Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should, leading to a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, regulating electrolyte levels, and producing hormones that help control blood pressure and support bone health.

Causes and Risk Factors

CKD can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time
• Hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause kidney damage
• Family history: Having a family history of kidney disease increases the risk
• Aging: CKD is more common in older adults
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing CKD
• Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce kidney function
• Certain medications: Long-term use of certain medications, such as NSAIDs, can harm the kidneys

Symptoms

The symptoms of CKD may not appear until the disease is advanced. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the back or sides
• Itching or numbness in the skin

Stages of CKD

CKD is typically divided into five stages, based on the level of kidney function:

• Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal kidney function
• Stage 2: Mild loss of kidney function
• Stage 3: Moderate loss of kidney function
• Stage 4: Severe loss of kidney function
• Stage 5: Kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant

Treatments and Management

The goal of treatment for CKD is to slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle changes:
  • Following a healthy diet, low in salt, sugar, and fat
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Quitting smoking
  • Losing weight if overweight or obese
• Medications:
  • ACE inhibitors or ARBs to control blood pressure and reduce proteinuria
  • Diuretics to remove excess fluid from the body
  • Phosphate binders to control phosphate levels
  • Vitamin D supplements to support bone health
• Dialysis: In stage 5 CKD, dialysis may be necessary to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood
• Kidney transplant: A kidney transplant may be an option for some people with end-stage CKD

Complications

If left untreated or poorly managed, CKD can lead to a range of complications, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Anemia
• Bone disease
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Fluid buildup in the body
• Kidney failure

Prevention

While some risk factors for CKD cannot be changed, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition:

• Controlling blood sugar levels if diabetic
• Managing high blood pressure
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting regular exercise
• Quitting smoking
• Limits NSAID use