Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. When chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluids, electrolytes, and wastes can build up in your body.

In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you may have few signs or symptoms. Chronic kidney disease may not become apparent until your kidney function is significantly impaired. Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of the kidney damage, usually by controlling the underlying cause. Chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly. Signs and symptoms of kidney disease may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Sleep problems
• Changes in urine output
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Muscle twitches and cramps
• Hiccups
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Persistent itching
• Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
• Shortness of breath if fluid builds up in the lungs
• High blood pressure (hypertension) that's difficult to control

Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific, meaning they can also be caused by other illnesses. And because your kidneys are highly adaptable and able to compensate for lost function, signs and symptoms may not appear until irreversible damage has occurred.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of kidney disease.

If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of chronic kidney disease, your doctor is likely to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function with urine and blood tests during regular office visits. Ask your doctor whether these tests are necessary for you.

CAUSES

Chronic kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition impairs kidney function, causing kidney damage to worsen over several months or years.

Diseases and conditions that commonly cause chronic kidney disease include:

• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Glomerulonephritis (an inflammation of the kidneys' filtering units)
• Interstitial nephritis (an inflammation of the kidneys' tubules and surrounding structures)
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract from conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and some cancers
• Vesicoureteral reflux (a condition that causes urine to back up into your kidneys)
• Recurrent Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

RISK FACTORS

Factors that may increase your risk of chronic kidney disease include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High cholesterol
• Being African-American, Native American, or Asian-American
• Family history of kidney disease
• Age 65 or older

COMPLICATIONS

Chronic kidney disease can affect almost every part of your body. Potential complications may include:

• Fluid retention leading to swelling in your arms and legs, high blood pressure, or fluid in your lungs (Pulmonary edema)
• A sudden rise in potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), impairing heart function and potentially life-threatening ...

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

To reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease:

• Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it.
• Follow instructions on over-the-counter medications. -Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Manage medical conditions with your doctor's help.

COPING AND SUPPORT

Receiving a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease can be worrisome. To help you cope with your feelings:

• Connect with other people who have Kidney Disease.
• Maintain a normal routine when possible.
• Be active most days of the week.
• Talk with a person you trust.

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QUESTIONS

1. What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over time.

2. What are the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, changes in urine output, high blood pressure, among others.

3. What causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

Causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, among others.

4. What are the risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease?

Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, family history of kidney disease.

5. How is Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests like ultrasound, and sometimes a biopsy.

6. How is Chronic Kidney Disease treated?

Treatment aims to control underlying causes and manage complications through medications like ACE inhibitors or diuretics.

7. What are some lifestyle changes recommended for managing Chronic Kidney Disease?

Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

8. How can one cope with a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease?

Coping strategies include connecting with support groups, maintaining a routine, staying physically active, and talking to trusted individuals.

9. What complications can arise from Chronic Kidney Disease?

Complications may include fluid retention leading to swelling or pulmonary edema; heart diseases; anemia; bone issues; decreased immune response; among others.

10. What treatment options are available for end-stage Kidney Disease?

End-stage Kidney Disease may require dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.