CKD is a long-term disease that results from a decline in the kidneys’ proficiency and the damage of the kidney causes this ailment gradually over time. It is a common disease it’s estimated to impact over 300 million people and if left untreated contributed to deaths resulting from kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases among others. Knowledge of the facts regarding the etiology, presentation and therapeutic approaches to management of CKD is vital towards its prevention and control.
Introduction to Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease is characterized by either a decreased GFR or the evidence of kidney damage in the form of proteinuria. The chronic kidney disease is divided in to following stages: stage 1: kidney damage with normal kidney function, stage 2: mild reduction in kidney function; stage 3: moderate reduction in kidney function; stage 4: severe reduction in kidney function; and stage 5: advanced kidney disease where the person require dialysis or kidney transplant.
Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Several factors contribute to the development of CKD, including:
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease is amongst one of the complications of diabetes. Diabetes increases blood sugar levels thus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the kidneys to filter waste hence getting damaged.
High blood pressure or Hypertension
Persistence of hypertension leads to high blood pressure that in a long run affects the kidneys and causes CKD. It can also worsen or cause kidney disease in patients with kidney disease.
Glomerulonephritis
This group of diseases leads to inflammation and destruction of the kidney’s filtering structure known as the glomerulus, and can lead to CKD if not well managed.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
This is a genetic disease that results in the formation of cysts within the nephrons of the kidney thus deforming their correct functioning. See your best nephrologist in Karachi to get help.
Other Causes
Others might include obstruction of the urinary tract, prolonged use of NSAIDs, lupus, and recurrent kidney infection.
Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
At this stage the patient may not have any sign and symptoms or may present few generalized symptoms of CKD. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience:
- Fatigue and Weakness: Anemia for instance, which could be as a result of a low rate of red blood cells, results in tiredness.
- Swelling: It is a common sign of oedema and swelling may appear in the legs, ankles or around the eyes.
- Changes in Urination: Symptoms may range from passing a lot of urine particularly during the night or passing little urine compared to the usual amount.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Accumulation of waste materials can result in gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Shortness of Breath: Pulmonary edema may lead to breathing problems due to the accumulation of clear, pink or increased scanty fluid.
- High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can cause CKD and the disease can also lead to continued worsening of hypertension.
Chronic Kidney Diseases Management
CKD management is primarily centered at slowing the progression of the disease, managing symptoms and preventing complications. Key strategies include:
Lifestyle Modifications
Dietary Changes: Some diseases of the kidneys enable patient management through a balanced diet with low sodium, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Another way is to seek the guidance of a registered dietitian in order to get nutrition advice.
Exercise: Exercise is primary since it assists to monitor high blood pressure, maintain or enhance other aspects of health and decrease probabilities of such incidences.
Weight Management: Being overweight can compromise the function of the kidneys and therefore, keeping off extra weight can actually help the kidney.
Medications
Blood Pressure Control: ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers are usually recommended for managing hypertension and for prevention of kidney disease.
Diabetes Management: Blood glucose should therefore be well regulated for diabetic patients in order to avoid deterioration of the kidneys.
Anemia Treatment: ESAs may be used in stimulating red cell production in the event that the patient develops anemia.
Regular Monitoring
Preventive minded examinations are important for the identification of kidney health issues, the management of chronic conditions along with the adjustment of the appropriate medical regime.
Dialysis and Kidney transplantation
In stage 4, the patient may need dialysis as the kidneys are not able to filter waste from the blood, and in stage 5 this is necessary. Those patients with end-stage kidney disease can opt for a kidney transplant if all conditions apply as well.
Conclusion
Chronic Kidney Disease is a severe medical ailment that should be well managed in order to slow down its advancement and resultant effects. Acquiring knowledge on its etiology and programmatic identification of probable signs can go a long way in enhancing the quality of those who suffer CKD. People with kidney problems should ensure to have frequent checkups with the doctors and undergo minor lifestyle changes that will favor the kidneys. People at risk of CKD should seek medical advice from a best nephrologist in Lahore or the nearest hospital to get checked and properly advised.
