A progressive loss of kidney function is a feature of chronic kidney disease, commonly known as chronic kidney failure or chronic renal disease. Wastes and extra fluid are removed from your blood by your kidneys and then passed through your urine. Your body may generate excessive amounts of fluid, electrolytes, and wastes if you have severe chronic kidney disease.
It is a typical condition that is frequently linked to aging. Although it is uncommon, CKD can worsen over time and potentially lead to the kidneys no longer functioning at all. Many Kidney Disease patients can lead long lives despite their illness.
Your kidney damage is irreversible. However, if CKD is discovered early, there are steps you can do to prevent further damage, such as adopting a kidney-friendly diet, being active, and taking specific medications.
CKD Symptoms
People with Kidney Disease may not have any symptoms or feel unwell. Only particular blood and urine tests can determine for sure if you have CKD. Both the blood creatinine level and the protein content of the urine are measured during these medical exams.
You might not have any symptoms when kidney disease is in its early stages. Your kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid from your blood decreases over time. You could have symptoms like these when kidney disease progresses:
- Itchy Skin
- Muscle Pain
- Weak and Exhausted
- Queasy in the Stomach or Throwing Up
- Less Hungry Than Usual
- Your Feet, Ankles, and Legs Aching
- More or Less Often Urination Than Usual
- Urine That Appears Foamy, Frothy, or Bubbly Indicates the Presence of Protein in the Urine.
- Breathing Difficulties
- Difficulty Sleeping or Staying Asleep
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor.
Chronic Kidney Disease Causes
Two thirds of instances of chronic kidney disease are caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Genetics
Genetics is one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease. If a person has a family history of kidney disease, there is a greater chance of developing the condition.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also play a role in the development of chronic kidney disease. For example, if a person is overweight or obese, this can lead to increased pressure on the kidneys.
Age
As people age, their kidneys tend to become less able to function properly. This is especially common in people over the age of 60.
Diabetes
If your blood sugar levels continue to be too high, you acquire diabetes. Numerous human organs, including the kidneys, heart, blood arteries, nerves, and eyes, can suffer harm from uncontrolled blood sugar over time.
High blood pressure
If your blood pressure against the walls of your blood vessels rises, you will have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a major contributor to heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease if it is not well managed or is not managed at all. High blood pressure is another side effect of chronic kidney disease.
High Cholesterol
this may result in the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood arteries that supply your kidneys, which may make it more difficult for them to function as they should.
CKD Testing
A medical history is the first step in the diagnosis of CKD. Your physician may be notified if there is a family history of kidney failure, high blood pressure, or diabetes. To determine whether you have CKD, more tests, such as the following, are needed:
Total Blood Count
Anemia can be detected by a full blood count. A hormone called erythropoietin is produced in your kidneys. Your bone marrow is stimulated by this hormone to produce red blood cells. You produce less erythropoietin when your kidneys are badly injured. Anemia, or a decrease in red blood cells, results from this.
Check the Electrolyte Level
Your electrolyte levels can be impacted by CKD. In those with CKD, potassium levels may be high and bicarbonate levels may be low. The amount of acid in the blood may also rise.
Test for Blood Urea Nitrogen
When your kidneys begin to fail, your blood urea nitrogen level may increase. The waste products of protein breakdown are typically removed from your blood by your kidneys. These byproducts accumulate following kidney injury. The stench of urine is caused by the byproduct of protein breakdown known as urea. Your physician might examine for accumulation.
Screening for Creatinine
Your creatinine rises as kidney function decreases. This protein and muscle mass are connected.
Screening for Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
The management of calcium and phosphorus mediates the interaction between the kidney and the parathyroid glands. The release of PTH is influenced by alterations in kidney function. Your body’s calcium levels are impacted by this.
When your kidney reaches end-stage renal illness, it can no longer discharge enough phosphorus, which hinders the production of vitamin D. Calcium may also be released by your bones. Your bones gradually weaken as a result.
Kidney Flow and Scan
An imaging examination of kidney function is a kidney scan.
Renal Ultrasound
Using the images from this noninvasive test, your doctor can assess whether there is a blockage.
Treatment
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has no known cure, however early-stage CKD can be managed to preserve a greater level of kidney function for a longer amount of time. If your kidney function is damaged:
- Make and Keep Your Scheduled Appointments With Your Nephrologist (a Kidney Expert).
- If You Have Diabetes, Maintain Your Blood Sugar Levels.
- Avoid Using Medications That Could Exacerbate Your Kidney Illness, Such as Painkillers.
- Take Control of Your Blood Pressure.
- Ask a Nutritionist for Advice on Food Adjustments That Will Benefit You. Limiting Protein Intake, Choosing Foods That Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels, and Cutting Back on Sodium (Salt) and Potassium Intake Are Just a Few Dietary Changes That Can Help.
- Avoid Smoking.
- Treat Anemia (if Exists).
- Be Active/work Out Most Days of the Week.
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight.
Over time, CKD might worsen. Kidney failure could result from CKD. Dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only available treatments for kidney failure. If your doctor determines that you have CKD, he or she will likely recommend a treatment plan. This may include a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Your doctor may also recommend a kidney transplant.
How to Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease
By avoiding or controlling medical problems like diabetes and high blood pressure that harm the kidneys, you can protect them. Testing may be the only way to determine whether your kidneys are healthy because early kidney disease may not present with any symptoms. How frequently you should be tested will be decided in part by your healthcare professional.
Make Healthy Meal Plan
Pick fresh fruits, fresh or frozen veggies, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and other heart- and body-healthy foods. Eat good meals and limit your intake of salt and extra sweets. Aim for a daily salt intake of no more than 2,300 mgs. Less than 10% of your daily calories should come from added sugars, if possible.
Physical Exercise
It is good to engage in regular exercise to maintain appropriate blood pressure levels. Additionally, it aids in the management of chronic illnesses including diabetes and heart disease. If someone is unsure about whether an exercise program is right for their age, weight, or health, they should consult a doctor.
Ignoring Specific Substances
Kidney disease can be brought on by excessive alcohol and drug use, as well as prolonged exposure to heavy metals like lead, gasoline, solvents, and other hazardous substances.
Bottom Line
One in ten people have CKD to some extent. CKD can occur at any age and is caused by a number of diseases. But as people age, it becomes more typical. Kidney filtration starts to decline by about 1% annually beyond the age of 40. In addition to the natural aging of the kidneys, numerous diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are more prevalent in older persons and can harm the kidneys.
Between the ages of 65 and 74, one in five men, one in four women, and half of those who are 75 or older are thought to have CKD. In summary, the likelihood that you have kidney disease increases with age. Because CKD raises the risk of heart attack and stroke and, in some cases, progresses to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation, it is crucial to understand this. No of your age, basic treatments can stop problems, halt the progression of kidney disease, and enhance quality of life.
In conclusion, chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to managing the disease and preventing complications. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family.
Originally posted 2022-11-16 17:00:24.
