Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects millions globally, often going unnoticed until significant kidney function is lost. Early symptoms are typically absent, leading to late detection when the damage is severe and may require dialysis or result in death. In 2017, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and its impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused 2.6 million deaths, with an estimated 25.3 million years of life lost due to disability or death from heart-related issues linked to poor kidney function. CKD has become a much more common cause of death, rising from the 19th to the 11th leading cause between 1990 and 2019. This increase is largely due to an aging population and the growing prevalence of risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure, which together account for over half of all CKD-related deaths.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted in urine. When the kidneys are damaged, waste products and fluids can build up in the body, leading to a range of health problems.
CKD is typically divided into five stages, with each stage representing a decline in kidney function. The early stages of CKD often show no symptoms, making it difficult to detect without regular medical check-ups. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as swelling in the legs, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating may appear. Early detection through blood and urine tests is key to managing CKD and preventing further kidney damage.
Common Causes of CKD
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can develop due to several factors, with diabetes and high blood pressure being the most common causes. High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste, while high blood pressure can also harm these vessels, gradually reducing kidney function. Managing these conditions through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing CKD. Additionally, genetic factors can increase the risk of CKD, as conditions like polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which can lead to kidney failure, are hereditary. People with a family history of kidney disease should be especially vigilant about their kidney health.
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Recognizing the Symptoms of CKD
Kidney problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in urination, such as foamy or discolored urine, and difficulty urinating. Swelling in the legs, face, or hands may occur due to fluid buildup. Fatigue is common, as kidney damage can lead to anemia, causing tiredness and a feeling of cold. Other signs include skin rash, itching, a metallic taste in the mouth, bad breath, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, and trouble concentrating. These symptoms result from the kidneys’ inability to remove waste and regulate important bodily functions properly.
How CKD Leads to Dialysis
When Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progresses to its final stage, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste and excess fluids, making dialysis necessary to take over these vital functions. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Preventing CKD from reaching this critical point requires early intervention, including regular kidney function monitoring, managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and making lifestyle changes such as adopting a kidney-friendly diet. Early detection and management of CKD are crucial in reducing the risk of needing dialysis.1
How to Diagnosis CKD
Two common tests are often recommended to screen for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The first is the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) test, which measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. The second is the urine albumin test, which checks for the presence of a protein in the urine that appears when the kidneys are damaged. Additionally, a serum creatinine blood test is used to estimate the kidneys’ efficiency in filtering waste from the blood.
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Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) focuses on slowing the disease’s progression and managing its symptoms through a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. Medications are essential for controlling blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, and reducing cholesterol, with some patients also requiring treatment for anemia or bone disease. Regular check-ups are crucial to adjust treatments as needed. Additionally, diet and exercise play key roles in managing CKD. A kidney-friendly diet typically involves limiting salt, potassium, and phosphorus while ensuring adequate protein intake. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and support kidney function. Collaborating with a dietitian and healthcare provider is important to develop a personalized management plan.2
Conclusion
Chronic Kidney Disease is a serious condition that requires ongoing management. Early detection by regular blood tests for assessing kidney function, in diabetes, obese and hypertension will keep us informed about kidney function and alert once changes appear in the blood tests. Once detected early in the course lifestyle changes and strict control of diabetes, obesity and Hypertension can avoid and delay progression to CKD.
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