It also termed as called chronic kidney failure, chronic renal failure, chronic renal disease etc. It is defined as the gradual loss of kidney function. As we know kidneys filter the toxins, wastes and excess fluids in our blood, which are then excreted out through your urine. In the case of chronic kidney disease, loses its functions and when it reaches an advanced stage, the levels of fluid and other wastes build up dangerously in your body.
Chronic kidney failure means an individual may loss kidney function gradually over months or years. Often it goes undetected and undiagnosed unless the condition is advanced. Chronic kidney failure treatment in the early stages can prevent artificial filtering i.e. dialysis or kidney transplantation. Chronic kidney disease can turn out to be fatal and progress to end-stage kidney failure.
Symptoms Of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney failure is a slow and progressive disease. Sometimes, when one kidney damaged, the other kidney can carry out normal functions. Often the signs and symptoms are unnoticeable unless the condition is severe. However, signs and symptoms include.
Symptoms of early stages of chronic kidney failure
- Chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itching or numbness
- High blood pressure
- Sudden weight loss
Symptoms of advanced stages of chronic kidney failure
- Urination problems like less urine output, dark urine, blood in urine etc.
- Decreased mental alertness
- Insomnia
- Swollen feet, hands, and ankles
- Weakness or fatigue (tiredness)
- hypertension
- Itchy skin
- Poor appetite
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Absent menstrual periods in women
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Pain on the side or mid to lower back
- Bad breath
- Shortness of breath
- Protein in urine
- Unexplained headaches
What causes Chronic Kidney Failure?
Chronic kidney failure occurs when other diseases or conditions damages kidneys and its function.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are more prevalent conditions that can cause chronic kidney failure.
Other causes of kidney disease include:
- Kidney infections
- Inflammation to the kidneys’ filtration system
- Congenital kidney disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Kidney diseases like pyelonephritis or IgA glomerulonephritis, Polycystic
- kidney disease
- Obstruction of your urinary tract
- IgA glomerulonephritis
- Certain toxins that damage your kidneys
- Malaria and yellow fever
- Injury or trauma due to accidents
Some other risk factors that cause kidney disease include smoking, obesity, having heart disease, high cholesterol, family history of kidney disease, being Native-American, African-American, or Asian-American are increasing particularly age above 65.
How To Treat Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition. The main goal of the treatment for chronic kidney failure is to slow down the pace of kidney damage. The treatment options differ depending on the underlying cause that damage your kidneys.
Medication
Certain medication to manage high blood pressure, lower your cholesterol levels, iron pills or shots to control anaemia, in some cases, blood transfusion is necessary. Diuretics in case of fluid retention, calcium & vitamin D supplements to preserve your bones and many other conditions are managed by medication.
Diet
Dietary changes is necessary for people experiencing chronic kidney failure to reduce their protein intake. Reduction of fluid intake is necessary so that your kidneys might not work harder. A lot more other diets need to be excluded and included as suggested by your kidney care specialist.
End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
The end means stage kidney diseases means that your kidneys function no longer. In such cases, you need dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Dialysis – Dialysis is a procedure that involves the removal of wastes and extra fluid from your blood with the help of artificial kidneys. Hemodialysis is one such process.
Kidney transplant – In end stages, a kidney transplant is a much better option than dialysis, if you can find a suitable donor kidney. This is a procedure where the damaged kidney is replaced with new donor kidney.
There are artificial kidneys also available. To know more information consult our kidney specialist doctors at AINU.