Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is also known as chronic renal disease, is a medical condition that involves a progressive loss of kidney function over a period of a few years. It often starts with no symptoms. But the situation starts to deteriorate and ultimately leads to kidney failure (or end-stage renal disease). The situation can turn fatal to the patient without dialysis or a kidney transplant.
The kidneys perform several critical functions that include the filtering of wastes & toxins from the blood. This is then eliminated from the body through urine. Chronic kidney disease obstructs this vital function and causes the build-up of toxic substances in your body. Advanced CKD has no cure. Chronic kidney disease treatment consists of measures to control the cause/symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing.
Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
There are several causes of chronic kidney disease. They are:
- High sugar levels in the blood can damage many organs, including the kidneys
- Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage the glomeruli, i.e., the kidney parts that filter the wastes & toxins.
- Kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease can lead to CKD
- Obstruction of the urinary tract due to an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or any tumor
- Prolonged urinary tract infections
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis
- Substance abuse and overuse of certain drugs like NSAIDs can severely damage the kidneys
- Hereditary reasons or a family history of kidney disease
Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease can affect anybody. But there are several factors that increase the risk of developing CKD. They are:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Old age
- Damage to kidneys
- Abnormal kidney structure
- Frequent medication
- Family history
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a slow and progressive condition that leads to kidney failure. Symptoms are not visible in the early stages and usually manifest later. The common signs of kidney disease are:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent or infrequent urinating
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Muscle cramps
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Dry and itchy skin
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Bloody or dark urine
The symptoms of complete kidney failure are fever, back pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nose bleeding.
It is important to note that the symptoms of chronic kidney disease are generic and can be due to other illnesses also.
Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease
Symptoms of CKD are usually not visible in the early stages, or they may be attributed to other health conditions.
But detecting the disease at an early stage can prove to be lifesaving, with far less suffering for the patients. Stage 1 disease can be managed with suitable changes in diet & lifestyle. Recurrent dialysis or kidney transplant are the only options if the disease progresses to the final stage.
Consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs of kidney disease. Regular screenings are a must if you have other health issues that increase the risk of developing CKD.
How is Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
At the outset, the doctor may check your health issues like BP, diabetes, medications, etc., and know more about your family history.
A number of tests may be suggested by the doctor to check the status & progress of the kidney disease. Proper testing is essential to plan the right course of treatment.
- Blood Test: The function of kidneys is to filter the waste from your blood and eliminate it through urine. A simple blood test checks the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) to know the presence of waste materials in the blood. This also indicates the health & functioning of your kidneys. A blood test is the most common test for chronic kidney disease.
- Urine Test: Testing the urine sample can help to determine the presence of blood or albumin (protein). This gives an indication that the kidneys are not working properly.
- Kidney Scans: Ultrasound scans help to check the size & shape of the kidney and the extent of the damage. MRI and CT scans are also recommended in a few cases.
- Kidney Biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is extracted and sent to the lab for testing. This helps to know the extent of cell damage and the cause of kidney problems.
Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease
Several complications can arise if kidney diseases progress toward kidney failure.
- Heart disease
- Pericarditis: Swelling of the thin, sac-like tissue around the heart
- Hyperkalemia: Rise in blood potassium levels leading to heart problems
- Fluid retention
- Anemia
- Gout: A type of arthritis that develops due to high uric acid content in the body
- Osteomalacia: Bones get brittle due to vitamin D deficiency
- Metabolic Acidosis: Build up of acid in the body
Treatment and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease generally causes permanent damage to the kidneys that cannot be cured. Early detection helps to prevent the disease from getting worse. Preventive measures help you maintain the health of your kidneys. Chronic kidney disease treatment consists of measures to manage the symptoms and slow the disease from advancing.
The following measures are helpful in keeping the kidneys safe from diseases.
- Following a healthy diet and an active lifestyle
- Sticking to a low-salt, low-fat diet
- Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure levels
- Regular exercising to maintain body weight
- Limiting the use of tobacco & alcohol
- Avoiding overconsumption of medicines
The course of treatment to control the complications of this disease includes the following:
- High BP Medication: Doctors generally prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to control blood pressure and safeguard the kidneys. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor the patient’s condition.
- Control of Cholesterol: Chronic kidney disease is generally associated with high cholesterol levels that can damage the heart. Medicines like statins are prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol levels.
- Reduction of Swelling: CKD can result in the swelling of feet and ankles due to the retention of fluids. Diuretics are recommended to reduce this swelling.
- Treatment of Anemia: Deficiency of hemoglobin leads to fatigue, weakness, and skin pallor. Iron supplements and erythropoietin (hormone) supplements are prescribed to treat anemia.
- Protection of Bone Health: CKD complications can make the bones brittle. So doctors suggest calcium & vitamin D supplements to protect and strengthen the bones.
- Diet Control: A higher food intake means more work for the kidneys to filter the waste. So doctors prescribe a lower protein diet to reduce their load and prevent the progression of kidney diseases.
Apart from these measures, regular follow-up is required to closely track the disease.
Also Read:- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Symptoms, Causes and Tests
Treatment for Kidney Failure
Dialysis and kidney transplant are the only options for end-stage kidney disease. When kidneys stop functioning, dialysis machines and tubes are used to filter the wastes & toxins from the blood. A kidney transplant from a donor helps to replace dysfunctional kidneys with healthy ones. After the transplant, lifelong medication is essential to maintain the health of the kidneys.
Conclusion
Chronic kidney disease affects millions of people all across the world. Several people are also at increased risk of developing CKD. Any signs & symptoms should not be ignored and must receive immediate medical attention. Early detection of the disease prevents complications and controls the situation from turning fatal. People with a family history of kidney diseases should take extra precautions. Always remember that a healthy lifestyle is key to healthy kidneys.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
