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As kidney stones pass through your ureter and bladder, they can cause a range of symptoms, such as severe pain in the side and back, painful urination, and blood in the urine. It's important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you may have a kidney stone, as prompt treatment can help to alleviate pain and prevent other health risks. If your kidney stone is left untreated, it could lead to more serious complications like kidney damage or infections. Treatment for kidney stones varies based on how large they are and where they’re located. Most kidney stones smaller than 5mm can be passed at home with little medical intervention. Here, we’ll explain what that process looks like, and some tips that can help make the process easier on you. How to Flush a Kidney StoneFlushing a kidney stone can be painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do that could help speed up the process and alleviate painful symptoms. Let’s take a closer look at some of these strategies. 1. Drink Enough WaterDrinking enough water is one of the most important things you can do to flush a kidney stone. Not consuming enough water can increase the risk of minerals crystallizing and forming stones in your kidneys or urinary tract. Increasing your water intake also increases the volume of urine you produce. This can help flush out small stones and prevent new ones from forming. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women should drink approximately 2.7 liters of water a day, and men should drink approximately 3.7 liters. You should consider consuming more than that if it’s a hot season or you’re exercising regularly. 2. Use Pain Relievers to Reduce Kidney Stone PainPassing a kidney stone can be an extremely painful and uncomfortable experience. While drinking plenty of water can help pass the stone, taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen could help alleviate some of your pain and discomfort during the process. Make sure that you follow the recommended dosage if you use a pain reliever. Most pain relievers instruct users to take them for no longer than 10 days. Keep in mind that if you have chronic kidney disease or reduced kidney function, it will most likely be safer to use acetaminophen than an NSAID like ibuprofen. NSAIDs can reduce the amount of blood—and therefore, oxygen—that reaches your kidneys. If your kidneys are at risk, an NSAID could potentially damage your kidney health. Finally, don’t forget to talk with your physician and nephrologist about using pain relievers while passing the kidney stone. They’ll be able to give you specific advice on medications and ensure that you’re not facing extra risk due to other health conditions or allergies. Related read: What Anti-Inflammatory is Safe for Kidneys? 3. Stay Active to Promote Kidney Stone PassageThere are a few additional techniques that could help you pass your kidney stone more quickly and comfortably. Remaining active through light activities like walking and biking may help stimulate urine flow post-exercise, helping you pass the kidney stone. However, you may want to avoid intense exercise, as it could aggravate the stone and make it more difficult and painful to pass. In some cases, a warm bath or a heating pad applied to your lower back can help to ease discomfort and promote relaxation, relieving muscle tension and promoting urine flow. 4. Keep in Touch With Your Nephrologist and PhysicianIf your stone is too large to pass on its own or causing significant pain or other complications, medical intervention may be necessary. You could be prescribed medication that helps break up stones. Alternatively, your nephrologist may recommend lithotripsy, a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones, or surgery to remove the stone. It's important to keep in touch with your healthcare provider while you’re trying to pass a kidney stone. This way, they’ll be able to determine the best approach for your situation and be prepared in the event that your treatment needs to be escalated. FAQs About Passing a Kidney StoneLet's take a look at some frequently asked questions about how to flush a kidney stone. Understanding the answers to these questions can help you better manage your symptoms, reduce your risk of complications, and take the necessary steps to prevent future kidney stones. How Long Does it Take to Pass a Kidney Stone?As you may have guessed, the time it takes to pass a kidney stone varies depending on its size and location. Most kidney stones are fairly small, about the size of a frozen pea or smaller. Stones of this size will usually pass within a week. However, larger stones may require medical interventions like lithotripsy or surgery. What Should I Avoid Eating if I Have a Kidney Stone?Calcium stones, which are the most common type of kidney stone, are often caused by consuming foods high in oxalate. This includes many foods like nuts, spinach, chocolate, and more. Reducing your consumption of these foods may help prevent further kidney stones, but always consult with your physician before making major changes to your diet. Related read: Does Milk Cause Kidney Stones? Can Exercise Help Pass a Kidney Stone?While it’s not guaranteed to help, remaining active may encourage kidney stone passage. This is because, after exercising, your kidneys get to work filtering out the byproducts of muscle use, therefore increasing urine production. If you exercise, be sure to take it easy—while light cardio could help, intense exercise could potentially aggravate additional pain. When Should I See a Doctor for my Kidney Stone Pain?Passing a kidney stone is well known to be a painful experience, but don’t force yourself to be a superhero and endure it. If you’re experiencing severe pain, fever, chills, difficulty urinating, or finding blood in your urine, it may be a sign of infection or another complication. If you experience any of those symptoms, talk to your doctor or nephrologist as soon as possible. About Milwaukee NephrologistsMilwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s leader in kidney care. With over 15 locations throughout the Milwaukee metro area, we’re always close by. Our multidisciplinary team is home to some of the Midwest’s best transplant specialists and dietitians who can help craft a personalized care plan for your kidney health. If you think you have a kidney stone and are looking for personalized guidance, our team may be able to help. To schedule a consultation, get in touch today! Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for informational use only. Consult with your physician before making medical decisions.
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The CDC estimates that as many as 14% of people will get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, and over 100,000 of those people will need to be hospitalized. When you’re recovering from a kidney transplant, you’re at a higher risk for contracting such viruses. Here, we’ll discuss why that is and what dietary choices you can make to stay healthy following your kidney transplant.
Why Do I Need to Follow a Kidney Transplant Diet?
Following your kidney transplant, your medications will weaken your body. As a result, certain foods that you might have normally eaten prior to your transplant can become a threat to your health. Let’s take a closer look at the medications that are responsible for this, and why a proper diet is vital following your transplant. ​
Immunosuppressants Make You Vulnerable to Foodborne Illnesses
Immunosuppressants, also known as anti-rejection drugs, are one of the most common medications given to kidney transplant patients. You’ll be given a large dose of an immunosuppressant when you undergo the transplant operation, and you’ll be prescribed a ‘maintenance’ immunosuppressant to prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney.
​ Immunosuppressants prevent the antibodies in your blood from attacking your new kidney, which could ultimately cause your body to reject the transplanted kidney. However, there are health risks associated with taking these medications. Because these medications can weaken your immune system and make you susceptible to other chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, diet plays a crucial role in protecting you. As their name implies, immunosuppressants reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infections. This can make you more susceptible to all illnesses, but particularly foodborne illnesses.​ Steroids May Change the Way Your Body Processes Nutrients
You may also be prescribed steroids following your kidney transplant. However, these medications can cause a variety of side effects, including weight gain, steroid-induced diabetes, and high blood pressure (hypertension).
​ Steroids can cause your body to retain higher sodium levels following your kidney transplant, so avoid foods high in sodium and don’t add salt to meals. Additionally, you should limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks while taking steroids, as these medications prevent your body from properly regulating glucose levels. After your transplant, you’ll probably need to take immunosuppressants and steroids for the rest of your life. You may be able to eventually stop taking them, but you should adhere strictly to your healthcare team’s directions and take your medications consistently unless told otherwise. What Foods Should Kidney Transplant Patients Avoid and Why?
​The USDA suggests that high-risk individuals like kidney transplant patients avoid certain foods that are more likely to harbor dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and more. Not sure what foods you should avoid? Our table below provides a quick overview of foods that can be detrimental to your health following a kidney transplant, and other options that pose less health risks.
​Following your transplant—and when you’re fully recovered, for that matter—pay careful attention to the best practices for food storage safety. Keep cold foods cold, hot foods hot, and throw away anything that’s been sitting at room temperature for two hours or more. If you’re not sure whether a food is safe, don’t take any chances: when in doubt, throw it out.
What Foods Should Kidney Transplant Patients Eat?
A kidney transplant operation takes a significant toll on your body. It’s crucial to avoid foods that will negatively interact with your medications or put you at risk for infection. At the same time, it’s equally essential to provide your body with enough nutrients and calories to recover from the surgery.
While recovering from your kidney transplant, make sure you get enough of the following:
Care for Your Kidneys With Milwaukee Nephrologists
Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s leader in kidney care. With over 15 locations throughout the Milwaukee metro area, we’re always close by. Our multidisciplinary team is home to some of the Midwest’s best transplant specialists and dietitians who can help craft a personalized care plan for your kidney health.
Whether you’re beginning dialysis or preparing for a transplant, our team is ready to speak with you. To schedule a consultation, get in touch today! 
Heroic. Brave. Altruistic. Loving. Those are just a few of the words that describe kidney donors. If you’re considering donating, or have a close friend or family member in need of a kidney, you might be wondering what the general requirements for donating a kidney are. On this page, we’ll cover:
Click a section to jump directly to it Living Donations vs. Deceased Donations
There are two types of organ donation: living and deceased.
Living Kidney Donation
In this post, we’ll be focused on living organ donation. Living kidney donation has a number of benefits compared to deceased organ donation. Why is that?
Why Living Kidney Donations Are Ideal
The reason live kidney donations are ideal can be boiled down to two main factors: they allow for a better match, and they lead to better outcomes.
Live kidney donations are a better match because tests and assessments can be made over a longer period of time, and both the recipient and the donor can have ample time to prepare for the operation. ​ Additionally, because the kidney is only briefly disconnected from the body, it’s healthier and performs better. As a result, a kidney from a live donor can last around a decade longer than a kidney from a deceased donor. Deceased Organ Donation
Deceased organ donation occurs when a person suffers brain death, usually after a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or heart attack. After this, the deceased’s body will be supported artificially with medical equipment.
​ If the person has signed up to be an organ donor, their family will be notified; if they haven’t signed up to be an organ donor, the medical staff will consult with the family to determine whether organs will be donated. When everything is in order, the donor will have their organs recovered and be promptly matched with a recipient. Deceased organ donation is an incredibly complicated and fast process. Nevertheless, it has a huge impact on the lives of recipients with positive outcomes. What Are the Requirements for Donating a Kidney?
Donating a kidney is a huge commitment for both you as the donor, and the recipient. Therefore, the requirements for donating a kidney are quite extensive.
Required Tests Prior to Kidney Donation
Health Requirements for Kidney Donors
In addition to having a matching blood type and being free of cancer or chronic kidney disease, you’ll need to meet other health requirements as a donor. You won’t be able to donate if you have:
General Kidney Donation Requirements
Finally, there are some last requirements that, while they may seem obvious, are worth mentioning. To donate a kidney, you must be at least 18—although, depending on the clinic or organization, you may be required to be 21.
​ Additionally, you won’t be able to donate a kidney if you’re extremely obese according to the body mass index scale. Obesity increases your risk for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, which could put your health at risk following your donation. The surgical operation involved with a kidney donation is also riskier if you are obese.​ FAQs About Kidney Donation RequirementsWhat if I’m Not Compatible With My Intended Recipient?
It can be depressing if you were planning to donate a kidney to someone close to you but later found out that you weren’t medically compatible. However, if you’re not a direct match, you still have options:
Plasmapheresis
Plasmapheresis is a process of removing plasma from your recipient’s blood. This prevents their antibodies from attacking and rejecting the kidney. Your kidney recipient would undergo plasmapheresis several times prior to and following the transplant, while also taking immunosuppressant medications to assist the adoption of their new kidney.
Kidney Exchange or 'Swap' Programs
Kidney exchange programs exist to match incompatible donor pairs. For example, let’s say you’re A, and your intended recipient is B. Unfortunately, you two are incompatible. Meanwhile, across the state or country, donor C’s intended recipient is D, and they’re also incompatible. However, you (A) could be compatible with D, and C could be compatible with B.
These kidney ‘swap’ programs can help donor/recipient pairs find a perfect match close to 50% of the time. Can I Donate a Kidney if I’m HIV Positive?
Yes; in 2013, the HOPE Act was passed to allow HIV-positive individuals to register as organ donors, and the first living HIV-to-HIV kidney transplant was successfully completed in 2019. While the requirements for donation may be more complex for HIV-positive donors, it’s possible and important, as HIV-positive people are more likely to develop end-stage renal disease.
Considering Kidney Donation? Start the Evaluation Process With Milwaukee Nephrologists
Donating a kidney can save a life—a fact so obvious and profound there’s nothing left to say. However, it will impact your health in addition to your recipient’s. To learn more or start the transplant evaluation process, get in touch with Milwaukee Nephrologists today.
 Did you know that the word ‘vitamin’ was derived from the Latin word ‘vita,’ meaning life, and the word ‘amine,’ as vitamins were originally thought to contain amino acids? While scientists soon discovered that vitamins don’t contain amino acids, they are indeed vital for a healthy life. But can some vitamins do damage to your body as well? Vitamin C in particular is often subject to a lot of scrutiny, but are those fears warranted? Let’s take a closer look. Put simply, if you consume an appropriate amount of vitamin C each day, it shouldn’t pose any risk to your kidneys. However, too much vitamin C could potentially be a cause for concern. In this article, we’ll explain how vitamin C and your kidneys interact, how much vitamin C is too much, and what other vitamins you should pay attention to if you have chronic kidney disease. How Does Vitamin C Interact With Your Kidneys?Your kidneys help with two crucial tasks: filtering waste from the body, and distributing essential vitamins and minerals throughout your body. Vitamin C is one of those vitamins that depend on the kidneys to be distributed throughout the body. When you consume a healthy amount of vitamin C each day, your kidneys help ensure it is distributed throughout your body, allowing you to:
Kidney stones are the most direct risk of excess vitamin C consumption, but keep in mind that this risk isn’t unique to vitamin C. Oxalate, which is found in fruits and other foods rich with vitamin C, can combine with calcium to crystalize and ultimately form kidney stones. However, oxalate is also found in many common foods that aren’t high in vitamin C, like spinach and potatoes. The best way to avoid calcium oxalate kidney stones from vitamin C or any other food is to ensure that you’re consuming enough fluids on a daily basis. This will ensure that waste and excess vitamin C is flushed from your body. How Much Vitamin C is Too Much?Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning it’s easily dissolved, absorbed, and excreted. Therefore, your body needs a relatively-constant supply of vitamin C. Most people should consume between 60-100 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C each day, or roughly 90 mg for men and 75mg for women. Vitamin C has a tolerable upper intake level of 2,000mg. This means that for most people, consuming as much as 2,000 mg is unlikely to cause any negative side effects. However, that doesn’t mean you should get all the vitamin C you can. After about 1,000mg of vitamin C, your body will probably be unable to absorb any more and the excess will simply be flushed out in urine. More importantly, consuming too much vitamin C can have negative outcomes like diarrhea and an increased likelihood of kidney-stone formation. What Vitamins Should You Avoid if You Have Chronic Kidney Disease?As we’ve established, vitamins are essential for your body. However, too much of certain vitamins can have negative consequences. Vitamin C doesn’t always need to be avoided if you have CKD, but you should monitor your intake to avoid excessive oxalate buildup. Other vitamins that can cause problems if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) include vitamins A, D, E, and K. While water-soluble vitamins will be excreted in urine, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning the body can store them for a longer period. If you have CKD, your physician or nephrologist may recommend you limit your intake of these vitamins, as they can build up to dangerous levels. Vitamin A in particular should be consumed with caution if you have CKD, as too much can cause blurry vision, impact your body’s ability to benefit from vitamin D, and cause bone pain. Vitamin C is Safe at the Recommended LevelIn short, vitamin C is unlikely to damage your kidneys if you take the recommended 60-90mg a day. A healthy body can usually handle much more vitamin C than that amount, but vitamin C megadoses exceeding the recommended daily allowance can potentially lead to the formation of kidney stones and other health risks. If you have CKD or other kidney-health complications, consulting with your physician or nephrologist is essential for consuming a safe amount of vitamins while reducing your risk for deficiencies. Concerned About Your Kidneys? Talk to Milwaukee NephrologistsMilwaukee Nephrologists are Southeast Wisconsin’s go-to kidney specialists. With four locations in the Milwaukee metro area and 15 hospital affiliations, we’re always nearby. To connect with a kidney doctor about your health, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
 Milk is a staple in many people's diets, especially here in America’s Dairyland, and it’s often considered a healthy choice. However, the possibility of painful disruptions to your daily life from kidney stones can quickly turn people away from drinking milk—does milk really cause kidney stones? In this article, we'll skim fiction from facts and get to the bottom of what you may have heard about milk and kidney stones. Plus, we’ll provide tips for reducing your risk of developing kidney stones in general. What are the Different Types of Kidney Stones?First, it’s important to understand that there are various types of kidney stones, most of which simply couldn’t be caused by drinking milk.
Calcium stones: Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stone. They are caused when calcium combines with substances in your urine—typically oxalate, but also phosphate in some cases. Does Calcium Cause Kidney Stones?Despite what the name ‘calcium stone’ suggests, calcium isn’t the culprit you might expect it to be. Calcium itself is unlikely to lead to the formation of kidney stones. This is because when calcium forms a kidney stone, it occurs after combining with substances like oxalates, which are found in foods like spinach, peanuts, most types of potatoes, and many more. A common misconception is that by avoiding calcium-rich dairy milk, you can avoid kidney stones. However, while milk is rich in calcium, it doesn’t have oxalates. Thus, drinking dairy milk won’t cause kidney stones. On the other hand, non-dairy milks aren’t as rich in calcium as dairy milk, but, being derived from nuts and other plants, they typically have oxalates. This means your risk for kidney stones could potentially increase if you substitute dairy milk for a plant-based milk. The notion that calcium can lead to kidney stones is dangerous, as calcium is an essential mineral for the body. Consuming an appropriate amount of calcium each day through food and drink not only reduces your risk for kidney stones, but also has health benefits such as:
Other Causes of Kidney StonesDrinking milk won’t cause kidney stones, but other dietary factors like consuming too much salt, sugar, and meat can contribute to kidney stones. That said, kidney stones can be caused by a variety of other factors, such as:
How to Reduce Your Risk of Kidney StonesTo avoid developing kidney stones, consider the following strategies for mitigating your risk:
Questions About Kidney Health? Turn to Milwaukee NephrologistsIn the end, milk doesn’t cause kidney stones, and cutting milk from your diet won’t stop you from developing them. The best way to reduce your risk of kidney stones is to stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and work with healthcare professionals to manage your medical conditions.
Your quality of life depends on organs like your kidneys, and being concerned about them is normal. If you have more questions about your kidney health, don’t delay. To schedule an appointment, contact Milwaukee Nephrologists’ kidney specialists today.  From Milwaukee’s historical breweries to an old fashioned at a supper club, or any variety of cherry-themed drinks from Door County, there’s no question that alcohol is a big part of Wisconsin’s social and cultural tapestry. However, that part of the culture doesn’t come without consequences. Some health risks associated with drinking hardly need an introduction, while others are less well-known. The impact alcohol has on your kidneys is one of the lesser-known risks. Here, let’s take a closer look at the relationship between your kidneys and alcohol. Can Alcohol Cause a Kidney Infection?While there’s little evidence to suggest that alcohol directly causes kidney infections, it does put your kidneys under stress. This is because alcohol is a diuretic. Consuming too much alcohol and too few hydrating fluids like water can leave you dehydrated, and therefore more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs). A UTI can spread to your bladder and potentially your kidney, which could cause some kidney pain. How Are Your Kidneys Impacted By Alcohol?As we mentioned, alcohol puts the kidneys under stress. Alcohol is a toxin, and consuming it gives your kidneys even more work to do. If you drink too much, your kidneys will struggle to maintain the proper amount of fluid within your body. This can potentially lead to acute kidney injury. If you experience any of the following, it could be a symptom of acute kidney injury:
Alcohol Can Impact Your Kidneys IndirectlyTo dramatically simplify things, your body is just a series of chain reactions. The consequence of that is when one part of your body stops working at its optimal level, the rest of the body is impacted too. That’s exactly what happens when your kidneys aren’t able to filter out the necessary toxins. When your kidneys are stressed, the impact can be felt throughout your entire body. If you consume too much alcohol at once, or drink too regularly, it could have a negative effect on other organs that ultimately impact how well your kidneys function. High Blood Pressure From Drinking Can Damage Your KidneysOne of the main ways alcohol can damage your body and your kidneys is through hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure. Alcohol can lead to a greater presence of a hormone called renin in your blood. Higher levels of renin cause your blood vessels to contract, which ultimately forces your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. As blood vessels throughout your body become weaker and narrower, less blood and vital minerals are being delivered to the kidneys, making it harder for the kidneys to remove toxins from your blood and distribute other vital chemicals, hormones, and minerals to other organs. The effects of high blood pressure on your kidneys can have a compounding effect, weakening both your blood vessels, your kidneys, and other organs until your kidneys ultimately fail. Excessive Alcohol Consumption Can Lead to DiabetesConsuming too much alcohol can eventually limit your body’s sensitivity to insulin and disrupt your body’s blood sugar levels. Additionally, alcohol can activate enzymes that cause pancreatic tissues to digest themselves, inflaming and damaging the pancreas further. This is referred to as acute pancreatitis, and repetitive damage can lead to chronic pancreatitis. With chronic pancreatitis, your pancreas may lose its ability to properly produce or efficiently use insulin. This can result in diabetes, which ultimately increases your risk for kidney disease. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can damage your nephrons—the tiny filters in your kidneys—and reduce your kidneys’ ability to function. Damage to your kidneys can be the start of a sequence of events that impairs all of the body’s organs. Concerned About Your Kidney Health? Turn to Milwaukee NephrologistsThe relationship between alcohol and your kidneys is complex, but it’s worth understanding and paying attention to. Kidney infections aren’t likely to be caused by drinking, but alcohol can lead to other serious health complications, including chronic kidney disease.
If you’re experiencing kidney pain or are concerned about your kidneys’ health, don’t wait to take action; turn to Milwaukee Nephrologists. Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s trusted source for kidney care. With four offices and 15 hospital affiliations in the Milwaukee metro area, we’re always nearby. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our team today. Addiction can make you feel alone. The truth is that you aren’t. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to contact these organizations for help: SAMHSA National Helpline (available in English and Spanish): Dial 1-800-662-4357 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988  You know how when you eat a salty meal, you tend to feel quite thirsty afterward? That happens because your kidneys want to balance your body’s sodium and fluid levels. However, if your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, that balance can be thrown off and your body will retain more fluids than necessary. As a result, you might feel bloated, rapidly gain weight, or notice a tightness in your chest or shortness of breath. Fluid overload, medically known as hypervolemia, occurs when your kidneys are unable to regulate the amount of fluids in your body. It’s a common symptom of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and understanding why fluid overload happens is vital for protecting and preserving your kidney health. Here, we’ll take a look at the symptoms of fluid overload, who it’s most likely to impact, and what you can do to manage it. What are the Symptoms of Fluid Overload?Swelling in your legs, arms, and face is one of the most recognizable symptoms of fluid overload. Other common symptoms include:
Who is Susceptible to Fluid Overload?Anybody can have mild fluid overload, such as after eating a meal that’s high in sodium. However, underlying health conditions such as chronic kidney disease can make fluid overload more intense and dangerous. Hypervolemia or fluid overload is more common among: People with chronic kidney disease: Your kidneys regulate the balance of minerals and fluids in your body. However, if you have reduced kidney function or live with CKD, your body might not remove excess fluids. People with congestive heart failure: If you have heart failure, your body might struggle to circulate enough blood to the kidneys. As a result, your kidneys may struggle to function and properly balance minerals and fluids in your body. People Experiencing Hormonal Changes: Estrogen and progesterone play an important role in regulating fluid levels. If you’re pregnant or experiencing premenstrual syndrome, you might notice an increase in fluid levels. However, excess fluid retention can indicate a more serious health complication, so if you notice an abnormal increase in fluid retention or bloating during pregnancy or a menstrual cycle, contact your physician or nephrologist immediately. If you don’t know that you have CKD or congestive heart failure, fluid overload could signify a health problem that needs attention from a medical professional. Contact your physician or nephrologist immediately if you notice fluid overload symptoms. Strategies for Managing Fluid OverloadStrategies for managing fluid overload will vary by patient and depending on the cause of the fluid imbalance. If you are living with chronic kidney disease, your nephrologist and physician may give you dietary guidelines for managing fluid overload. Common strategies your nephrologist might recommend include:
If you have chronic kidney disease and it is progressing toward stage four, you may need to begin dialysis, which helps remove excess fluids from the body. Consult with your nephrologist to determine what the best fluid management strategy is for you. Related read: What’s the Difference Between Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis? Need Answers? Turn to Milwaukee Nephrologists |