24-10-2024 03:46 AM

Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: An Overview

Chronic kidney disease is a long-term progressive disease. It is a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to function over time.

Kidneys are vital organs. They filter waste and excess fluid from the body by producing urine.

But when the kidneys fail, these harmful substances and wastes accumulate in the body

CKD progresses over time, becoming worse. Eventually, it leads to kidney failure. This disease is irreversible and has no cure. Still, many patients with CKD manage to live with this disease.

However, it is possible with early disease diagnosis. The right treatment of the disease also helps the kidneys to preserve their function.

The National Health Service (NHS) states that CKD can affect people of any age. However, people with diabetes and hypertension are at higher risk of this disease.

It is more common in people of Black or South Asian origin. In the United States, kidney diseases are among the leading causes of death.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure in the U.S. They account for 2 out of 3 new cases.

Important Stats About CKD

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that 15% of U.S. adults have kidney disease. Moreover, 37 million people in total are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The shocking thing is that 35.5 million U.S. adults are still not diagnosed.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) states that 11% of Australians (1.7 million) aged 18 and over have shown biological symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

It is a review of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)'s most recent National Health Measures Survey (NHMS). It also highlighted that about one in twenty (4.9%) people aged 75 years and over had kidney disease in 2022.

Does chronic kidney disease cause other diseases?

Chronic kidney disease does not affect only the kidneys but also worsens overall health. It also causes other diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases.

People with CKD are more prone to develop heart disease, which is a leading cause of death.

Chronic kidney disease also leads to renal failure. It is termed as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Anaemia, bone loss, and electrolyte imbalances are other complications.

These CKD complications poorly affect life. Dialysis and kidney transplant surgery are treatments for end-stage renal disease.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Healthy kidneys not only filter blood and remove waste but also maintain the whole balance of the body. Here are some of the kidneys’ important functions.

Removing natural waste products and extra water from the body
Plays a role in the production of red blood cells
Maintaining electrolyte balance in the body
Maintaining blood pressure
Keeping the bones healthy

If a kidney remains damaged for a straight 3 months, it leads to chronic kidney disease. It develops slowly. At an early stage, it shows fewer signs.

However, with time, it becomes severe. It increases the risk of other heart problems like heart disease and stroke.

Kidney disease does not show symptoms in many cases. However, symptoms like fatigue and changes in urine colour are signs of kidney damage.

There are five stages of kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is the fifth and last stage (end-stage kidney disease).

NIDDK states that 1 in 3 American adults is at higher risk of developing kidney disease. However, one in nine American adults is unaware of kidney disease.

Discover detailed insights into kidney anatomy and structure—explore more!

How CKD Affects Kidney Function?

Kidneys play an essential role in filtering blood and removing waste in the form of urine. This blood-filtering process involves a complex network of functional units known as nephrons. Each kidney consists of one million nephrons.

Nephrons filter, resorb, and secrete urine. They are essential for maintaining overall kidney health, homeostasis, and acid-base balance.

When chronic kidney disease progresses, the number of functioning nephrons decreases. It leads to lower blood filtration capability due to nephron damage and glomerulosclerosis.

Nephron Damage

CKD due to diabetes and hypertension damages nephrons over time.

Glomerulosclerosis

It involves the scarring of the glomeruli (the filtering units). It lowers the kidneys' filtration capacity to filter blood effectively.

The kidneys' inability to function appropriately results in the accumulation of toxins and waste products.

The presence of urea and creatinine in waste products results in electrolyte imbalances.

They also cause other complications like cardiovascular disease, anaemia, and bone disorders. All these symptoms and complications ultimately lead to kidney failure.

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is divided into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Global healthcare organisations, including the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), have accepted this division.

This division helps to diagnose kidney disease more efficiently, and each stage requires different tests and treatments.

CKD Stages	GFR (mL/min/1.73 m²)	Description	Symptoms	Progression
G1	90 and above	Normal or high GFR with evidence of kidney damage (e.g., hematuria or proteinuria)	Often asymptomatic.	Usually stable with appropriate management.
G2	60 to 89	Mildly decreased GFR; evidence of kidney damage may be present	Mild fatigue; possible changes in urine output.	Generally slow; monitoring is essential.
G3a	45 to 59	Mild to moderate decreased kidney function	Fatigue, fluid retention.	It can remain stable but requires monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
G3b	30 to 44	Moderate to severe decreased kidney function	More severe symptoms, including swelling and back pain.	Higher risk of complications; close monitoring is required.
G4	15 to 29	Severe decreased kidney function	Nausea, vomiting, significant fatigue, increased risk of anaemia, and bone disease.	Close monitoring is required; progression may lead to severe complications.
G5	Less than 15	Kidney failure may require dialysis or a transplant	Severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, and uraemia (buildup of toxins).	Critical stage: immediate intervention is often needed, including dialysis or transplant options.

Table 01: Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease

Hypertension (Increased blood pressure)
Arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Nerve damage.
Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood)
Hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus in the blood)
Weak immune system.
Oedema (swelling in feet and ankles due to fluid buildup)

Cardiovascular diseases (heart-related) are most common in chronic kidney disease.

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that CKD patients are more likely to die from cardiovascular causes compared to progressing to kidney failure.

The National Kidney Foundation reported that heart disease is the primary cause of death in the U.S. among people with CKD. It also highlighted that about 50% of those who die from CKD also suffer from cardiovascular disease.

According to Kidney International, hypertension (increased blood pressure) affects over 85% of patients in the advanced stages of CKD.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that anaemia is a common complication affecting up to 50% of CKD patients in the early stages. It is nearly 100% of those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease

Risk factors for chronic kidney disease increase the chance of developing the disease. There are two types of risk factors. These two factors are modifiable and non-modifiable.

Table 1: Modifiable Risk Factors for CKD

Modifiable factors are those that individuals can change or manage themselves. It reduces the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. It includes

Modifiable Risk Factors	Description
Diabetes	Control with medication, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity to reduce the risk of kidney damage.
Hypertension	Improve lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) and medications to prevent kidney damage.
Obesity	Weight loss through proper diet and physical activity lowers the risk of CKD.
Smoking	Quit smoking improves kidney function and reduces the risk of CKD progression.
Frequent Use of NSAIDs	Avoid overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs) to protect kidney health.
Heart Disease	Manage with medications, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and monitor regularly to protect kidney function.
High-Protein Diet	Limiting protein intake reduces strain on the kidneys for those who are at risk.
Exposure to Toxins	Avoiding exposure to chemicals like heavy metals or environmental pollutants lowers the risk of kidney damage.
Chronic Kidney Stones	Preventive care, hydration, and medical intervention can reduce the recurrence and risk of CKD.
Urinary Tract Obstruction	Early diagnosis and treatment of blockages can prevent kidney damage.

Table 2: Modifiable Risk Factors for CKD

Non-modifiable factors are those individuals who can not change independently.

However, early screening and preventive measures help to overcome CKD.

These include age, family history, autoimmune disease, and kidney infections.

Non-modifiable Risk factors	Description
Family History of CKD	Genetic predisposition increases the risk, but early screening and monitoring are helpful.
Age (65+)	Kidney function naturally declines with age, though lifestyle adjustments can slow the progression.
Autoimmune Diseases	Conditions like lupus are inherent, but symptoms can be managed with proper treatment.
Kidney Infections	Some infections are hard to control, though early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage.

Table 3: Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for CKD

Ensure your child's health is in expert hands—Explore Comprehensive Paediatric Care Today!

Common Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

The two common causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Diabetes is among the leading causes. It accounts for 44% of total cases of CKD.

Hypertension is the second leading cause of CKD. It contributes to about 28% of cases of renal patients. Other conditions of chronic kidney disease include.

Glomerulonephritis

This is inflammation of the kidney's filtration unit, the glomerulus. It can contribute to the development of CKD.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

It is a genetic disease that leads to the formation of cysts in the kidneys.

Recurrent Kidney Infections

Chronic kidney infections or obstructions that cause CKD over time are called pyelonephritis.

Membranous Nephropathy

This is a disorder where your body’s immune system attacks the waste-filtering membranes in your kidneys.

Obstructions

Any blockage in the urinary tract due to kidney stones also contributes to CKD.

Vesicoureteral Reflux

A condition in which urine flows backward up through the ureters to the kidneys.

Nephrotic Syndrome

It is a disorder of the kidneys in which the body passes out too much protein.

Lupus and other immune system diseases also cause kidney problems.

Signs and Symptoms Of Chronic Kidney Disease

In the early kidney disease stage, most people do not find any signs or symptoms. However, the signs and symptoms become visible and severe with time. The CKD symptoms are:

Nausea
Loss of appetite
Tiredness
Foamy urine
Itchy or dry skin
Unintentional Weight Loss

People with more advanced stages of CKD may also face:

Trouble concentrating
Numbness or swelling in arms, legs, ankles, or feet
Muscle cramps or aching
Shortness of breath
Vomiting
Trouble sleeping
Ammonia-like breath and metallic taste due to waste buildup in the blood

The symptoms of kidney disease (CKD) may be due to

Foamy Urine

Changes in urine are the most common symptom of CKD.

The urine may become foamy or bubbly more or less often.

It could be in amounts more significant or less than usual, or the colour may be darker or paler.

There may also be blood in the urine. In many cases, a person may face difficulty urinating.

Swelling or Oedema

It is also a common symptom in CKD patients.

When the kidneys fail to filter blood and excess fluid, it builds up in the body. It causes swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or face.

Fatigue

Kidneys are responsible for producing red blood cells.

However, failed kidneys cannot make sufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen. This causes anaemia and results in fatigue and tiredness.

Skin Rash/Itching

The buildup of waste in the blood and body results in severe itching and skin rash.

Ammonia Breath or Metallic Taste in Mouth

When waste builds up in the blood, food tastes different and causes bad breath.

It is not uncommon for people to stop liking to eat meat or to lose weight because they do not feel like eating.

Nausea and Vomiting

Uremia (the buildup of urea and waste products in the blood) can cause nausea and vomiting.

Shortness of Breath

Extra bodily fluid can build up in the lungs. When this fluid is combined with anaemia, it causes shortness of breath.

Feeling Cold

Anaemia can make the body feel cold even in a warm room.

Dizziness and Trouble Concentrating

Kidney failure leads to anaemia. It is a condition in which the brain does not get enough oxygen. This leads to memory problems, trouble concentrating, and dizziness.

Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease

For diagnosis, patient medical history, physical exam, and medication intake are important. Doctors also conduct other tests for renal kidney diagnosis. Urine and blood tests are the most common tests for diagnosing kidney-related issues.

Blood Test

Blood tests usually observe the glomerular filtration rate.

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculates the kidneys' capability of filtering blood. It specifically measures how many millilitres of blood the kidneys will filter in a minute. It depends on

Age
Medical history
Size
Gender

If eGFR is below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for three or more, it indicates chronic kidney disease.

The patient may have CKD if the rate is lower than this.

GFR values determine the stage of kidney disease. Moreover, serum creatinine levels indicate how well the kidneys remove waste.

Urine Test

Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism. Urine excretes creatinine from the body. An increase in creatinine levels shows that the kidneys are not working properly.

However, the presence of albumin (protein) in the urine usually indicates kidney damage.

The urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) is a test that evaluates the presence of albumin in the urine.

Both blood and urine tests provide a clear picture of kidney health.

An eGFR under 60 or a uACR over 30 for three months or more is an indication of kidney disease.

Other tests include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerised tomography (CT scans).

They also help indicate kidney size and improper functioning. A kidney biopsy also determines the specific kidney disease or damage type.

Imaging

Imaging tests also help diagnose kidney-related problems. Ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans provide images of the kidneys and urinary tract.

They help in identifying the central issue of kidney failure.

Kidney Biopsy

A kidney biopsy involves removing a small piece of kidney tissue to examine under a microscope.

It helps doctors investigate the cause of kidney damage and failure. There are two types of kidney biopsy: open biopsy and needle biopsy.

Treatment

Diagnosing kidney disease early and treating it according to conditions is essential. Managing CKD is focused on four goals. It includes

Managing the cause of the disease that leads to CKD. For example, diabetes, high blood pressure, or nephropathy.
Taking steps to slow down the progression of CKD disease directly. It is also termed as "slowing CKD progression."
Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack or stroke)
Treating any complications that lead to CKD.

Treatment for chronic kidney disease usually requires measures to control signs and symptoms with medicines. This reduces complications and slows the progression of the disease.

Renal patients can recover their severely damaged kidneys with proper treatment and management strategies.

It is possible to slow down the CKD progression with quality of life and management strategies. This includes dialysis and kidney transplants for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

It is necessary to treat the cause of CKD. The treatment options vary depending on the cause.

Diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure worsen kidney disease. That’s why it is important to control these underlying conditions.

Doctors usually prescribe medications depending on the condition to treat the cause of CKD.

Increased blood pressure

People with kidney disease are more prone to high blood pressure. Doctors usually prescribe medications to lower blood pressure.

It commonly includes angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers to preserve kidney function.

High blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers) can cause slight harm. They can slightly decrease the kidney function and affect electrolyte levels.

The doctor also recommends diuretics and a low-salt diet to maintain blood pressure.

Medications for oedema

People with renal failure often retain fluids. This leads to an increase in blood pressure and leg swelling. Diuretics help maintain the balance of fluids in the body.

Medications to treat anaemia

People with chronic kidney disease usually suffer from anaemia. It is a condition in which the production of red blood cells decreases.

Doctors generally prescribe the erythropoietin medications with added iron to treat anaemia. They not only help in the production of red blood cells but also relieve fatigue and weakness.

Medications for lowering cholesterol levels

Statins are usually prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels. People with chronic kidney disease mostly have high levels of bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Medications for bone protection

Calcium and vitamin D supplements help prevent bone weakness and lower the risk. Phosphate binders are useful to lower the amount of phosphate in the blood. They also protect blood vessels from damage by calcium deposits (calcification).

Low-protein diet

A diet low in protein helps to minimise waste products in the blood. It reduces the burden on kidneys by eating less protein.

A registered dietitian also helps to lower the protein intake while still eating a healthy diet.

The doctor does regular follow-up testing to see whether the kidney disease progresses or remains.

Advanced treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant become necessary when medicines and lifestyle changes do not work.

The treatment of renal patients depends on the stage of CKD. Other health conditions, including any CKD complications, also matter. However, the treatment of the kidney depends on the cause of kidney disease.

Often, though, chronic kidney disease has no cure. There are two standard methods of treating chronic kidney disease: dialysis and kidney transplant.

Dialysis

Dialysis becomes crucial when the kidneys fail to filter waste products. It artificially removes waste products and extra fluid from the blood.

There are two types of dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

In haemodialysis, the dialysis machine filters the blood. This machine filters waste and excess fluids from the blood. After cleaning the blood, the cleaned blood returns to the body.

Peritoneal dialysis is a process of filling the abdomen with dialysis solution by inserting a thin tube. The dialysis solution absorbs waste and excess fluids from the blood.

In peritoneal dialysis, a thin tube is inserted into the abdomen, filling the abdomen with a dialysis solution. The solution absorbs waste and excess fluids, which are drained from the body, carrying the waste.

Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into your body. Deceased and living donors donate healthy kidneys to the patient.

After a transplant, the patient needs to take medications for the rest of their life to keep the body from rejecting the new organ. A patient does not require dialysis to have a kidney transplant.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Renal patients need to follow these instructions for better recovery.

Stop using tobacco products, including smoking. Smoking enhances the kidney disease process and increases the risk of renal failure. It also causes other health complications like high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.
Limit sodium intake (less than 2300 mg daily) and adjust the diet's potassium, phosphorus, and calcium intake.
Doctors recommend exercise to renal patients. Starting with a short walk is a great way to begin.
Getting sufficient sleep is essential for a healthy routine.
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential. Following a balanced diet with physical activity helps improve the health condition of obese people.
Find ways to manage and reduce stress in your daily life.
Avoid excessive use of NSAIDs, as they can be harmful to the kidneys.
If the renal patient suffers from metabolic acidosis, increase the intake of fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, and leafy greens. This helps lower the acid levels in the blood, slowing down CKD progression (worsening).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dialysis and Kidney Transplant

Aspect	Dialysis	Kidney Transplant
Lifespan Extension	Increases life by filtering waste but requires lifelong treatment.	It restores normal kidney function and improves survival rates and quality of life.
Procedure	Non-surgical requires regular sessions (3 times a week).	Major surgery requires a donor kidney (living or deceased).
Lifestyle	Restricts daily activities due to frequent sessions, strict diets, and limited fluid intake	It allows greater flexibility from medical treatments and fewer dietary restrictions after post-recovery.
Time Requirement	Time-consuming and requires regular visits to a dialysis centre or home treatment setup.	Long waiting time for a compatible donor, but no ongoing dialysis is needed after recovery.
Risks	Higher risk of infection, fatigue, and lower blood pressure during sessions.	Surgical risks, organ rejection, and lifelong use of immunosuppressive drugs with side effects.
Suitability	Suitable for those not fit for surgery or transplant (e.g., elderly or comorbid patients).	Not suitable for everyone due to health conditions
Cost	More affordable, but long-term costs add up over time.	High initial cost, but more cost-effective in the long term if successful.

Table 04: Advantages and Disadvantages of dialysis and kidney transplant

Besides medical treatments, lifestyle changes also play an essential role in managing CKD and improving overall health.

Managing and Living with Chronic Kidney Disease

It is difficult to manage CKD conditions. But with the right strategies, a person can still manage complications. Chronic kidney disease is more than a diagnosis.

It requires changes in daily routine with the mindset that you are the only one who can manage it. Here are some tips beneficial for managing chronic kidney disease.

Daily Tips to Manage CKD

Managing CKD conditions seems complicated. However, small, consistent actions can make a big difference. These tips help manage chronic kidney disease much better.

Take proper medicines on time. Remember to take the medicines your doctor has prescribed. Other complications, like diabetes and high blood pressure, worsen CKD, so it is essential to take medication on time.
Notice any additional symptoms. Observe any additional symptoms, such as feeling low, changes in urine colour, and lower energy levels. It is essential to highlight them with the nephrologist.
Celebrate small wins to reduce stress. Living a stress-free life helps ensure better management of chronic kidney disease. To keep yourself motivated, try celebrating little wins like lab improvement results.

Stories from CKD Patients

Here are some highlighted stories of renal patients suffering from CKD and successful management of kidney disease.

John's Story

When I was first diagnosed, I didn't know how I'd keep living my life the way I wanted. But over time, I found my routine. I stick to my meds, I manage my diet, and I make sure to get out and see friends. It's not easy, but I've learnt to live with CKD instead of fighting against it all the time.

Maria's Journey

My family was everything to me. They reminded me to stay strong, especially when I wanted to give up. Although it was painful, I still tried to keep fighting and managing. My daughter also comes during my appointments to help me remember the doctor's advice.

These stories motivate other CKD patients to manage CKD, although it is hard but not impossible. Each journey is different, but people always learn motivation from others.

Managing Mental Health

Mental health is equally important in managing CKD. This is because emotional well-being has a significant impact on physical health.

People with chronic kidney diseases usually face mental stress. These tips help manage stress and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Dealing with stress

Managing stress is essential, whether through medication, taking a calming walk, or engaging in a favourite hobby. Small moments of calmness help recharge mental and physical health.

Seek help when needed.

You should seek help from therapists or counsellors to deal with your emotions.

Acknowledge feelings

Dealing with a chronic illness is tough. So, it is acceptable to acknowledge emotions and deal with feelings.

Take motivation from other CKD patients

Motivate yourself from other renal patients who successfully manage CKD complications. Recovery is difficult but not impossible.

Prevention

Chronic kidney disease can be prevented by following methods.

Avoid using over-the-counter medicines.

Limit the use of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen. Because they can damage the kidneys when used excessively.

Consult a Doctor

Consult a doctor before using painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin I.B., and others), and acetaminophen (Tylenol and others).

Excessive usage of OTC medications can damage kidneys. Taking too many pain relievers for a long time leads to kidney damage.

Maintain a healthy weight

Eat a well-balanced diet. Maintain a healthy weight by doing exercise and physical activity. Keep yourself busy in games or any physical games.

Obese people are at more risk of renal failure. That’s why it is better to lose weight. Be active for 30 minutes at least five days a week.

Quit Alcohol and Smoking

Quit alcohol use and smoking. Limit alcohol-containing beverages.

Cigarette smoking also damages kidneys and makes the disease worse. Avoid smoking and tobacco products for healthy kidneys.

Manage other medical complications.

It is essential to manage other complications with CKD, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Maintaining an average glucose level and blood pressure leads to better management of chronic kidney disease.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive renal disease. It is caused by a gradual loss of kidney function. When it progresses, it results in damage to your kidney. Hence, it leads to kidney failure. Diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or glomerulonephritis are the main causes of chronic kidney disease.

Early-stage CKD can be managed, and its progression slowed, but it cannot be cured or reversed. This needs clarification.

What are the early signs of CKD?

CKD does not show signs and symptoms in the early stages. That’s why it usually remains unnoticed. Some symptoms that people typically experience include:

Swelling of extremities
Excessive tiredness
Fatigue
A frequent urge to urinate during the night
Blood pressure
Lack of appetite
Sudden weight loss

However, these symptoms are also associated with other conditions, so the person should consult a doctor to confirm.

Who is at risk of developing CKD?

The majority of people are at high risk of developing CKD due to other health problems and complications. It increases the pressure on the kidneys due to diabetes or hypertension.

People who are at high risk include those 60+ and with a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, or obesity.

The minority populations involve African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, who are more predisposed to CKD, genetics, and health histories.

How is CKD diagnosed?

CKD is diagnosed through blood and urine tests that evaluate the functions of the kidneys. Other tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, and kidney biopsies. These tests help in assessing the extent of kidney damage.

These tests identify the causes of damage to your kidneys and monitor the progression of the disease.

How is CKD treated?

CKD can be treated by slowing the progression of the disease and other associated complications.

It is also treated by managing lifestyle changes, choosing healthy food, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar.

Can CKD be prevented?

Certain factors can prevent chronic kidney disease, which contributes to the development of CKD.

These include other complications like

Controlling blood sugar levels
Managing high blood pressure
Exercising
Adopting Healthy lifestyle behaviours
Limiting salt and protein intake
Avoid smoking.

How does CKD affect other parts of the body?

Chronic kidney disease affects various parts of the body. When the kidneys don't filter blood, it results in high blood pressure. That’s why the chance of cardiovascular diseases and stroke increases.

CKD also alters the levels of calcium and phosphorus, which weakens bones and causes osteoporosis. It also causes anaemia due to decreased production of red blood cells.

What is the difference between CKD and acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease that takes years to develop. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden and temporary condition that occurs within hours or days.

AKI is reversible. Severe infections, dehydration, medications, or obstructions to urine flow are the main causes of AKI. If left untreated, AKI progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Can people with CKD live normal lives?

People with early-stage chronic kidney disease usually live an everyday life by managing symptoms and treatment accordingly.

But in the advanced stage, people with CKD require proper treatment like dialysis and kidney transplants.

It leads to a compromised quality of life because it's not possible to repair the damage that has already happened to kidneys in the advanced stages of CKD. However, effective management also allows some patients to maintain a good quality of life.

What dietary changes are required in CKD?

Dietary changes for CKD patients may include limiting fluids and consuming little sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. People with renal failure also need to restrict calorie intake in obesity.

The recommended diet patterns for CKD patients include low-carbohydrate diets, including the ketogenic diet, and higher-carbohydrate diets.

Other diets, such as Mediterranean diets and other plant-based dietary patterns, are also helpful. However, it depends on the individual requirements.

Conclusion

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a degenerative illness. It frequently remains undiagnosed until severe damage has been caused. The progression of CKD is slower. However, it is easy to prevent its complications with early detection and treatment.

People can enhance kidney function by managing risk factors like diabetes and hypertension. They can also modify their lifestyle through regular exercise and a kidney-friendly diet. Regular checkups are essential for detecting CKD early, enabling appropriate treatments that significantly enhance outcomes, especially for at-risk patients.