disease can indicate a higher risk. Hereditary kidney diseases could manifest themselves in childhood or later in life. Common conditions include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Alport syndrome, nephronophthisis, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and Fabry’s Disease, to name a few. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, hereditary kidney diseases can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and could even progress to kidney failure.

Hypertension

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) results from blood’s force against artery walls. When this force increases beyond the normal range, it can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. Over time, this constant pressure and accumulated damage can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD can then prompt the release of renin from the kidneys, feeding into the cycle of damage and causing blood pressure to increase even more. While high blood pressure is commonly thought of as a cardiovascular issue due to it being a cause of heart attacks and strokes, its direct and detrimental effect on the kidneys means that patients dealing with hypertension often work with nephrology doctors for effective diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring. Unfortunately, hypertension can go undiagnosed for years. Regular checkups ensure that the condition is caught in time so as to prevent long-term damage to the kidneys.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a form of treatment for impaired renal function. Also called kidney dialysis, or hemodialysis, the dialysis process does what damaged kidneys can no longer do–remove wastes and excess fluid from the bloodstream. Through the use of a special filter (dialyzer) and fluid (dialysate), a semipermeable membrane allows only certain types of particles to pass through, thus removing impurities and excess fluid from a patient’s blood. Dialysis helps to alleviate weakness and feelings of sickness that are brought on by the buildup of wastes and toxins in the blood while also helping to balance key substances in the blood that are necessary to health, and helping to moderate blood pressure. 

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition in which numerous fluid-filled cysts form in the kidney. These cysts add volume to the kidneys and can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly and can cause high blood pressure, abdominal pain, blood in the urine, and can even lead to kidney failure. PKD is thought to be a hereditary disease and is often treated with dialysis. At times, a kidney transplant is needed.

Proteinuria

This condition is defined as the presence of protein in the urine. Albumin is often the protein present. Having protein in one’s urine is a clear sign that kidneys aren’t able to filter the blood well, indicating damage to the glomeruli from a range of causes or conditions. That said, proteinuria can be a temporary condition for some, caused by excessive amounts of protein in the blood and factors like intense exercise, fever, dehydration, stress, acute illness, some medications, or prolonged cold exposure. However, if it is persistent, proteinuria can be a sign of kidney damage and a reason to seek diagnosis and treatment from nephrology doctors. Proteinuria could point to concurrent issues like diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis and various systemic diseases. 

Symptoms of proteinuria include: foamy or bubbly urine; pronounced swelling in the face, feet, ankles, or abdomen; increased urination; shortness of breath; fatigue and weakness; nausea and vomiting; and muscle cramps.

Northeast Nephrology Doctors Are Ready To Help

If you are in need of a nephrologist in Akron, Ohio to help treat your kidney-related condition, look no further than the nephrology doctors at Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates (NEONA). Our expert team of physicians is your local source for comprehensive renal health treatment. Contact us to schedule your visit. We accept most public and private insurance plans.