Have you ever considered how important your kidneys are? Most people don’t realize their importance until something goes wrong. One such long-term condition that can lead to severe damage to your kidneys is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
It is one of those silent conditions that often remains undetected for years, while your kidneys are slowly getting damaged. It shows signs and symptoms after significantly damaging your kidney function.
However, it’s surprising to learn just how common it is. According to the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, about 37 million adults in the US have CKD, and most of them don’t even know it. Early detection can make a big difference in slowing disease progression.
This article elaborates on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management of CKD to help you treat this disease with early diagnosis and proven treatment.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where your kidneys progressively lose their ability to filter waste and fluids from the blood effectively. This loss of function occurs over months or years. It can lead to Chronic Kidney Failure, necessitating Dialysis or Kidney Transplantation for survival.
CKD is defined by kidney structure or function abnormalities. A key diagnostic marker is a reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m² or the presence of kidney damage markers such as Albuminuria (protein in urine).
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CKD statistics and impact
Globally, CKD affected approximately 753 million people in 2016, with a higher prevalence among females (417 million) than males (336 million). The disease caused about 1.2 million deaths in 2015, a significant increase from previous decades. In the United States alone, over 37 million adults have CKD, which equates to roughly 1 in 3 adults.
The condition is more common in older people and women. Furthermore, people with Diabetes Mellitus and High Blood Pressure are at a higher risk of CKD. Fortunately, many people with CKD can live an everyday life. However, the disease can worsen over time without being detected.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
The table below briefly describes the Chronic Kidney Disease stages:
| Stages | GFR (mL/min/1.73 ㎡) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Above 90 ml/min | Kidney damage with normal kidney function |
| Stage 2 | 60-89 ml/min | Mild loss of kidney function |
| Stage 3a | 45-59 ml/min | Mild to moderate loss of function |
| Stage 3b | 30-44 ml/min | Moderate to severe loss of function |
| Stage 4 | 15-29 ml/min | Severe loss of kidney function |
| Stage 5 | Below 15 ml/min | Kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease) |
Chronic Kidney Disease symptoms
In the early stages, CKD usually presents no symptoms and is often detected incidentally through blood or urine tests. As the disease progresses, symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease can be observed, such as:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands due to fluid retention
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in urine
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
As early CKD is typically asymptomatic, regular screening for at-risk individuals is critical to reduce the severity.
Chronic Kidney Disease causes and risk factors
The common causes of CKD are Diabetes and High Blood Pressure, which together account for the majority of cases worldwide. Other causes include:
- Glomerulonephritis: It is the inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units that can increase the risk of developing CKD.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: It is a genetic problem causing cyst growth in the kidneys. It reduces the kidney function and eventually leads to Kidney Failure.
- Infections: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and viral infections can increase the risk of kidney disease.
- Obstruction of urine flow: Urine flow can become blocked due to kidney stones or an enlarged prostate. As a result, pressure can build up within the kidneys and urinary tract, damaging kidney tissue and leading to kidney disease.
- Certain medications: Long-term use of medications, such as Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Lithium.
Certain other factors can lead to CKD, such as older age and a family history of kidney disease. Furthermore, certain ethnicities (such as Black or South Asian origin), obesity, smoking, and cardiovascular disease can also contribute to the development of CKD.
Complications of CKD
CKD leads to multiple complications due to impaired kidney function, including:
- Cardiovascular disease: People with CKD have an increased risk of strokes and Heart Failure.
- Anemia: Due to reduced Erythropoietin production by damaged kidneys, people may be prone to Anemia.
- Bone disease: It results from imbalances in calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D metabolism. As a result people may face bone diseases.
- Fluid imbalance: Fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances can occur due to improper kidney function.
- Increased sensitivity to infections: It happens particularly in people with advanced CKD and Dialysis.
Diagnosis
CKD is staged based on GFR levels and Albuminuria severity, which helps guide treatment decisions:
CKD is typically diagnosed through:
- Blood tests: To estimate GFR and check for waste products (like creatinine and urea).
- Urine tests: To detect Albumin or other protein levels indicating kidney damage.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound or CT scans to visualize kidney structure.
- Kidney biopsy: In some instances, to determine the underlying cause of damage.
Chronic Kidney Disease treatments and prevention
While CKD is progressive and irreversible, early diagnosis and management can slow progression, reduce complications, and improve quality of life.
Lifestyle modifications
Chronic Kidney Disease self-care measures and lifestyle changes can also help you live a fulfilling life, such as:
- Diet: A Chronic Kidney Failure diet is crucial. It often involves reducing salt, protein, and phosphorus intake while emphasizing plant-based foods and avoiding processed foods. Dietitians can make diet plans based on individual needs.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise helps control blood pressure and blood sugar and maintain body weight. Furthermore, it enhances muscle strength and improves coordination and balance in people with CKD.
- Smoking cessation: Smoking accelerates kidney damage and cardiovascular risk. Thus, quitting smoking can reduce the onset and progression of CKD in people.
- Weight management: A healthy weight reduces strain on the kidneys. It happens because being overweight can put an extra load on your kidneys. Maintaining a body weight can prevent High Blood Pressure and Diabetes, the leading causes of CKD.
Medical treatment
Some medical treatments can also help you treat the condition with prescribed medications. These medical ways to treat CKD involve the following measures:
- Blood pressure control: Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) are first-line medications because they reduce Proteinuria (presence of excess protein in urine) and slow CKD progression.
- Blood sugar control: Controlling blood sugar levels in people with Diabetes is essential to prevent further kidney damage.
- Cholesterol management: Your doctor can recommend Statins, which may reduce cardiovascular risk in people with heart problems.
- Treatment of Anemia: Your doctor can prescribe you Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents and iron supplementation to treat CKD-related Anemia.
- Management of bone mineral disorders: Phosphate binders and vitamin D supplements can help manage bone mineral disorders.
Advanced CKD and Renal Replacement Therapy
When the condition progresses to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), kidney function is insufficient to sustain life without intervention. In this case, the treatment options include:
- Dialysis: Hemodialysis or peritoneal Dialysis to mechanically filter blood.
- Kidney Transplantation: This is a preferred treatment for people with advanced stage of CKD.
Prevention
Preventing CKD involves controlling risk factors and early detection:
- Manage Diabetes and Hypertension effectively.
- Regular screening for at-risk populations.
- Promote a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, do physical activity, and quit smoking.
These measures can help you prevent the onset and progression of CKD.
Conclusion
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) causes gradual kidney function loss as the disease progresses. It is often symptomless in its early stages and primarily results from Diabetes and Hypertension, which damage the kidneys’ filtering ability.
It affects millions of people worldwide and significantly increases the risks of cardiovascular disease, Anemia, bone disorders, and Kidney Failure. Early diagnosis of CKD is vital, as timely intervention can slow disease progression and reduce complications.
Management of the condition involves eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and weight control. Furthermore, medical treatments are needed to control blood pressure and blood sugar and manage Anemia or mineral imbalances.
Avoiding drugs like NSAIDs is essential. In advanced stages, your doctor may suggest Dialysis or Kidney Transplantation. The prevention of CKD focuses on controlling risk factors and regular screening for at-risk individuals.
However, it can be managed with early diagnosis and prescription medications. Thus, you must consult your doctor for early detection and seek prescribed medications for improved results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can CKD patients live?
It varies depending on the stage of the disease, age, and treatment. People with early-stage CKD can live many years with proper management, while those with advanced stages, especially stage 5, require Dialysis. These people have significantly reduced life expectancy. You should get an early treatment for better results.
Can CKD occur in children?
Yes, in rare cases, CKD occurs in children. While CKD is common in adults, it is very rare in children. When it does occur, it is often due to conditions present at birth or that develop in childhood. Most children have mild symptoms that can be managed by their doctor.
Can CKD cause hormonal or reproductive issues?
Yes, Chronic Kidney Disease can cause significant hormonal and reproductive issues. CKD disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to abnormal menstruation, reduced fertility, sexual dysfunction, and increased risks during pregnancy in women.
Can CKD cause eye-related problems?
Yes, people with CKD may experience unusual eye problems, such as Dry Eyes and Retinopathy. If you experience any visual changes, it is crucial to consult your doctor and seek prescribed treatment.
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