Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

The cause is unknown but the most common risk factors include:
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Family history of CKD
• Obesity

Early-stage CKD may show no symptoms. When the disease progresses some symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Edema- swelling of feet and ankle
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Need to urinate more often, especially at night
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Blood in urine
• Protein in urine
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Twitching in the muscles and cramps
• Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
• Shortness of breath is seen if fluid builds up in the lungs

Diagnosis begins with a medical history and family history. Medical and blood chemical tests include:
• Levels of urea and creatinine is an indication of kidney function.
• Check urine for abnormalities such as the presence of blood or protein.
• Ultrasound or CT scans may be required to look for abnormalities in the kidney.
• A test to check kidney function called a Renal flow scan.
• Testing hormone levels (parathyroid hormone or PTH) which is affected by kidney function.
• Lastly a kidney biopsy may be required to examine a small tissue sample for further analysis.

Depending on the cause, some types of kidney disease can be treated. Often, though, chronic kidney disease has no cure. Treatment usually consists of measures to help control signs and symptoms, reduce complications, and slow progression of the disease.

Some common treatments are:
• Nutrition and lifestyle changes for better kidney care.
• Medications to prevent further damage.
• Dialysis treatments to help clean the blood of toxins and wastes.
• Kidney transplantation for those whose kidneys are beyond treatment and have failed to function.