Chronic Kidney Disease:Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention - Naija health media

• Researchs : Rchp. Khalpha Justice
• Reviewed : Prof. Zakari Muhammad
• Editor : Victoria solomon (B.A English language)

What is kidney disease?

The kidneys are a pair of organs located in the back of the abdomen that filter waste products from the blood and remove them from the body in the form of urine. Kidney disease is a condition that impairs the kidneys' ability to function correctly, leading to a buildup of waste products and fluids in the body. There are several types of kidney disease, including CKD, acute kidney injury (AKI), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and glomerulonephritis.

Stages:

There are five stages of CKD, ranging from mild to severe. The stages are based on the kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. In stage 1, the kidneys function normally, while in stage 5, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the kidneys have lost 85-90% of their function, and dialysis or a kidney transplant is required.

How kidneys work ;

The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. They regulate the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, control blood pressure, and produce hormones that regulate red blood cell production and bone health. The kidneys also play a crucial role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance.

Symptoms:

The early stages of CKD may not have any symptoms, but as the condition progresses, the following symptoms may develop:

• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or face
• Difficulty sleeping
• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure
• Changes in urine output, such as foamy, dark, or bloody urine

Causes:

CKD can be caused by several factors, including:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Glomerulonephritis
• Inherited kidney diseases such as PKD
• Kidney infections or inflammation
• Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract
• Certain medications, such as NSAIDs or antibiotics
• Exposure to toxins or heavy metals

Diagnosis:

CKD is diagnosed through a series of tests, including blood and urine tests, imaging tests, and kidney biopsy. Blood tests measure creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which are indicators of kidney function. Urine tests detect protein or blood in the urine, which can indicate kidney damage. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan detect abnormalities in the kidneys' size and shape, while kidney biopsy involves removing a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope.

Treatment:

Treatment for CKD depends on the stage and cause of the condition. In the early stages, treatment may involve managing underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can help reduce blood pressure and slow the progression of kidney damage. In the later stages, dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary.

Risk factors:

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing CKD. Some include:

1. Diabetes
2. High blood pressure
3. Cardiovascular disease
4. Obesity
5. Smoking
6. Aging over 60
7. Family history of kidney disease

Certain ethnicities, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans

Complications:

CKD can lead to several complications, including:

1. Anemia
2. Bone disease
3. Cardiovascular disease
4. Fluid buildup in the lungs
5. High potassium levels in the blood
6. Nerve damage
7. Weakened immune system

Prevention:

Preventing CKD involves managing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, through lifestyle changes and medications. Other preventative measures include:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Eating a balanced diet low in salt and saturated fats.
3. Exercising regularly.
4. Quitting smoking.
5. Limiting alcohol consumption.
6. Avoiding exposure to toxins and heavy metals.

Conclusion:

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive and irreversible condition that affects the kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. Early detection and management are essential for slowing the progression of the disease and preventing complications.

References:

• National Kidney Foundation. (2022). Chronic kidney disease. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/chronic-kidney-disease.
• Mayo Clinic. (2022). Chronic kidney disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/publications-resources/ckd-national-facts.html.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Treatment of chronic kidney disease. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/treatment.