Filtering the Facts: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease and Polycystic Kidney Disease (Ep. 49)

This week on The Med Edit Podcast, Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell tackle one of medicine’s most overlooked yet widespread health issues: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Affecting roughly 1 in 7 adults in the U.S., CKD is a silent epidemic — often undetected until it reaches advanced stages.To help separate myth from medicine, they’re joined by Dr. Ashley Garcia-Everett, a board-certified nephrologist, Associate Professor at UT Health San Antonio, and Medical Director at one of University Hospital’s dialysis centers. Together, they break down what kidney disease actually is, how it develops, and what you can do to protect your kidneys long before symptoms start.Later in the episode, the doctors dive into Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) — one of the most common inherited kidney disorders — exploring how genetics, screening, and new therapies like tolvaptan are changing outcomes for families affected by the disease.In This Episode You’ll Learn:What CKD Really MeansHow kidneys act as your body’s filters — and what happens when they start to failWhy diabetes and high blood pressure account for 2/3 of CKD casesThe 5 stages of kidney disease and how eGFR testing worksPrevention and Early DetectionWhat symptoms to look for (and why most people miss them)The simple blood and urine tests that can catch CKD earlyHow lifestyle changes — like managing blood sugar and blood pressure — can slow progressionNutrition & LifestyleWhat a “kidney-friendly diet” looks likeCommon habits that harm kidney function — including overusing NSAIDsWhy staying hydrated in moderation mattersPolycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)The difference between autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive PKDHow cysts form and why family history is key to early screeningThe latest treatments, including tolvaptan, and when dialysis or transplant may become necessaryMyth-Busting Segment Highlights“Just drink more water and your kidneys will be fine.”“Only older people get kidney disease.”“You’ll always know if something’s wrong.” .“Kidney teas can prevent or reverse CKD.”Resources MentionedNational Kidney Foundation – CKD OverviewAmerican Kidney Fund – CKD StagesPKD FoundationNIH – Polycystic Kidney Disease ResearchKey TakeawaysCKD is common but preventable — early screening is everything.Polycystic Kidney Disease may be inherited, but knowledge empowers prevention and treatment.Lifestyle, medication, and education are your strongest tools for kidney health.Continuing Medical Education (CME)Clinicians — claim your CME credit for listening!https://cmetracker.net/TTUHSC/Publisher?page=pubOpen&nc=7120399723#/myPortalhttps://media.blubrry.com/3214432/content.blubrry.com/3214432/Episode_49-Handout.pdf Connect with us!https://themededitpodcast.com/Instagram: @TheMedEditPodcast: https://www.instagram.com/themededitpodcast/Facebook: The Med Edit Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/themededitpodcast/LinkedIn: The Med Edit Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themededitpodcast/LinkedIn: Dr. Jessica Gray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Jessica-gray-md/LinkedIn: Dr. Cari Sorrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cari-sorrell-42545a7b/