Hello Doctor,
I recently received my blood test results, and I'm a bit concerned. I'm a 32-year-old female. In August, my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 101, but now it's dropped to 85. My doctor hasn't contacted me yet, but I'm worried this might indicate the beginning stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). What should I do?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Based on the information provided, it seems your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreased from 101ml/min in August to 85ml/min now, indicating a decline in renal function.
Potential Causes and Management:
There could be various reasons for this, including dehydration from inadequate water intake or fluid loss due to factors like diarrhea or vomiting. Replenishing fluids might help normalize your GFR in such cases.
Underlying Kidney Disease:
However, if the decline is due to an underlying kidney disease, such as infection, diabetes, hypertension, or drug/toxin exposure, further evaluation and treatment are necessary.
Recommended Actions:
This may involve checking electrolytes, urea, creatinine, fasting blood sugar, and urine analysis, and treating with appropriate medications like antibiotics or antihypertensives.
Maintaining Kidney Health:
It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding excessive salt, sugar, and protein intake, and to undergo regular check-ups to monitor your kidney function.
Final Considerations:
While a GFR of 85ml/min shouldn't cause immediate alarm, it does warrant attention to prevent further decline and potential renal failure.
Thanks
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