Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. Your kidneys are bean shaped organs of the size of computer mouse located on both sides of your lower vertebral column. When chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in your body.

Kidneys that function properly are critical for maintaining good health, however, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than one in seven American adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD).

CKD has 5 stages. It is to determine how well your kidneys are working. One way to do this is with a urine test to assess your albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). It shows if protein is leaking into the urine (proteinuria), which is a sign of kidney damage.

Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, to assess the structure of your kidneys.

A blood test measures creatinine, urea, and other waste products in the blood to see how well the kidneys work. This is called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A GFR of 100 mL/min is normal.

Stages are as follows:

• Stage 1. At stage one your kidney’s functionality ranges from normal to highly functioning kidney. Percent of kidney function is >90%.

• Stage2. At stage two there is a mild decrease in kidney function. Kidney functionality is at 60-80%.

• Stage 3A. At this stage there is a mild to moderate decrease in kidney functions. Kidney functionality is at 45-59%.

• Stage 3B. This stage specifies that there is mild to moderate decrease in kidney functions and the functionality stands at 30-44%.

• Stage 4. It means that there is a severe decrease in kidney functions and it’s barely working at 15-29%.

• Stage 5. The functionality of kidney is at less than 15% and it is termed as kidney failure. You need a new kidney at this stage.

Different stages have a little different symptoms. In stage 1, there’s very mild damage to the kidneys. They’re quite adaptable and can adjust for this, allowing them to keep performing at 90 percent or better.

At this stage, CKD is likely to be discovered by chance during routine blood and urine tests. You may also have these tests if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, the top causes of CKD in the United States. Stage 1 usually don’t have any symptoms.

Stage 2 symptoms are as follows:

At this stage, you might still be symptom free. Or symptoms are nonspecific, such as:

• fatigue

• itching

• loss of appetite

• sleep problems

• weakness

Stage 3 means the kidneys aren’t filtering waste, toxins and fluids well and these are starting to build up. Symptoms include:

• back pain

• fatigue

• loss of appetite

• persistent itching

• sleep problems

• swelling of the hands and feet

• urinating more or less than usual

• weakness

Stage 4 means that your kidneys are functioning between 15 and 29 percent, so you may be building up more waste, toxins, and fluids in your body. According to the CDC, 48 percent of people with severely reduced kidney function aren’t even aware they have it.

Symptoms include:

• back pain

• chest pain

• decreased mental sharpness

• fatigue

• loss of appetite

• muscle twitches or cramps

• nausea and vomiting

• persistent itching

• shortness of breath

• sleep problems

• swelling of the hands and feet

• urinating more or less than usual

• weakness

Stage 5 means your kidneys are working at less than 15 percent capacity or you have kidney failure.

When that happens, the buildup of waste and toxins becomes life-threatening. This is end-stage renal disease.

Symptoms of stage 5 include:

• back and chest pain

• breathing problems

• decreased mental sharpness

• fatigue

• little to no appetite

• muscle twitches or cramps

• nausea or vomiting

• persistent itching

• trouble sleeping

• severe weakness

• swelling of the hands and feet

• urinating more or less than usual

• The risk of heart disease and stroke is also growing at this stage.

From stage one to stage 3 you need to manage underlying conditions to help preserve kidney function. These include:

• high blood pressure medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers

• diuretics and a low salt diet to relieve fluid retention

• cholesterol-lowering medications

• erythropoietin supplements for anemia

• vitamin D supplements to address weakening bones

• phosphate binders to prevent calcification in the blood vessels

• following a lower protein diet so your kidneys don’t have to work as hard

You’ll also need to visit your doctor for follow ups regularly so that your situation can be properly assessed.

In stage 4, you’ll have to visit your doctor very often. He’ll devise a better plan for you to get your kidneys working. If your kidney should fail, you’ll need to get dialysis or kidney transplant.

In stage 5, you can’t survive more than only a few months without dialysis or a kidney transplant.

If you are suffering from CKD and need any assistance you can always contact Kandakacare. Our professional healthcare workers are fully qualified to assist you at home without risking your health.

We publish new and useful articles every week containing highly useful information about elderly and how to make their lives easier and healthier. If you have an elderly person at home we advise you to follow our weekly articles on our Kandakacare page and also share with your friends.

References:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease, CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html

https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/prevention-risk.html

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