What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease indicates damage to kidneys, meaning that they cannot function properly. Kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood as they should. This damage can build up the waste in your human body, leading you to develop other health problems. The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Kidney damage occurs slowly over a long period. Many people may not find or feel any symptoms until this disease is very advanced. Being a kidney specialist, we recommend blood and urine tests to diagnose if you have kidney disease.

What are the risk factors for CKD?

You may find several risk factors for CKD, including kidney inflammation, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, recurrent kidney infections, smoking, family history of renal problems, older age, and prostate enlargement, kidney stones, and others.

If you have any of these problems, you need to consult the best kidney doctor on a priority basis!

What symptoms does Chronic Kidney Disease cause?

Depending on its severity, you may find different symptoms of CKD. Symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, hypertension, insomnia and sleep apnea, more or less abundant urination, feet and ankle swelling, itching and dry skin, breathing problems, decreased mental acuity, chest pain, etc.

These are often nonspecific signs and symptoms, suggesting that other diseases can cause CKD. Since the kidneys can compensate for the functional loss, you may not develop these symptoms until permanent damage has occurred.

So, what you need to do is have a check-up regularly. We recommend blood and urine tests to help you know if you have developed CKD, and even if you find the disease in its early stages.

Consult your nephrology specialist today if you have found some symptoms!

How is Chronic Kidney Disease treated?

Treatment of CKD concentrates on decelerating the advancement of kidney damage, usually by curbing the cause and reducing the risk of complications. However, changes brought in lifestyle, proper medication, and short-term dialysis are the robust treatment options to cure CKD. People with severe CKD are recommended for ongoing dialysis and kidney transplant.

So, you may find various treatment options depending on the cause. Nevertheless, kidney damage can continue to worsen even when diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure has been controlled. Having a kidney specialist in contact is thus necessary to engage in regular screening.