Chronic Kidney Disease, also called Chronic Nephropathy or CKD, is a condition that indicates that the kidneys are damaged. This disease is the progressive and irreversible deterioration of kidney function.
Our kidneys filter wastes and excess fluid in the blood through the urine. When CKD occurs, the kidneys cannot maintain body health or filter the blood well enough to build up dangerous levels of fluid and waste in the body.
CKD does not happen overnight; it is generated slowly and progressively. Usually, small signs appear within the early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. Sometimes, symptoms occur until kidney function has already been affected.
Two causes are the most common of Chronic Kidney Disease:
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels cause damage to various organs, including the kidneys
Hypertension: If high blood pressure is not controlled, you can develop both CKD and heart attacks and strokes
Also, other less common conditions can cause Chronic Kidney Disease, such as:
Urinary tract obstruction: kidney stones, tumors, enlarged prostate gland in men, etc
Diseases that affect the Immune System, such as Lupus
Persistent urinary tract infections
Polycystic kidney disease
Glomerulonephritis: a group of abnormalities that damage the kidneys
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of the presence of Kidney Disease are:
Change in the amount of urine
Nausea and Vomiting
Anemia
Hypertension that is difficult to control
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Difficulty concentrating
Straw-colored skin
Swelling of feet and ankles
Constant itching
Sleep problems
Muscle cramps
If fluid builds up in the lungs, shortness of breath occurs
You could be at higher risk for Chronic Kidney Disease, if:
You have a family history of Kidney Disease
You're 60 or older
You have Diabetes
You have Hypertension
Cardiovascular diseases
Smoking
Obesity
You've been using medications that can damage the kidneys for long periods
The Nephrologist will perform a physical and neurological exam, looking for any signs of heart or blood vessel problems. The exam will also ask questions related to your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and type of footwear.
Following are some of the possible tests that could be carried out:
Urinalysis
Imaging diagnosis, such as an ultrasound
Kidney Biopsy
On many occasions, Chronic Kidney Disease has no cure. However, the treatment provided by your Nephrologist will seek to control the symptoms and act immediately to prevent the disease from worsening, avoiding possible complications.
The treatment for chronic kidney disease will be determined according to its severity. Standard treatment options include:
Follow-up analysis at regular intervals to monitor kidney disease status
High blood pressure medications
Medicines to lower cholesterol levels
Medicines to treat anemia
Medications to relieve inflammation
Medicines to protect the bones
Low protein diet to reduce waste found in the blood
The treatment of kidney disease in the final stage is implemented when you can not expel the liquids or waste; the Nephrologist will recommend the following methods:
Dialysis allows expelled waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do it.
A kidney transplant, a healthy kidney transplant, is done and placed in the affected patient's body. The patient should receive medication for life.
When you have already been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, follow the treatment provided by your Nephrologist.
Some things to consider that could help improve the quality of life are:
Eat healthily
Go to the Nutritionist to have a diet according to your needs
Avoid eating added salt
Eat low-potassium foods
Limit protein intake
Exercise daily
Maintain a healthy weight: Being physically active most days of the week helps prevent this, but many other diseases
Establish schedules and routines for your daily activities
Attend your appointments with the Urologist or Nephrologist
Establish schedules and routines for sleeping and eating
Do not use drugs or alcohol
Do not smoke; smoking can damage your kidneys and significantly worsen kidney damage in existing cases
Don't hesitate to ask for help from a Nephrologist if you have any symptoms of Kidney Disease.
Remember that seeking professional medical help if you have kidney problems is vital. Make your appointment with a Nephrologist for timely treatment.
When consulting the Nephrologist, try to keep a record of your pain with a detailed description of the symptoms, duration, and what you think triggered them. Also, mention any medications you are taking.
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