What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) signifies a gradual decline in kidney function over time. The kidneys are vital for filtering waste and extra fluids from the blood. They also maintain bone health and regulate blood pressure.

In CKD, damage to these organs impairs their ability to perform these functions, leading to waste accumulation in the body. Although incurable, various strategies can slow down its progression, potentially preventing kidney failure.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to timely intervention and better health outcomes.

• Fatigue and Weakness

  As the kidneys fail to filter out toxins effectively, waste products accumulate in the blood, which can lead to a persistent feeling of tiredness and reduced energy levels.

• Swelling in Limbs

  Impaired kidney function leads to fluid retention, causing noticeable swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet, as the body struggles to maintain fluid balance.

• Shortness of Breath

  With excess fluids building up in the body due to reduced kidney function, individuals may experience shortness of breath, as fluid can accumulate in the lungs, impacting breathing.

• High Blood Pressure

  Damaged kidneys are less able to regulate blood pressure, leading to hypertension, which further exacerbates kidney strain and may cause complications if not managed.

• Nausea or Vomiting

  As waste products accumulate, they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting, significantly impacting appetite and nutrition.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

Here are five common causes, each contributing to impaired kidney function:

• Diabetes Mellitus

  A leading cause of CKD, diabetes causes high blood sugar levels that damage kidney filters over time. This results in diabetic nephropathy, characterized by protein leakage into the urine and progressive loss of kidney function.

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  Persistent high blood pressure can stress and damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter blood effectively. Left unchecked, hypertension accelerates kidney damage and increases the risk of CKD development.

• Glomerulonephritis

  This inflammatory condition affects the glomeruli—tiny filtering units within the kidneys. It can result from infections or autoimmune diseases, leading to kidney damage and reduced filtration capacity.

• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

  PKD is a genetic disorder that causes cysts to form in the kidneys, gradually impairing their function. The cysts enlarge over time, causing damage and potentially leading to end-stage renal disease.

• Chronic Urinary Tract Obstruction

  Recurrent obstructions, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, can lead to urine accumulation and increased pressure within the urinary tract. Over time, this damages the kidney tissues, resulting in CKD.