Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Your kidneys are not functioning correctly if you have renal disease. When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidney function gradually deteriorates over time. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two prominent causes of CKD. Although there is no known treatment for CKD, there are things you may do to prolong function as much as possible. Dialysis or a kidney transplant are need for late-stage renal disease.

How do your kidneys work?

Kidneys are two in one. These are bean-shaped organs that are situated towards the base of the rib cage, on either side of the spine. The size of each kidney is roughly equal to your fist.

The primary function of the kidneys is to filter (clean) your blood, removing toxins (wastes), excess salt, and water as needed.

Wastes can accumulate in your blood and cause you to become ill if your kidneys are damage and not functioning properly. Your kidneys also produce the hormones that regulate blood pressure, generate red blood cells, keep your bones healthy, and maintain the proper balance of salts and minerals in your body.

Why do Chronic kidney Disease occur?

Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, or both at once, are the two most common causes of CKD in the US. In the United States, 70% of kidney failure is brought on by these two medical conditions. They also contribute to strokes and heart disease. Hence, controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar can benefit your entire body.

The following health issues might potentially result in CKD:

• Structure of nephron
• Structure of a nephron
• Blood arteries in the nephrons are affect by glomerular (glom-EAR-you-ler) disorders. One example is FSGS, or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
• Diabetes type 1 is cause by the immune system destroying the cells that produce the hormone that regulate blood sugar levels.
• Cyst illnesses such polycystic kidney disease, where bubbles packed with fluid replace healthy kidney tissue.
• Renal cancer or tumours.
• Immune system assaults on the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain can occur in lupus.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) Other uncommon disorders or birth abnormalities.
• The cause of the kidneys’ malfunction may not be known to doctors.

How is Chronic kidney Disease diagnosed?

Your healthcare practitioner will first take a medical history, do a physical examination, question about any medications you are taking, get information regarding any symptoms you have seen, and ask whether any members of your family have renal disease. A urine test, blood tests, and blood pressure check will all be request by your healthcare practitioner.

Blood testing will look for:

• Your rate of glomerular filtration (GFR). This information reveals how well your kidneys filter blood, or how many millilitres per minute they do so.
• Your serum creatinine level, which indicate how well your kidneys are eliminating this waste.
• A urine protein test will check to see if your urine contain blood and protein (albumin). Healthy kidneys shouldn’t have blood or proteins in your urine.
• Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or compute tomography (CT) scans, may also be perform as additional examinations to check for kidney size and structural issues.

How is Chronic Kidney Disease treated?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has no known cure, however early-stage CKD can be manage to retain a greater degree of kidney function for a longer amount of time. Keep up with frequent doctor and nephrologist (kidney specialist) appointments if you have diminished kidney function.

Diabetes patients should control their blood sugar.

Avoid using drugs that might exacerbate your renal illness, such as painkillers.

Take control of your blood pressure.

Ask a nutritionist for advice on food adjustments that will benefit you.

Avoid smoking.

Exercise

Conclusion

Even if you have renal disease, you may still have a fulfilling life at home, at work, and with your friends and family. It’s crucial that you join your treatment team actively if you want the greatest outcome possible. In order to decrease the progression of the illness and avoid or postpone renal failure, early identification and adequate treatment are crucial.