Our kidneys perform the vital task of waste and excess water removal from the body. Anything that impairs in their functionality endangers health, and if not remedied in time, can also lead to death. One such condition that afflicts the kidneys and jeopardizes health is CKD.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease refers to the gradual loss of functionality in the kidneys. This not only has implications for your kidney, but accumulation of waste in the body then causes other complications in the body, including hypertension, anemia, nerve damage, to name a few.
CKD also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the body as well. Chronic kidney disease is progressive and generally strikes older people.
Treatment of CKD includes not only slowing the impact of the disease but also the management of the resultant complications. Without treatment, CKD can result in kidney failure, that can be fatal if kidney transplant or dialysis is not done. Thus, patients with CKD need to work with the top Nephrologist in Karachi in improving their disease for the sake of longevity.
Symptoms
Chronic kidney disease does not exhibit symptoms in the initial stage of the disease, adding on to its complications. Overtime, symptoms start to manifest, however, at times, after irreversible damage has already been rendered.
Symptoms of CKD these include digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. People also suffer from fatigue and weakness in the body. Muscles tend to cramp. Fluid accumulation around the body leads to swelling in the feet, chest pain, shortness of breath and hypertension.
Moreover, sleep and mental problems also ensue as a result of the disease. The quantity of urine also changes, and there might also be blood in the urine.
Causes of CKD
CKD may also be a consequence of other conditions in the body, some of which are as follows:
Cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol in the body causes constriction of the blood vessels, impairing the blood supply to the kidney and ergo affecting their functionality.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes is also a risk factor, as high level of glucose damages the filters of the kidneys.
High blood pressure: It leads to strain on the blood vessels of the kidneys, damaging them and causing CKD.
Other kidney problems: Infections of the kidneys and kidney stones, inflammation of the kidneys can also lead to CKD.
Medication: Abuse of certain medicines like NSAIDs can also cause CKD.
Polycystic kidney disease: In this condition, cysts develop in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney functionality.
Obstruction: Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract, as is common in kidney stones, enlarged prostate and cancer, can also lead to CKD.
Interstitial nephritis: This disease is remarked by the inflammation of tubular structures associated with kidneys, and it too can increase the risk for CKD.
Glomerulonephritis: Glomeruli are the filters present in the kidneys, and inflammation therein causes Glomerulonephritis.
Treatment of CKD
While CKD cannot be cured, it can certainly be managed. It is pertinent for the patients to make adequate lifestyle changes, especially with regards to their diet, so to not overwork the kidneys.
Moreover, patients also need to undergo dialysis to facilitate the body in the removal of the waste products. However, patients with advanced kidney disease might require a kidney transplant, as treatment otherwise fails due to progression of the disease.
Patients might also be given medication to manage the symptoms of chronic kidney disease, especially when CKD results in secondary diseases. However, the precise treatment is mandated by the Nephrologist in Islamabad, as the complications tend to vary from patient to patient
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