Your kidneys are very essential that’s why we are naturally fitted with two. They help filter toxins from our blood, produce hormones for blood pressure control, maintain fluid balance and support bone health. When they don’t work well, it can lead to serious health complications.
If one kidney has been damaged, the other one is capable of handling all the work. But if whatever caused the damage to the first one is still there, then it will definitely lead to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
A lot of people are walking around with CKD without realising it because the early symptoms are undetectable. CKD is common and can affect anyone, but it’s more common in people who are black or of south Asian origin because of our diets coupled with weather conditions.
So, What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Over time, harmful levels of waste can accumulate in the body, affecting other organs.
CKD often develops silently. It progresses through five stages, with stage 1 being the mildest (slight kidney damage but normal function) and stage 5, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Most people don’t find out until it is at stage 5 when the damage is irreversible.
Follow this thread to learn about early detection of CKD, steps to prevent it and don’t forget to repost for the benefit of others.
Key causes of CKD include:
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels over time damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and excess fluids effectively.
• Hypertension: Persistent high blood pressure damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. It’s a vicious cycle because CKD can also make hypertension worse, further damaging the kidneys.
• Glomerulonephritis: This group of diseases inflames kidney filters. Conditions like IgA nephropathy and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis lead to scarring, reducing kidney function over time.
• Inherited conditions: Such as polycystic kidney disease which is a genetic disorder where cysts form in the kidneys, enlarging them and impairing their function.
• Toxins and Medications: Prolonged use of painkillers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, or exposure to toxic substances like heavy metals from even body creams can cause kidney damage. Some herbal supplements and recreational drugs also damage your kidneys.
• Repeated Kidney Infections: Frequent or prolonged kidney infections can scar the kidneys, impairing their ability to function.
• Obstructions in the Urinary Tract caused by Kidney stones, enlarged prostate (BPH), or tumours can block the flow of urine. This can increase pressure in the kidneys, damaging their structures.
• Autoimmune Conditions like Lupus Nephritis or Goodpasture Syndrome cause the immune system to attack the kidneys.
• Aging: Kidney function naturally declines with age. People over 60 are at a higher risk, especially when coupled with other conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
• Lifestyle Factors: Chronic dehydration can stress the kidneys. Poor dietary habits like consuming excessive amounts of salts, obesity, and smoking contribute to conditions like hypertension and diabetes, indirectly increasing CKD risk.
• Long-term infections, such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, can directly damage kidney tissue or lead to complications that affect kidney health.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
CKD symptoms often appear late. Early detection is rare but critical.
Look out for:
• Persistent fatigue
• Swelling in feet, ankles, or face (oedema) that’s especially worse in the morning and disappears as the day goes by.
• Decreased urination or changes in urine color
• High blood pressure that’s hard to control
• Muscle cramps or itching
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
If you notice any of these signs, consult your doctor immediately.
CKD is diagnosed through:
1. Blood tests: To check your creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
2. Urine tests: To detect protein leakage (proteinuria) or blood in the urine.
3. Imaging studies: Ultrasound or CT scans may be used to assess kidney structure.
While CKD cannot be cured, proper management can slow its progression. Some of the steps include:
1. Lifestyle Modifications:
• Eat a kidney-friendly diet (low in salt, potassium, and phosphorus).
• Exercise regularly, but avoid heavy strain.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
2. Medications:
• Blood pressure control is critical. If you are hypertensive and also have CKD, your doctors would likely place you on a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
• Manage diabetes to keep blood sugar within the target range.
• Phosphate binders or erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) may be necessary.
3. Routine Monitoring:
• Regular blood and urine tests will track kidney function and detect complications early. Check your kidney function at least once a year.
4. Avoid Substances that damage Kidneys:
• Over-the-counter painkillers, bleaching creams, recreational drugs, certain antibiotics, and herbal remedies can worsen kidney damage.
Preventive measures against Chronic Kidney Disease include:
• Controlling chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
• Regular screening if you have a family history of kidney disease.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet.
CKD is life-altering but manageable. With the right lifestyle, medical care, and support, many people live full lives despite their diagnosis.
Stay informed, communicate openly with your healthcare team, and never hesitate to seek emotional support when needed.
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