Overview
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don't work as well as they should.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) may not be exclusive to the elderly, but it is more prone in certain groups. People of African or South Asian descent are at a much greater risk when compared to other populations; however, while CKD can worsen over time leading to complete kidney failure - this scenario isn't typical and many individuals with CKD lead full lives despite their condition.
Symptoms of CKD
Kidney disease is a stealthily progressive issue, as it often remains undetected until further testing reveals imbalances or irregularities. The only way to discover if there may be an underlying kidney concern is by undergoing blood or urine tests for other conditions - these results can indicate whether your kidneys are functioning properly and alert you of any issues that need attention.
At a more advanced stage, symptoms can include:
tiredness
swollen ankles, feet or hands
shortness of breath
feeling sick
See a GP if you have persistent or worrying symptoms that you think could be caused by kidney disease.
Causes of CKD
- high blood pressure – over time, this can put strain on the small blood vessels in the kidneys and stop the kidneys working properly
- diabetes – too much glucose in your blood can damage the tiny filters in the kidneys
- high cholesterol – this can cause a build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels supplying your kidneys, which can make it harder for them to work properly
- kidney infections
- glomerulonephritis – kidney inflammation
- polycystic kidney disease – an inherited condition where growths called cysts develop in the kidneys
- blockages in the flow of urine – for example, from kidney stones that keep coming back, or an enlarged prostate
- long-term, regular use of certain medicines – such as lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
You can help prevent CKD by making healthy lifestyle changes and ensuring any underlying conditions you have are well controlled.
Tests for CKD
CKD is a life-altering condition that can be detected early on with the right tests. Blood and urine tests provide insight into your kidney health by looking for substances at higher than normal levels which indicate impaired functioning of this important organ. Those who have known risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should consider regular testing to catch CKD in its earliest stages - when treatment options may be more successful - and get an accurate measure of how severe their damages are using a numerical assessment system.
Treatments for CKD
There's no cure for CKD, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms and stop it getting worse.
Your treatment will depend on how severe your condition is.
The main treatments are:
- lifestyle changes to help you remain as healthy as possible
- medicine to control associated problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- dialysis – treatment to replicate some of the kidney's functions; this may be necessary in advanced CKD
- kidney transplant – this may also be necessary in advanced CKD
You'll also be advised to have regular check-ups to monitor your condition.
Outlook for CKD
CKD has the potential to range from a barely noticeable condition with few or no symptoms, up to an extreme form that can cause kidneys to completely cease functioning. In most cases of CKD, it is possible for patients to manage their ailment through careful administration of medication and vigilance in check-ups; however there exists one out of fifty chances they may advance into kidney failure. Those who have been diagnosed with even milder forms of CKD still face heightened risk when it comes cardiovascular disease – which encompasses ailments such as heart attack or stroke - leaving those affected at greater chance for death than if not having this prior illness altogether. Luckily though, certain lifestyle habits combined alongside proper medicinal treatment could reduce the relative danger posed by these conditions significantly.
