Summary about Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. This damage can cause wastes to build up in the body. CKD can be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases. It progresses gradually and may not have noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Over time, CKD can lead to kidney failure (end-stage renal disease, or ESRD), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
Symptoms
Symptoms of CKD often develop slowly and may not be noticeable until the kidneys are severely damaged. Possible symptoms include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Sleep problems
Changes in urination (more or less frequent)
Swelling of feet and ankles
Persistent itching
Muscle cramps
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
Causes
CKD can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can damage the kidneys.
High blood pressure (Hypertension): Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli).
Polycystic kidney disease: An inherited disorder that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys.
Urinary tract obstructions: Prolonged blockage of the urinary tract, from conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones and some cancers.
Vesicoureteral reflux: A condition that causes urine to back up into the kidneys.
Recurrent kidney infection (Pyelonephritis): Repeated infection can cause chronic damage.
Medicine Used
Medications used to manage CKD and its complications include:
ACE inhibitors and ARBs: To control blood pressure and slow kidney damage.
Diuretics: To reduce fluid retention.
Statins: To lower cholesterol levels.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs): To treat anemia.
Phosphate binders: To control phosphate levels.
Calcium and Vitamin D supplements: To prevent bone disease.
Sodium bicarbonate: To treat metabolic acidosis.
Insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents: To manage diabetes.
Immunosuppressants: For glomerulonephritis or other immune-related kidney diseases. Dialysis and kidney transplant are the final treatments for kidney failure.
Is Communicable
No, chronic kidney disease is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions to help prevent or manage CKD include:
Manage underlying conditions: Control diabetes and high blood pressure through medication, diet, and exercise.
Healthy diet: Follow a kidney-friendly diet, low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, as recommended by a dietitian.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase the risk of CKD.
Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help control blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight.
Avoid NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can damage the kidneys.
Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can harm the kidneys.
Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen kidney disease.
Regular checkups: Get regular kidney function tests, especially if you have risk factors for CKD.
Stay hydrated: Drink enough water each day.
How long does an outbreak last?
CKD is not an infectious disease and does not involve outbreaks. It is a chronic condition that develops gradually over time.
How is it diagnosed?
CKD is typically diagnosed through:
Blood tests: To measure creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, which indicate kidney function. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is calculated from Creatinine level.
Urine tests: To detect protein in the urine (proteinuria) and other abnormalities.
Kidney biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the cause and extent of kidney damage.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to visualize the kidneys and urinary tract.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of CKD symptoms varies from person to person. In early stages, there may be no noticeable symptoms. As kidney function declines, symptoms gradually appear and worsen over time. The progression of CKD can be slow, taking years or even decades to reach kidney failure.
Important Considerations
Early detection and management are crucial to slowing the progression of CKD.
Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or who are of older age are at higher risk for developing CKD and should be screened regularly.
Adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes is essential for managing CKD.
Close collaboration with a nephrologist (kidney specialist), primary care physician, and dietitian is important for optimal care.
Consider participation in kidney disease support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges.