What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal failure, chronic renal disease, or chronic kidney failure is far more common than most people realize, and it frequently stays unreported and untreated until the disease has progressed significantly. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other illnesses can lead to kidney disease.

Early treatment can typically prevent the progression of chronic renal disease. When the disease continues, it can lead to renal failure, which necessitates dialysis or kidney transplant to stay alive.

Kidney disease hinders the functioning of the kidneys, affecting their capacity to eliminate waste and surplus fluids from the bloodstream. Effective management is essential to avoid potential complications.

Types of Chronic Kidney Disease

• Diabetic Kidney Disease: Caused by diabetes mellitus, leading to damage to the kidneys' filtering system.
• Hypertensive Kidney Disease: Resulting from long-term high blood pressure that damages blood vessels in the kidneys.
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli), which can be caused by various infections or autoimmune diseases.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, leading to progressive kidney damage.
• Obstructive Nephropathy: Caused by physical blockage of the urinary tract, leading to increased pressure and damage to the kidneys.
• Chronic Interstitial Nephritis: Inflammation and scarring of the kidney's interstitial tissue, often due to long-term use of certain medications or toxins.

Vascular Kidney Disease: Conditions affecting blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys.

Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease appear slowly as the kidneys become damaged. This can lead to fluid buildup, waste retention, and electrolyte imbalances, causing different problems depending on how bad the disease gets.

Common Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidneys are responsible for our bodies complicated filtration mechanism. They remove excess waste and fluid from the blood and excrete it. Most waste materials produced by our bodies can be eliminated through our kidneys.

However, complications can arise if blood flow to the kidneys is restricted or if the kidneys are not functioning effectively due to damage or disease, such as common kidney diseases.

Some of the various causes of chronic kidney disease are:

The main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. High blood sugar from diabetes can harm your kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes. High blood pressure damages blood vessels and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 

Stage 1: Mild CKD

• 90 mL/min or higher.
• Kidney function is normal or slightly decreased. Often asymptomatic, with possible risk factors identified.

Stage 2: Mild to Moderate CKD

• 60-89 mL/min.
• Mild decrease in kidney function. May have few or no symptoms; monitoring of kidney function is essential.

Stage 3: Moderate CKD

• 30-59 mL/min.
• Moderate decrease in kidney function. Symptoms may begin to appear, such as fatigue and fluid retention.

Stage 4: Severe CKD

• 15-29 mL/min.
• Severe decrease in kidney function. Symptoms become more pronounced, requiring preparation for possible dialysis.

Stage 5: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

• Less than 15 mL/min.
• Kidneys can no longer maintain normal function. Dialysis or kidney transplant is necessary for survival.

Prevention and Medication of Chronic Renal Failure

There are things you can do to lower your chances of renal failure. While taking over-the-counter drugs, follow the guidelines carefully. Taking excessively high doses (even of basic medications like aspirin) might quickly result in elevated toxic levels. This can put a strain on your kidneys.

Chronic Renal Failure Diagnosis

Chronic renal failure diagnosis refers to the process of identifying and confirming the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function over time.

To Reduce the Risk of Developing Chronic Kidney Disease

Medications for Chronic Kidney Disease:

Before starting any nonprescription drugs or painkillers, follow the instructions written on the package. Consuming too much painkillers can cause damage to the kidney. Consult with your doctor before taking any drugs.

Healthy Weight

Be physically active throughout the day to maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight and want to reduce your weight, consult your doctor for appropriate weight loss. This usually entails increasing regular physical activity while also lowering calorie intake.

Managing Chronic Condition

Some specific conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase the risk of kidney diseases. Controlling the illness can greatly lower the likelihood of renal failure. Individuals should follow their doctor's directions, guidance, and suggestions.

Maintaining Proper Diet

A nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats or fish can control blood pressure.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can cause some serious damage to the kidneys and damage it.

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity not only helps to maintain good blood pressure levels but also aids in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Individuals should see a physician to ensure that an exercise regimen is appropriate for their age, weight, and overall health.

How is Chronic Kidney Disease Treated?

Treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) focuses on preserving kidney function:

Tips to Keep the Kidney Healthy

Living a healthy lifestyle can help you retain a healthy kidney. Kidney function can be improved by eating a balanced diet and living a stress-free lifestyle. Tips to keep your kidneys healthy:

When to visit a Doctor

Living a healthy lifestyle can help you retain a healthy kidney. Kidney function can be improved by eating a balanced diet and living a stress-free lifestyle. Tips to keep your kidneys healthy:

If you have any indications or symptoms of renal disease, make an appointment with your doctor. If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for kidney disease, your doctor will likely use urine and blood tests to check your blood pressure and kidney function regularly. Consult your doctor to see if these tests are required for you.

Frequently Asked Questions