Chronic kidney disease is also known as chronic kidney failure. This condition causes a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluids from the blood, as well as filtering wastes from the blood. These wastes and fluids are then removed in the urine. When kidney function starts to be reduced, electrolytes and waste can build up in the body.
The early stages of chronic kidney disease can be hard to diagnose since the symptoms are frequently mild. Over time, the condition grows worse, and the symptoms become more pronounced.
The symptoms of chronic kidney disease can vary the most common symptoms are:
Kidney disease is caused by conditions that impair kidney function. Anyone can get chronic kidney disease at any age, some people have an increased risk due to an existing medical condition. These conditions are:
The risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease are:
Other conditions can also cause these symptoms, so your doctor will need to do a full examination and run a variety of tests to confirm that your kidney function is to blame for these symptoms. Diagnosis is often made through blood tests and urine tests to look for the levels of waste products in your blood and urine.
Imaging tests can include ultrasound of the kidneys and imaging for any other related conditions that might be contributing to your chronic kidney disease. In some cases, a biopsy of the kidneys might be done to look for other issues like cancer. A biopsy of the kidney can also be used to determine why your kidney function is not optimal.
You can help to prevent kidney disease by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding the overuse of over-the-counter medications like Advil, Motrin, and Tylenol. If you have other conditions that can lead to kidney disease, you will want to be sure that you work with your doctor to create the right treatment plan to manage these conditions.
Treatment of chronic kidney disease includes the use of medications that will control high blood pressure and medications that are used to reduce swelling in the extremities. You might also be anaemic and need supportive care for this aspect of chronic kidney disease. Many people will also need help managing their cholesterol levels. Diet changes include switching to a lower-protein diet and avoiding sodium and sugary foods.
As chronic kidney disease grows more advanced, you might need to be treated with dialysis, which is a process by which wastes and excess fluids in your blood are removed. When your kidneys stop providing this function for your body, dialysis can take over. A kidney transplant might also be necessary for patients who qualify.