What Is Kidney Disease and How Can Doctors Help?

What do kidneys do?

You may not think much about your kidneys, but these small organs do some big work behind the scenes. Like a recycling center for your body, they sort through what you can reuse and what needs to be removed. They help to balance the fluids in your body, and they even release a hormone that helps to manage your blood pressure.  

“Our kidneys are essential to life.” shares Dr. Yang, a nephrologist who practices at Adventist Health in the Central Valley of California. “They’re responsible for removing toxins and waste from everything you eat, drink, and take in each day.” 

But what happens if your kidneys stop working as they should? Let’s break it down.  

What is kidney disease? 

Kidney disease means your kidneys are not doing their job the way they should. It can happen slowly over time (chronic kidney disease) or suddenly (acute kidney injury). “Acute kidney injury can often be reversed with treatment,” explains Dr. Yang, “but chronic kidney disease is usually not reversible — it’s something we manage over time.”  

Who can get kidney disease? 

Anyone can be affected. Around 1 in 10 Americans have kidney disease. You may be at higher risk if you: 

• Have diabetes 
• Have high blood pressure 
• Take certain medications long-term (like some painkillers or antibiotics) 
• If kidney disease runs in your family, your risk may be higher too. 

What are the symptoms? 

Many people don’t know they have kidney disease until it is advanced. Early stages of kidney disease sometimes have no symptoms, which is why testing matters. Some people may experience mild symptoms including: 

• Foamy urine 
• Urinating more often or less often than usual 
• Itchy and/or dry skin 
• Feeling more tired than normal 
• Nausea 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss without trying to lose weight 

As the disease gets worse, people may notice more severe symptoms like: 

• Trouble concentrating  
• Numbness or swelling in your arms, legs, ankles, or feet 
• Shortness of breath 
• Vomiting 
• Breath that smells like ammonia 
• Urinating more or less than usual or foamy urine 
• Changes in appetite 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Nausea or itchy skin 

If very severe symptoms show up — like trouble breathing, chest pain or extreme swelling — Dr. Yang recommends seeking emergency care right away.  

How do doctors test for kidney disease and what to expect? 

Simple tests your doctor can order: 

• Blood test to check how well your kidneys are cleaning your blood (creatinine and eGFR) 
• Urine test to check for protein or blood in your urine 

These tests are often part of regular check-ups, especially if you are at a higher risk. “Every diabetic patient should get a basic blood and urine test once a year,” says Dr. Yang. These tests can detect early signs that your kidneys may be struggling. 

If results are concerning, your doctor may refer you to a kidney specialist, called a nephrologist, for further testing and support. 

What happens if you have kidney disease? 

Doctors will work with you to protect your kidneys and slow the disease down. Treatment might include: 

• Lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise) 
• Managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure 
• Medications 
• In later stages, dialysis or a kidney transplant might be needed 

You are not alone 

Kidney disease is common, and your doctor can help you every step of the way. “When we catch kidney disease early, there’s a lot we can do,” says Dr. Yang.  

Please talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms or have one or more risk factors. With early detection and good care, many can live long lives with more time for the people and things that they love.  

Ready to get tested, or have a concern? Talk to your primary care provider or find an Adventist Health nephrologist near you. 

About the expert: 

Tom Yang, MD is a board-certified nephrologist serving patients in the Central Valley of California with over 20 years' experience. He currently practices in Hanford, Visalia, and Clovis and is passionate about serving the surrounding communities. His team emphasizes preventative care and specializes in kidney health, dialysis support, and comprehensive treatment.