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What you need to know about Chronic Kidney Disease

1. 1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious illness involving a gradual kidney function decline over a number of years. Affecting people around the world, it is characterized by the absence of early detection signs and is often diagnosed in its later stages, with symptoms appearing when kidneys are already damaged.

   3.  Below, we answer some of the most common questions you may have regarding CKD.

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   5. 1. What are the most common symptoms of CKD?
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      The most common symptoms of chronic kidney disease include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, changes in urination, ankle, and feet swelling, itching, shortness of breath, high blood pressure and lower mental acuity.

       

       2. How is CKD diagnosed?

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   8. Diagnosis of the condition is made through a patient evaluation, which includes asking about family history, conducting blood tests and urine tests, performing imaging tests, and possibly taking a kidney tissue sample for testing.

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   10. 3. What are the most common causes of CKD?

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   12. A disease or condition in the body that impairs your kidney function is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease. It is the type of damage that gets worse over many months and years.

       Some conditions that may cause kidney disease include type 1 or 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstruction of the urinary tract, recurring kidney infections, inflammation of the kidney filtering units, and inflammation of the kidney tubules and surrounding structures.

        

   13. 4. What are some complications associated with kidney problems?

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   15. Complications associated with kidney disease include excessive fluid retention, which can cause your arms and legs to swell up. An increase in blood pressure, increased potassium levels, heart disease, and weak bones are also possible side effects. The most serious of these complications is the damage to your cardiovascular system. It is why chronic kidney disease must be managed through proper treatment, as recommended by a physician.

        

   16. 5. Can chronic kidney disease be prevented?

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   18. Yes, it is possible to prevent the disease by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, avoiding bad habits such as smoking, managing related medical conditions with proper treatment, and using over the counter pain medications in moderation. Taking too many pain relievers for headaches or everyday pain can result in kidney damage. Being physically active and at a healthy weight helps keep your kidneys healthy, while smoking is known for causing damage to the kidneys.

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   20. 6. What are some possible treatments for chronic kidney disease?

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   2. The recommended treatment for kidney disease will depend on your specific case. Some kidney conditions are treatable, while others do not have a cure.
   3. The most common treatment for chronic kidney disease will include measures to control the symptoms, limit complications and ensure the disease does not progress at a rapid rate. It can include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes and other recommendations by a certified physician.
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   5. Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for any treatment, diagnosis, decision or any other similar action. It is neither a medical advice nor a substitute for one. For any health-related issue, always consult with a professional.
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