CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Risk Factors And Symptoms Of Chronic Kidney Disease

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. CKD includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by doing their job. If kidney disease gets worse, wastes can build to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick. You may develop complications like high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage.

CKD also increases your risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. These problems may happen slowly over a long period of time. CKD may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders. Early detection and treatment can often keep CKD from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. Our kidney specialists at Richmond Nephrology Associates will work together in your chronic kidney disease management.

Chronic kidney disease management
Chronic kidney disease management

Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  • Thirty-seven million American adults have CKD, and millions of others are at increased risk.

  • Early detection can help prevent the progression of CKD to kidney failure.

  • Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.

  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.

  • Hypertension causes CKD, and CKD causes hypertension.

  • Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.

  • High-risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and a family history of kidney failure.

  • African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk.

  • Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.

What Are The Symptoms Of CKD?

Most people may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced. Some people notice the following:

  • Feeling more tired and have less energy

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Poor appetite

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Muscle cramping at night

  • Swollen feet and ankles

  • Puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning

  • Dry, itchy skin

  • Need to urinate more often, especially at night.

What Causes CKD?

The two main causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases. Other conditions that affect the kidneys are:

  • Glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney’s filtering units.

  • Inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease that cause damage to the kidneys and the surrounding tissue.

  • Malformations that occur as a baby develops in its mother’s womb, causing infections and damaging the kidneys.

  • Lupus and other diseases that affect the body’s immune system.

  • Obstructions caused by problems like kidney stones, tumors or an enlarged prostate gland in men.

  • Repeated urinary infections.

Who Is Most Likely to Get CKD?

Anyone can get CKD at any age. However, some people are more likely than others to develop kidney disease. You may have an increased risk for kidney disease if you:

  • Have diabetes

  • Have high blood pressure

  • Have a family history of kidney failure

  • Are older

  • Belong to a population group with a high diabetes or high blood pressure rate, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians

If you are at high risk for kidney disease be sure your primary care doctor is aware so you can be monitored for specific markers. If necessary, our kidney specialists at Richmond Nephrology Associates will be here to help you manage your kidney disease.