What is chronic kidney disease? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition in which the kidneys are damaged and unable to filter blood properly. It is a progressive disease that often develops slowly over time, and can eventually lead to kidney failure.
The kidneys are responsible for removing waste and excess fluids from the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, waste products and fluids can build up in the body, leading to a range of complications. Some of the most common causes of CKD include high blood pressure, diabetes, and genetic factors.
Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Blood in the urine
- High blood pressure
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchy skin
Treatment for CKD typically involves managing the underlying cause of the disease, as well as managing symptoms and preventing complications. This may include medication to control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, dietary changes, and in severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplant. Early detection and treatment of CKD can help slow the progression of the disease and improve outcomes.
Chronic Kidney Disease Causes
1.Diabetes: High levels of blood sugar over time can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste from the blood.
2.High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, making them less effective at filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood.
3.Glomerulonephritis: This is a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, which are the tiny structures in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.
4.Polycystic kidney disease: This is an inherited condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, gradually replacing healthy kidney tissue and reducing their ability to function properly.
5.Kidney stones: Repeated kidney stone formation or obstruction can cause damage to the kidneys.
6.Urinary tract obstruction: Obstruction of the urinary tract can lead to damage of the kidneys over time.
7.Certain medications: Long-term use of some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause kidney damage.
8.Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus can damage the kidneys.
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
1.Diabetes: High levels of blood sugar over time can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste from the blood.
2.High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, making them less effective at filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood.
3.Glomerulonephritis: This is a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, which are the tiny structures in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.
4.Polycystic kidney disease: This is an inherited condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, gradually replacing healthy kidney tissue and reducing their ability to function properly.
5.Kidney stones: Repeated kidney stone formation or obstruction can cause damage to the kidneys.
6.Urinary tract obstruction: Obstruction of the urinary tract can lead to damage of the kidneys over time.
7.Certain medications: Long-term use of some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause kidney damage.
8.Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus can damage the kidneys.