Managing stage 3 chronic kidney disease requires a specific diet to lower creatinine levels and prevent protein leaks. Understanding the causes of kidney scarring and swollen kidneys is vital for preserving renal function.
Healthy kidneys prevent proteins in the blood stream from spilling into the urine. This is why doctors often first suspect kidney disease when a patient presents with elevated urine protein, or proteinuria. Proteinuria often occurs when the kidneys become inflamed or diseased.
Read more →
Scarring of the kidneys is often presumed when there is persistent elevated urine protein, or serum creatinine. However, doctors are often unable to tell the cause of the scarring unless a biopsy is performed.
Read more →
Creatinine is included in most routine lab work because it is the most reliable indicator of kidney health. Kidney patients should know what creatinine is, how it is measured and what their creatinine values mean. Many patients find it helpful to maintain a spreadsheet of their creatinine levels.
Read more →