Introduction
The excretory system consists of 2 kidneys, their respective ureters, the bladder and the urethra. Our kidneys perform various functions – they are responsible for cleaning the blood, removal of excess water from the system, retention of important minerals, maintenance of blood pressure and ensuring that our bones stay healthy. It is easy to understand just how important our kidneys are, and that improper functioning can cause large scale damage in a short period of time.
Chronic Kidney Disease Causes
CKD is characterised by a gradual to quick onset of symptoms which usually last for longer than 3 months.The kidneys regulate a wide range of body functions that influence other organ systems – which means that people having CKD are at risk of developing heart disease or even stroke.
- The primary causes include having lifestyle disorders like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, ageing, genetics or serial smoking etc.
- Others include having autoimmune diseases, conditions like polycystic kidney disease, cancer, kidney stones, infections, or congenital defects among others.
Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
CKD has been divided into 5 stages depending on severity of symptoms. Most people don’t present with symptoms until they get to the further stages. We have made a list for you-
- Changes in frequency of urination- too often or too less
- Feeling nauseous
- Sudden weight loss
- Foam in urine – due to proteinuria for example
- Numbness in your limbs
- Swelling of extremities due to fluid retention
- Cramping of muscles
- Not being able to sleep
- Fishy breath- due to the presence of ammonia
- Not being able to concentrate
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatments
The treatment of CKD is based on managing pre-existing conditions (diabetes, hypertension, or other kidney related issues like nephropathy. Slowing the advance of CKD takes precedence in this regard. How do you do that? By taking the right medication as prescribed, reducing daily sodium intake (this is especially significant if you already have hypertension), and making slow and sustainable changes to lifestyle. People within CKD also need to stay away from certain drug classes which are normally used as pain medication. You also have to take any concomitant conditions into account, and plan accordingly.
Conclusion
CKD affects millions of people in the world. Though there are multiple treatment approaches available, the ones that have the highest impact include those that focus on making sensible changes to nutrition and lifestyle, while taking prescribed medication. Kidney transplantation is the final option available when things get too critical. Early screening can help greatly in managing symptoms and improving prognosis.
FAQs
Q1. What are the common causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Some common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, genetics, PKD, UTIs, or glomerulonephritis- all of which can weaken the kidneys over a long period of time, leading to CKD.
Q2. How do you diagnose Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Tests include those that check for proteinuria, checking blood creatinine levels and estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), kidney biopsies or using imaging techniques like a CT scan or ultrasound.
Q3. What are the available treatment options for CKD?
Some of the popular modes of treatment include- the usage of drugs to regulate hypertension and diabetes, diuretics to get rid of excess fluid, mineral supplements to help retain bone health, lowering sodium consumption and exercising to retain cardiovascular health. Severe loss of kidney function may require kidney transplantation as the last resort.
Q4. Can Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) lead to CKD?
Yes, PKD and other inheritable kidney disorders can all possibly lead to CKD in the long term.
Q5. Why is being diabetic an issue when you have CKD?
Diabetes causes increased blood glucose levels, which in turn damages all blood vessels. This includes the ones present in the kidneys too. This is why managing your diabetes becomes much more important if you have been diagnosed with CKD.
