CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: CAUSE AND SYMPTOMS

WHAT IS CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?


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.
 When chronic kidney disease reaches
an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid,
electrolytes and wastes can build up in your body.

In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you
may have few signs or symptoms. Chronic kidney
disease may not become apparent until your kidney
function is significantly impaired.

CAUSES:

Chronic kidney disease is caused by damage to the
kidneys. The most common causes of this damage
are:
High blood pressure.
High blood sugar (diabetes).
Other things that can lead to chronic kidney
disease include:
Kidney diseases and infections, such as
polycystic kidney disease, pyelonephritis, and
glomerulonephritis, or a kidney problem you were
born with.
A narrowed or blocked renal artery. The renal
artery carries blood to the kidneys.
Long-term use of medicines that can damage the
kidneys. Examples include nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
(Advil) and celecoxib (Celebrex).

SYMPTOMS:

You may start to have symptoms only a few
months after your kidneys begin to fail. But most
people don't have symptoms early on. In fact, many
don't have symptoms for as long as 30 years or
more. This is called the "silent" phase of the
disease.
How well your kidneys work is called kidney
function. As your kidney function gets worse, you
may:
Urinate less than normal.
Have swelling from fluid buildup in your tissues.
This is called edema (say "ih-DEE-muh").
Feel very tired or sleepy.
Not feel hungry, or you may shed weight without
trying.
Often feel sick to your stomach (nauseated) or
vomit.
Have trouble sleeping.
Have headaches or trouble thinking clearly.

TREATMENT:

Chronic kidney disease is usually caused by
another condition. So the first step is to treat the
disease that is causing kidney damage.
Diabetes and high blood pressure cause most
cases of chronic kidney disease. If you keep your
blood pressure and blood sugar in a target range,
you may be able to slow or stop the damage to
your kidneys. Losing weight and getting more
exercise can help. You may also need to take
medicines.
Kidney disease is a complex problem. You will
probably need to take a number of medicines and
have many tests. To stay as healthy as possible,
work closely with your doctor. Go to all your
appointments. And take your medicines just the
way your doctor says to.
Lifestyle changes are an important part of your
treatment. Taking these steps can help slow down
kidney disease and reduce your symptoms. These
steps may also help with high blood pressure,
diabetes, and other problems that make kidney
disease worse.
Follow a diet that is easy on your kidneys. A
dietitian can help you make an eating plan with
the right amounts of salt (sodium) and protein.
You may also need to watch how much fluid you
drink each day.
Make exercise a routine part of your life. Work
with your doctor to design an exercise program
that is right for you.
Do not smoke or use tobacco.
Do not drink alcohol.

EFFECT:
Always talk to your doctor before you take any new
medicine, including over-the-counter remedies,
prescription drugs, vitamins, or herbs. Some of
these can hurt your kidneys.
What happens if kidney disease gets worse?
When kidney function falls below a certain point, it
is called kidney failure. Kidney failure affects your
whole body. It can cause serious heart, bone, and
brain problems and make you feel very ill.
Untreated kidney failure can be life-threatening.
When you have kidney failure, you will probably
have two choices: start dialysis or get a new kidney
(transplant). Both of these treatments have risks
and benefits. Talk with your doctor to decide which
would be best for you.
Dialysis is a process that filters your blood when
your kidneys no longer can. It is not a cure, but it
can help you feel better and live longer.

Kidney transplant may be the best choice if you
are otherwise healthy. With a new kidney, you will
feel much better and will be able to live a more
normal life. But you may have to wait for a kidney
that is a good match for your blood and tissue
type. And you will have to take medicine for the
rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting
the new kidney.
Making treatment decisions when you are very ill is
hard. It is normal to be worried and afraid. Discuss
your concerns with your loved ones and your
doctor. It may help to visit a dialysis center or
transplant center and talk to others who have made
these choices.