Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal failure, chronic renal disease, or chronic kidney failure, is much more widespread than people realize; it often goes undetected and undiagnosed until the disease is well advanced.
It is not unusual for people to realize they have chronic kidney failure only when their kidney function is down to 25 percent of normal.
As kidney failure advances and the organ’s function is severely impaired, dangerous levels of waste and fluid can rapidly build up in the body. Treatment is aimed at stopping or slowing down the progression of the disease – this is usually done by controlling its underlying cause.
Fast Facts on Chronic Kidney Disease
Here are some key points about chronic kidney disease. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
- Common symptoms include blood in urine, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
- Causes include diabetes and specific kidney diseases, which includes polycystic kidney disease.
- There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, which means treatment is focussed on reducing symptoms.
- Diagnosis commonly occurs after blood tests, kidney scans, or biopsy.
Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
Chronic kidney failure, as opposed to acute kidney failure, is a slow and gradually progressive disease. Even if one kidney stops functioning, the other can carry out normal functions. It is not usually until the disease is fairly well advanced and the condition has become severe that signs and symptoms are noticeable; by which time most of the damage is irreversible.
It is important that people who are at high risk of developing kidney disease have their kidney functions regularly checked. Early detection can significantly help prevent serious kidney damage.
The most common signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:
- anemia
- blood in urine
- dark urine
- decreased mental alertness
- decreased urine output
- edema – swollen feet, hands, and ankles (face if edema is severe)
- fatigue and/or trouble sleeping
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- insomnia
- itchy skin, can become persistent
- loss of appetite
- male inability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- more frequent urination, especially at night
- muscle cramps
- muscle twitches
- nausea
- pain on the side or mid to lower back
- panting (shortness of breath)
- protein in urine
- sudden change in bodyweight
- unexplained headaches
Chronic Kidney Disease Causes
Kidneys carry out the complex system of filtration in our bodies – excess waste and fluid material are removed from the blood and excreted from the body.
In most cases, kidneys can eliminate most waste materials that our body produces. However, if the blood flow to the kidneys is affected, they are not working properly because of damage or disease, or if urine outflow is obstructed, problems can occur.
In the majority of cases, progressive kidney damage is the result of a chronic disease (a long-term disease), such as:
- Diabetes – chronic kidney disease is linked to diabetes types 1 and 2. If the patient’s diabetes is not well controlled, excess sugar (glucose) can accumulate in the blood. Kidney disease is not common during the first 10 years of diabetes; it more commonly occurs 15-25 years after diagnosis of diabetes.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) – high blood pressure can damage the glomeruli – parts of the kidney involved in filtering waste products.
- Obstructed urine flow – if urine flow is blocked it can back up into the kidney from the bladder (vesicoureteral reflux). Blocked urine flow increases pressure on the kidneys and undermines their function. Possible causes include an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or a tumor.
- Kidney diseases – including polycystic kidney disease, pyelonephritis, or glomerulonephritis.
- Kidney artery stenosis – the renal artery narrows or is blocked before it enters the kidney.
- Certain toxins – including fuels, solvents (such as carbon tetrachloride), and lead (and lead-based paint, pipes, and soldering materials). Even some types of jewelry have toxins, which can lead to chronic kidney failure.
- Fetal developmental problem – if the kidneys do not develop properly in the unborn baby while it is developing in the womb.
- Systemic lupus erythematosis – an autoimmune disease. The body’s own immune system attacks the kidneys as though they were foreign tissue.
- Malaria and yellow fever – known to cause impaired kidney function.
- Some medications – overuse of, for example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Illegal substance abuse – such as heroin or cocaine.
- Injury – a sharp blow or physical injury to the kidney(s).
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
There is no current cure for chronic kidney disease. However, some therapies can help control the signs and symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and slow the progression of the disease.
Patients with chronic kidney disease typically need to take a large number of medications. Treatments include:
Anemia treatment
Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries vital oxygen around the body. If hemoglobin levels are low, the patient has anemia.
Some kidney disease patients with anemia will require blood transfusions. A patient with kidney disease will usually have to take iron supplements, either in the form of daily ferrous sulphate tablets, or occasionally in the form of injections.
Phosphate balance
People with kidney disease may not be able to eliminate phosphate from their body properly. Patients will be advised to reduce their nutritional phosphate intake – this usually means reducing consumption of dairy products, red meat, eggs, and fish.
Outside of and in addition to a dietary restriction of phosphorus, your doctor may also prescribe you Hyperphosphatemia medications which help to inhibit the intestinal absorption of phosphorus. Prescribed drugs can include sucroferric oxyhydroxide (Velphoro) or ferric citrate.
Vitamin D
Patients with kidney disease typically have low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. The vitamin D we obtain from the sun or from food has to be activated by the kidneys before the body can use it. Patients may be given alfacalcidol, or calcitriol.
However, because regular supplemental vitamin D (i.e., Cholecalciferol) needs to be converted through your kidneys, it won’t actually be useful for people with Chronic Kidney Disease. So, be sure stick to the vitamin D supplements listed earlier!
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common problem for patients with chronic kidney disease. It is important to bring the blood pressure down to protect the kidneys, and subsequently slow down the progression of the disease.
Fluid retention
People with chronic kidney disease need to be careful with their fluid intake. Most patients will be asked to restrict their fluid intake. If the kidneys do not work properly, the patient is much more susceptible to fluid build-up.
Skin itching
Antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine, may help alleviate symptoms of itching.
Anti-sickness medications
If toxins build up in the body because the kidneys don’t work properly, patients may feel sick (nausea). Medications such as cyclizine or metaclopramide help relieve sickness.
Diet
Following a proper diet is vital for effective kidney failure treatment. As mentioned above, restricting the amount of protein in the diet may help slow down the progression of the disease. Diet may also help alleviate symptoms of nausea. Salt intake needs to be carefully regulated to control hypertension. Potassium and phosphorus consumption, over time, may also need to be restricted.
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided and only taken if a doctor recommends them.
End-Stage Kidney Disease Treatment
This is when the kidneys are functioning at less than 10-15 percent of normal capacity. Measures used so far – diet, medications, and treatments controlling underlying causes – are no longer enough. The kidneys of patients with end-stage kidney disease cannot keep up with the waste and fluid elimination process on their own – the patient will need dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive.
Most doctors will try to delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant for as long as possible because they carry the risk of potentially serious complications.
Kidney Dialysis
This is the removal of waste products and excessive fluids from blood when the kidneys cannot do the job properly any more. Dialysis has some serious risks, including infection.
There are two main types of kidney dialysis. Each type also has subtypes. The two main types are:
Hemodialysis
Blood is pumped out of the patient’s body and goes through a dialyzer (an artificial kidney). The patient undergoes hemodialysis about three times per week. Each session lasts for at least 3 hours.
Experts now recognize that more frequent sessions result in a better quality of life for the patient, however, modern home-use dialysis machines are making this more regular use of hemodialysis possible.
Peritoneal dialysis
The blood is filtered in the patient’s own abdomen; in the peritoneal cavity which contains a vast network of tiny blood vessels. A catheter is implanted into the abdomen, into which a dialysis solution is infused and drained out for as long as is necessary to remove waste and excess fluid.
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is a better option than dialysis for patients who have no other conditions apart from kidney failure. Even so, candidates for kidney transplant will have to undergo dialysis until they receive a new kidney.
The kidney donor and recipient should have the same blood type, cell-surface proteins and antibodies, in order to minimize the risk of rejection of the new kidney. Siblings or very close relatives are usually the best types of donors. If a living donor is not possible, the search will begin for a cadaver donor (dead person).
Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis
A doctor will check for signs and ask the patient about symptoms. The following tests may also be ordered:
- Blood test – a blood test may be ordered to determine whether waste substances are being adequately filtered out. If levels of urea and creatinine are persistently high, the doctor will most likely diagnose end-stage kidney disease.
- Urine test – a urine test helps find out whether there is either blood or protein in the urine.
- Kidney scans – kidney scans may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, or an ultrasound scan. The aim is to determine whether there are any blockages in the urine flow. These scans can also reveal the size and shape of the kidneys – in advanced stages of kidney disease the kidneys are smaller and have an uneven shape.
- Kidney biopsy – a small sample of kidney tissue is extracted and examined for cell damage. An analysis of kidney tissue makes it easier to make a precise diagnosis of kidney disease.
- Chest X-ray – the aim here is to check for pulmonary edema (fluid retained in the lungs).
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) – GFR is a test that measures the glomerular filtration rate – it compares the levels of waste products in the patient’s blood and urine. GFR measures how many milliliters of waste the kidneys can filter per minute. The kidneys of healthy individuals can typically filter over 90 ml per minute.
Changes in the GFR rate can assess how advanced the kidney disease is. In the UK, and many other countries, kidney disease stages are classified as follows:
Stage 1 – GFR rate is normal. However, evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
Stage 2 – GFR rate is lower than 90 milliliters, and evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
Stage 3 – GFR rate is lower than 60 milliliters, regardless of whether evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
Stage 4 – GRF rate is lower than 30 milliliters, regardless of whether evidence of kidney disease has been detected.
Stage 5 – GFR rate is lower than 15 milliliters. Renal failure has occurred.
The majority of patients with chronic kidney disease rarely progress beyond Stage 2. It is important for kidney disease to be diagnosed and treated early for serious damage to be prevented.
Patients with diabetes should have an annual test, which measures microalbuminuria (small amounts of protein) in urine. This test can detect early diabetic nephropathy (early kidney damage linked to diabetes).
Risk Factors and Complications for Chronic Kidney Disease
The following conditions or situations are linked to a higher risk of developing kidney disease:
- a family history of kidney disease
- age – chronic kidney disease is much more common among people over 60
- atherosclerosis
- bladder obstruction
- chronic glomerulonephritis
- congenital kidney disease (kidney disease which is present at birth)
- diabetes – one of the most common risk factors
- hypertension
- lupus erythematosis
- overexposure to some toxins
- sickle cell disease
- some medications
Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease
If the chronic kidney disease progresses to kidney failure, the following complications are possible:
- anemia
- central nervous system damage
- dry skin – or skin color changes
- fluid retention
- hyperkalemia – blood potassium levels rise, which can result in heart damage
- insomnia
- lower sex drive
- male erectile dysfunction
- ostemalacia – bones become weak and break easily
- pecarditis – the sac-like membrane that envelops the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed
- stomach ulcers
- weak immune system
Chronic kidney disease prevention
Managing the chronic condition
Some conditions increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (such as diabetes). Controlling the condition can significantly reduce the chances of developing kidney failure. Individuals should follow their doctor’s instructions, advice, and recommendations.
Diet
A healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats or fish will help keep blood pressure down.
Physical activity
Regular physical exercise is ideal for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels; it also helps control chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Individuals should check with a doctor that an exercise program is suited to their age, weight, and health.
Avoiding certain substances
Including abusing alcohol and drugs. Avoid long-term exposure to heavy metals, such as lead. Avoid long-term exposure to fuels, solvents, and other toxic chemicals.
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