The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to Chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.CKD is characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function. This condition has varying levels of seriousness. It usually gets worse over time, though treatment has been shown to slow progression. If left untreated, CKD can progress to kidney failure and early cardiovascular disease. When the kidneys stop working, dialysis or kidney transplant is needed for survival. Kidney failure treated with dialysis or kidney transplant is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). .
The Kwali4u team cares about your health and well-being. In this blog we will share with you some useful information and tips on what causes chronic kidney disease, its symptoms, and recommended lifestyle changes.
Causes of chronic kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys), and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which refers to an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within the kidneys, causing the kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time. Risk factors include a family history of CKD, heart disease, obesity, inherited kidney disorders, past damage to the kidneys, and advanced age.
People with Chronic kidney disease may not feel ill or notice any symptoms early. There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages. It may only be diagnosed if you have a blood or urine test for another reason and the results show a possible problem with the kidneys. These tests include measurement of both the creatinine level in the blood and protein in the urine. At a more advanced stage, symptoms can include:
- tiredness
- swollen ankles, feet or hands
- shortness of breath
- feeling sick
- Bloody urine
Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific. This means they can also be caused by other illnesses. Because your kidneys are able to make up for lost function, you might not develop signs and symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred.
Chronic kidney disease can affect almost every part of the body. Potential complications include:
- Fluid retention, which could lead to swelling in the arms and legs, high blood pressure, or fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- A sudden rise in potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), which could impair the heart's function and can be life-threatening
- Weak bones and an increased risk of bone fractures
- Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction or reduced fertility
- Damage to the central nervous system, which can cause difficulty concentrating, personality changes or seizures
- Decreased immune response, which makes one more vulnerable to infection
- Pregnancy complications that carry risks for the mother and the developing fetus
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. CKD can range from a mild condition with no or few symptoms, to a very serious condition where the kidneys stop working, sometimes called kidney failure. Most people with CKD will be able to control their condition with medicine and regular check-ups.
You can change your lifestyle to give yourself the best chance of preventing Chronic Kidney Disease. Things you can do include:
- Follow instructions on over-the-counter medications. When using non-prescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), follow the instructions on the package. Keeping in mind that taking too many pain relievers for a long time could lead to kidney damage.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you're at a healthy weight, maintain it by being physically active most days of the week. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about strategies for healthy weight loss.
- Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking can damage your kidneys and make existing kidney damage worse. If you're a smoker, talk to your doctor about strategies for quitting. Support groups, counseling and medications can all help you to stop.
- Manage your medical conditions with your doctor's help. If you have diseases or conditions that increase your risk of kidney disease, work with your doctor to control them. Ask your doctor about tests to look for signs of kidney damage.
If you are a Kwali4u beneficiary interested in visiting a GP for Chronic kidney disease screening or want to pay an annual visit to a GP, you can find a Kwali Partner (Healthcare Services Provider) that’s closest to you here
To register as a Kwali4u Beneficiary click here
To Sign-up as a Kwali4u Partner or Kwali4u Benefactor click here
Visit our blog page for more Kwali Health Tips www.kwali4u.com/blog
Below is a summary of this blog for your ease of reference:
To learn more about managing Chronic kidney disease visit the below links:
https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html
