Kidney Disease Chronic: Signs, Stages, Solutions, and Additional Information
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent yet prevalent health issue, affecting approximately 14% of the population in the United States. CKD often goes undetected and undiagnosed until it is well advanced, making early detection crucial for preventing severe kidney damage and associated complications like heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes of CKD. As the disease progresses, several signs can indicate its presence. Here are some common symptoms that may help with early detection:
1. Persistent Fatigue or Weakness: The accumulation of toxins due to impaired kidney function can lead to persistent tiredness, even after rest. Anemia, often associated with CKD, further contributes to fatigue.
2. Swelling (Edema): Fluid buildup due to the kidneys' inability to remove excess fluid can cause swelling in the lower extremities, which may worsen throughout the day.
3. Itching and Dry Skin: High levels of waste products like phosphorus can irritate the skin, leading to severe itching, particularly on the back, legs, or arms.
4. Changes in Urination Patterns: CKD can cause frequent urination, blood in the urine, or foamy urine due to protein leakage.
5. Shortness of Breath: Fluid accumulation in the lungs can lead to breathing difficulties. Additionally, anemia associated with CKD can reduce oxygen-carrying red blood cell count, contributing to breathlessness.
6. Back or Side Pain: This can be a sign of kidney dysfunction, although it's more commonly associated with other types of kidney issues like stones or infections.
Doctors use the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to determine how advanced a person's CKD is. A person with a GFR of at least 90 ml/min per 1.73 meters squared (m) has normal kidney function but with evidence of kidney damage (Stage 1 CKD). As the GFR decreases, the stage of CKD advances. For instance, a GFR between 60-89 ml/min per 1.73 m indicates Stage 2 CKD, while a GFR between 30-59 ml/min per 1.73 m indicates Stage 3 CKD. At Stage 5, a person's GFR is 15 ml/min per 1.73 m or less, indicating kidney failure.
If a person's kidneys have failed or are close to failing, they will need to undergo dialysis or have a kidney transplant to survive. Dialysis is the mechanical removal of waste products and excessive fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer carry out this function. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, a dialyzer, or artificial kidney machine, pumps blood out of the person's body, filters out the waste, and reenters the blood through tubes. Peritoneal dialysis is another type where the person's abdomen filters the blood. There are subtypes of these methods, such as continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis.
A kidney transplant is a better option than dialysis for those with no other health conditions apart from kidney failure. Siblings or very close relatives are usually the best types of donors for a kidney transplant. However, if a person receives a kidney from someone with incompatible blood, their body may reject it.
In conclusion, early detection and management of CKD are vital to prevent severe kidney damage and associated complications. Regular screenings for individuals at risk, such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure, can help identify CKD early on. If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant health issue, especially in the context of other chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Early detection of CKD is crucial to prevent severe damage to kidneys and associated medical-conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
- Common symptoms of CKD may include persistent fatigue or weakness, swelling (edema), itching and dry skin, changes in urination patterns, shortness of breath, and back or side pain.
- Doctors use the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to determine the stage of CKD, with a GFR of 90 or more indicating evidence of kidney damage (Stage 1 CKD).
- As the GFR decreases, the stage of CKD advances, with Stage 5 CKD indicating kidney failure when the GFR is 15 or less.
- If a person's kidneys have failed or are close to failing, they may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
- Dialysis is the mechanical removal of waste products and excessive fluids from the blood, while a kidney transplant is a better option for those with no other health conditions apart from kidney failure.
- There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, with subtypes like continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis.
- In a kidney transplant, a person's kidney functions are restored by implanting a healthy kidney, usually from a close relative.
- It's important to note that if a person receives a kidney from someone with incompatible blood, their body may reject the transplanted kidney.
- To maintain overall health and wellness, it's essential to manage chronic-diseases like CKD, follow a balanced nutrition plan, practice fitness and exercise, take care of skin-care, and consider the impacts of climate-change and mental-health on health and wellness, as well as the exciting advancements in environmental-science, space-and-astronomy.
