Chronic Kidney Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a chronic but serious disorder affecting millions of people all over the world that somehow slowly takes away the functional abilities of the kidneys over time. As the kidneys begin to lose their filtering ability for waste and regulation of bodily fluid, they allow increased accumulation of toxins and incompatible states in the body that trigger multiple health complications. Thankfully, the knowledge of the disease is a great asset, while the ability to intervene early truly makes a world of difference. In this write-up, we are going to discuss all details concerning CKD-its types, causes, major earliest signs and symptoms, and later treatment options to help with limiting damage and living and preserving your almighty kidney health.

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

The level of the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) defines kidney damage and potential treatment implementations and encompasses five stages of advancing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Stage 1: Indicates Normal or High GFR (>90 mL/min),

There are normal functions of the kidney through slight changes in the structure: say, protein in urine or slight damage that could be attributed to some other illness like diabetes or high blood pressure. Most patients do not present with signs of kidney problems. Minimal lifestyle adjustments, and exercising control of these risk factors, can avert further damage for some time.

Stage 2: Mild CKD (60-89 mL/min)

With a slight decrease in kidney function; however, this stage is asymptomatic for the vast majority of people. Blood pressure control and dietary changes are paramount for preventing damage from progressing. Regular urine and blood investigations must be offered to this population for the assessment of kidney health.

Stage 3: Moderate CKD (30-59 mL/min)

Here, kidney function is further reduced, and this stage would bear the first symptoms of fatigue, swollen hands and feet, or change in urination patterns. Doctors would prescribe lifestyle changes, antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs, and regular check-ups to prevent further progress.

Stage 4: Severe CKD (GFR 15-29 mL/min)

There is severe damage to the kidneys at this stage, and symptoms become much more evident, with notable fatigue, cramping of muscles, nausea, and the retention of fluids. At this stage, the patients may require special intervention for dialysis preparation or a prospective kidney transplantation. Control of any disease underlying kidney failure is essential if further deterioration of kidney function is to be postponed.

Stage 5: End-Stage Renal Disease (GFR <15 mL/min)

That’s the very end of CKD, where kidney function is almost gone. Some patients attain slightly higher blood levels of wastes and body fluids which may cause serious complications, such as high blood pressure, anaemia, bone diseases, and electrolyte imbalance. Dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes mandatory for sustaining life.

Types of Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) According to Causation

This nephropathy affects patients all over the world. It occurs because the blood vessels of the kidneys are damaged slowly for a prolonged period due to high blood sugar; protein goes into urine and causes swelling while the kidneys slowly fail. Good glycemic control of diabetes and blood pressure may slow down the progression of nephropathy.

Hypertensive nephropathy: In a chronic form, high blood pressure injures the renal artery wall supplying and thereby impairs their waste filtering action. It also creates conditions for damage and scarring of kidneys, fluid accumulation, and very high chances of failure. Therefore, blood pressure management should involve lifestyle changes along with drug use.

Glomerulonephritis: Glomeruli are the filtration units of the kidney and are inflamed in response to various infections, autoimmune diseases, and toxins. Its manifestations include hematuria or blood in the urine, pitting oedema of the ankles, and hypertension; it can lead to chronic renal failure.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): This inherited disorder is characterized by many fluid-filled cysts developing and enlarging within the kidneys to the point that the organs themselves become dysfunctional. Symptoms include pain, hypertension, and sepsis. Even though the disease is considered untreatable, measures are available to control complications arising therefrom.

High blood pressure: in the case of lupus nephritis is an autoimmune injury to the kidneys, where inflammation of the immune system leads to proteinuria. Many patients of lupus have suffered from lupus nephritis, and with immunosuppressive therapy reducing progression, such cases are certainly warranted.

Obstructive nephropathy: refers to kidney injury from occlusive disorders of the urinary tract as in stones and tumors, engorged prostate; such an obstruction leads to the accumulation of increased pressure within the kidney, which causes swellings and pains; also, results in loss of its function and undue damage which may be salvaged by intervention.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops due to various underlying health conditions and lifestyle factors. Understanding these causes can help in early detection and prevention.

Kidney Damage: High levels of blood sugar damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys so that they cannot filter waste properly. Such damage leads to loss of protein in the urine and puts one on a path toward kidney failure.
High Blood Pressure: Persistent hypertension exerts chronic injury on the renal arteries causing gradual hardening and narrowing. Diminished blood flow takes away the functional capacity of the kidneys augmenting possibilities for kidney failure.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation involving glomeruli are the kidneys’ filtering units. They may result due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or even unknown aetiology, resulting in swelling, hypertension, and ultimately functional loss of the kidney.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): This hereditary disorder in which a multitude of cysts line the kidneys filled with some amount of fluid usually increasing in size and pushing the kidney towards diminished function. The condition might lead to hypertension, infection, and eventual kidney failure.
Urinary Tract Obstruction: The urinary tract may be obstructed by kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or tumor, apprehending the normal evacuation of urine from the kidneys. Such kinds of obstruction lead to kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and cause permanent damage, thus resulting in CKD if not intervened in as time passes.
Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders that present in lupus may give rise to lupus nephritis, which makes the immune system target the kidneys by mistake. Inflammation occurs, losing proteins through the urine, leading to progressive kidney damage unless corrected.
Infection in the Kidney (Pyelonephritis): Repeated or severe infections in the kidney would leave behind scars and loss of kidney functions.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease progresses gradually, and symptoms may not appear until significant kidney damage has occurred. Common symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease include:

Early Symptoms

General malaise and lethargy – The body continues to tire despite the degradation in kidney function.
Loss of appetite – Decreased desire to eat aggravated by rapid weight loss.
Slight swelling in extremities – Furrowing of extremities caused by excess fluid collection.
Nocturia – The kidneys fail to filter properly thus causing increased urination.
Dry and itchy skin – The buildup of toxins in the blood may irritate the skin.

Advanced Symptoms

Persistent nausea and vomiting
Muscle cramps
High blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Fluid retention (swelling in legs and face)
Blood in urine
Difficulty concentrating

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) indeed has no complete resolution; however, with timely intervention, management may slow progression, alleviate discomfort, and enhance quality of life. Here are some effective ways to manage CKD:

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

The appropriate lifestyle selections must be made that fortify kidney function and reduce any excess strain on the kidneys in consideration of their protection.

Low Sodium Diet – To regulate blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.
Dietary Proteins Should Be Restricted – To lessen the burden on the kidneys; excess proteins may hasten CKD progression.
In Diabetes Patient-Blood Sugar Control-To prevent further kidney damage.
Quit Smoking And Drinking- To protect the kidneys from further deterioration and improve general health.
Exercise Regularly– To maintain an ideal body weight level, improve blood circulation, and decrease hypertension.

2. Medications

Medications might help in the management of CKD, symptom relief, and slowing down the loss in kidney function.

ACE Inhibitors and ARBs – Help keep blood pressure stable and preserve kidney function.
Diuretics- To maintain a state of extravasation owing to the presence of CKD.
Erythropoietin Therapy– To treat anemia, a common complication in patients with CKD.
Phosphate Binders– To prevent high levels of phosphorus, giving rise to bone disease in the patient with CKD.

3. Dialysis

Dialysis is indicated for end-stage CKD when there is little to no kidney function to filter wastes out of the body.

Hemodialysis– Cleaning blood outside the body with the help of a filtering machine to remove toxins.
Peritoneal Dialysis – Filtering wastes within the body using the lining of the abdomen.

Kidney Transplant

A renal transplant is a long-term management avenue for end-stage CKD patients. It entails the exchange of kidneys for a functioning one through donation and offers a better quality of life than that achieved with dialysis.

Chronic Kidneys: Preventive Measures

Certain causes of CKD cannot be prevented, but some known risk factors can be reduced by taking certain measures. These include:

Consume a diet that is healthy, low in sodium, and free from processed foods.
Manage blood sugar levels if diabetic.
Maintain blood pressure by lifestyle changes and medications.
Stay hydrated for kidney function.
Avoid overuse of painkillers, especially NSAIDs that harm kidneys.
Carry out kidney function tests routinely, especially if one is at risk.

Conclusion

Chronic Kidney Disease brings with it a continuous and progressive type of damage that, if undeterred, can wreak havoc on health. The effective management of Chronic Kidney Disease is preserved for early detection, prophylactic therapy, or lifestyle changes. To prevent CKD from worsening so that you can save yourself, it is best to understand the causes of Chronic Kidney Disease, be able to identify the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease and get standard treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease.

If you experience lasting fatigue, swelling, and changes in your urine, treat it seriously. Your kidneys are working day and night to keep you well; hence, give your kidneys a little stretch of love!

Come for an appointment for an expert interpretation of symptoms and Management at the Dispur Polyclinic and Hospitals located in Guwahati.

📞 To book an appointment today, Call +91 8822669275, and take the first step toward improved kidney health!