Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a medical condition characterized by gradually losing kidney function over time.
The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining a balance of electrolytes in the body. CKD can develop slowly over an extended period, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
CKD is typically categorized into different stages based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures how well the kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.
There’s a lot to learn about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Get the answers you need to help make your transition to treatment easier. Informed patients are healthier and can more easily adjust to the restrictions associated with having a chronic disease.
Understanding the role your kidneys play
Your kidneys do more than just clean your blood. They actually make two hormones, one that helps you maintain healthy bones and another that plays a key role in preventing anemia. As a result, many patients on dialysis, as well as patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), can develop anemia because of their weakened kidney function.
Why are your kidneys important?
Your kidneys do many things. They filter waste products, remove extra fluid from your blood and send messages to other organs in your body to help keep you healthy. When your kidneys aren’t able to do their job, fluid and waste build up in your blood. This can make you feel tired, weak and very sick. Without the messages healthy kidneys send to the rest of your body, you may become anemic (low blood count) and bones can become brittle and easy to break.
What Causes Kidney Failure?
Proper kidney function is vital for overall health.
The kidneys are essential organs that filter waste, help maintain fluid balance, regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, control pH levels, and produce hormones that tell our body to make red blood cells. When they are injured or failing, it can affect various aspects of our total health and well-being.
Kidney failure, or renal failure, occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste products and remove excess fluids.
Acute kidney failure is a rapid and often reversible loss of kidney function.
Common causes include:
- Dehydration
- Severe infections like sepsis
- Blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
- Exposure to certain medications, heavy metals, or toxins
- Physical injuries to the kidneys
- Severe bleeding
Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time and can result from various underlying conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Glomerulonephritis – inflammation of the glomeruli (the kidney’s filtering units)
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys.
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus and specific vasculitis disorder
- Chronic kidney infections
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
In the initial stages of kidney disease, many individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms. However, it’s essential to recognize that chronic kidney disease can silently progress and cause harm even when you feel well.
Symptoms of CKD and kidney failure can vary from person to person, but may include:
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Nausea and episodes of vomiting
- Difficulty with concentration or experiencing confusion
- Swelling (edema), particularly noticeable in the hands, ankles, or face
- Increased frequency of urination
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Dry or itchy skin
- Reduced appetite or a metallic taste in your mouth
