Chronic Kidney Disease
A long-term condition that causes the kidneys not to function is called Chronic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease is a widespread condition that’s frequently linked to aging.
Chronic kidney disease symptoms
The initial stages point to no symptoms, and the results indicate that your kidneys may have issues by undergoing a blood or urine test.
Symptoms at a later stage may include:
- Tiredness
- Enlarged hands, feet, or ankles
- Breathing difficulties
- Nausea
- Blood in your urine (urine)
If experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms related to kidney disease, consult a doctor.
Chronic kidney disease causes
Chronic kidney disease can be obtained by:
- High blood pressure – can strain the kidneys’ tiny blood vessels and prevent them from functioning correctly.
- Diabetes – too much glucose in the blood can harm the kidneys’ small filters.
- High cholesterol – leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels in the kidneys, which makes it harder for them to function correctly.
- Infections of the kidneys
- kidney inflammation caused by Glomerulonephritis
- Blockages in the flow of urine, provoked by kidney stones
- Polycystic kidney disease – prolonged use of lithium and anti-inflammatory drugs causes an inherited condition where growths called cysts develop in the kidneys.
Treatments for chronic kidney disease
Medication can lessen symptoms and prevent further progression.
The primary therapies are:
- Optimizing a lifestyle can help you stay as healthy as possible.
- Medication to treat concomitant conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Dialysis is a procedure to duplicate some kidney functions in severe chronic kidney disease cases.
- Advanced chronic kidney disease may likely require a kidney transplant.
The doctor might suggest periodic checkups.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022