Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Early Signs, Causes, and Diagnosis
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a rising health concern that frequently advances undetected until it reaches its later stages. It is estimated that more than 7.8 million people in India suffer from CKD. Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and an early diagnosis will help manage the condition and improve the quality of life.
What is chronic kidney disease?
Kidney disease is a long-term sickness caused by the kidneys losing their ability to remove waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream. It can cause consequences like high blood pressure, anemia, and heart disease, and it frequently advances silently. Kidney disease is referred to as “chronic” since kidney function gradually decreases over time.
Kidney Disease Stages
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures kidney function, divides chronic kidney disease (CKD) into five stages.
Stage 1: GFR ≥90
Stage 1 CKD is defined by mild kidney failure and normal or slightly reduced kidney function.
Stage 2: GFR 60 – 89
Stage 2 CKD is characterized by modest kidney problems and slightly elevated kidney disease signs.
Stage 3: GFR 30 – 59
The third stage, which is the most crucial, is split into two phases when kidney damage symptoms become apparent.
Stage 3a: GFR 45 – 59
The kidneys exhibit mild to moderate impairment and are not operating as efficiently as they should. This stage is most common, and people may start to experience symptoms.
Stage 3b: GFR 30 – 44
At this point, the kidneys are moderately damaged and not functioning normally. However, with the proper care, many people can remain in this stage and avoid moving on to stage 4.
Stage 4: GFR 15 – 29
In stage 4, the kidneys are severely damaged and almost non-functional.
Stage 5: GFR <15
The kidneys have stopped functioning or are close to failing. To continue living life, a person may require dialysis or a transplant.
Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease. Additional factors that impact kidney function and may contribute to CDK include:
- Glomerulonephritis: The damage and a reduction of filtering capacity result from inflammation of the kidney filters.
- Polycystic kidney disease: This hereditary condition results in fluid-filled cysts that impair kidney function.
- Infections: Recurrent kidney or urinary tract infections can result in irreversible harm.
- Autoimmune diseases: Immune attacks on kidney tissues can be triggered by conditions such as lupus.
- Obstacles: Kidney stones, tumors, or swellings in the prostate gland that obstruct urine flow may harm the kidneys.
- Medications and toxins: Excessive use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), certain medications, or exposure to dangerous substances can harm kidney cells.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
There are usually no obvious signs in the early stages of kidney failure. But when the illness worsens, symptoms could appear, such as:
- Fatigue
- Swelling in ankle or feet
Sleep problems - Shortness of breath
- Changes in urination
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis
Several vital tests are used to diagnose chronic kidney disease (CKD). They are:
1. Blood Tests: Serum creatinine levels are measured to determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the primary test for kidney disease. A reduced GFR indicates reduced kidney function. The severity of CKD is staged using the estimated GFR (eGFR).
2. Urine Examinations: Protein or blood in the urine might be early signs of kidney disease, and urinalysis detects them. Albuminuria, the presence of albumin in the urine, is a standard indicator of kidney impairment.
3. Imaging Tests: Abnormalities, including kidney cysts, tumors, or blockages impacting kidney function, can be detected by ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs.
4. Kidney Biopsy: A tiny sample of kidney tissue is removed during a kidney biopsy to determine the underlying cause, such as glomerulonephritis or other illnesses.
5. Blood Pressure Monitoring: Routine blood pressure monitoring is essential to identify and treat kidney disease since chronic high blood pressure may lead to kidney damage. Early identification enables efficient treatment and prevention of future damage.
Since chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently manifests without apparent symptoms, early identification is crucial to successful treatment. Consult a doctor and schedule a kidney function test at Dr Lal PathLabs for a precise diagnosis and appropriate action to manage CKD.
FAQs
1. Does chronic kidney disease increase the risk of other health problems?
Yes. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects the body’s capacity to filter waste and maintain fluid balance, raising the risk of several other health issues.
2. What lifestyle changes can help us manage chronic kidney disease?
Maintaining a nutritious diet, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, exercising frequently, stopping smoking, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol and nephrotoxic drugs like NSAIDs are all critical aspects of managing CKD.
