Doctor Column

Chronic Kidney Disease Insights — Unraveling the Five Stages of CKD May 15, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Chronic kidney disease (CKD causes a gradual loss of kidney function over time. CKD happens when the kidneys are unable to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood causing a buildup of toxic material in the bloodstream. You may have ongoing kidney damage for many months to years without symptoms until the kidneys are almost ninety percent non-functional. Besides kidney disease, this condition can lead to hypertension, coronary artery disease. stroke and other problems. Part 2: The Kidneys .. ‘Unsung Powerhouses’ .. How Do They Keep Us Alive? November 25, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of the upper abdomen just below the rib cage. The ureters connect the kidneys to the bladder. The kidneys are remarkable, unsung powerhouses of the body that flush out waste products into urine and redirect vital substances back into the bloodstream. They play a crucial role in controlling our blood pressure, producing red blood cells, building strong bones, and maintaining the body’s overall health. Part 1: The Remarkable Kidneys — How Do They Work To Keep Us Alive? November 15, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD We take many things for granted when things are moving along smoothly. However, when things aren’t flowing normally, we become concerned. Why do I have a burning sensation on urination? Why is the color of the urine pink? Why do I have pain above my right hip and back? What’s causing my high blood pressure? My doctor told me I have a low red blood count.. Kidney Stones: “Drink Lots of Water!” January 25, 2020 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Have you ever heard that passing a kidney stone is more painful than giving birth or having a heart attack? That’s what Veronica told her family doctor after being asked about her medical history. She has given birth to birth to three children, suffered a heart attack and was treated for kidney stones.