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 are responsible for 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 CKD or kidney failure increases the risk.
• Aging: The risk of CKD increases with age.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing CKD.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to 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
• Changes in urination patterns, such as frequent or infrequent urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the back or sides

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

Diagnosis and Treatment

CKD is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Treatment for CKD depends on the underlying cause and stage of the disease, but may include:

• Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise changes
• Medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels
• Dialysis or kidney transplantation in advanced cases

Complications

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

• Kidney failure
• Heart disease and stroke
• Anemia
• Bone disease
• Nutritional deficiencies

Prevention

While some cases of CKD may not be preventable, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition:

• Maintaining a healthy weight and diet
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Managing underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension